About General Skilled Migration
Visa Options & Criteria
Tap a visa to view a short description, eligibility checklist, and key steps.
485
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Graduate Pathway
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485)
Description
Allows recent international graduates of eligible CRICOS courses to stay and work in Australia for post-study experience.
Eligibility
- Held/recently held an eligible Student visa at course completion.
- Completed an Australian study requirement with a CRICOS-registered course.
- Meets English, health, and character requirements.
- Applies within the allowed timeframe after completion/award date.
- Age limits and streams apply (Post-Study Work / Graduate Work).
Key Steps
- Confirm correct stream and eligibility.
- Gather documents (completion letter, transcript, English, insurance).
- Apply via ImmiAccount within time limit; complete health/police checks if requested.
189
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Permanent Residency
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
Description
Points-tested PR that doesn’t require employer or state nomination; live and work anywhere in Australia.
Eligibility
- EOI in SkillSelect and invitation to apply.
- Suitable skills assessment for nominated occupation.
- Meets points at time of invitation (aim above the minimum).
- Meets English, health and character requirements.
Key Steps
- Select occupation; obtain skills assessment.
- Complete English test (if required) and lodge accurate EOI.
- On invitation, lodge application with supporting evidence.
190
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State Nomination
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
Description
Permanent residence via nomination from an Australian state or territory; nomination adds points for invitation.
Eligibility
- Nominated by a state/territory and invited via SkillSelect.
- Occupation on the state’s list; meets that state’s criteria (e.g., work/study/residence).
- Suitable skills assessment; meets points, English, health, character.
Key Steps
- Choose target state; confirm its criteria and your occupation.
- Obtain skills assessment and English; lodge EOI and state nomination application.
- On nomination + invitation, lodge PR application with evidence.
491
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Regional Pathway
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
Description
Points-tested provisional visa to live/work/study in designated regional areas with a pathway to PR (subclass 191).
Eligibility
- State/territory nomination or eligible regional family sponsorship.
- Occupation on a relevant list with a suitable skills assessment.
- EOI and invitation; meets points, English, health, character.
- Commitment to living/working in a designated regional area.
Key Steps
- Choose nomination or family sponsorship route.
- Secure skills assessment & English; lodge EOI (and state nomination if required).
- On invitation, lodge visa with evidence of regional commitment.