Frequently Asked Questions

A skilled migration visa (like subclasses 189, 190, 491) is for applicants who possess skills, qualifications, and experience in occupations listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists. These visas let you live and work permanently (or provisionally) in Australia.

Common eligible fields include accounting, engineering, IT, teaching, health professions, management, marketing, human resources, architecture, etc. The exact occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Not always. For subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), you don’t need a job offer. For state-nominated visas (190, 491), having current work in your occupation may increase your chances, depending on the state’s rules.

Yes, you can apply for skilled migration from outside Australia, but onshore/offshore status and state nomination rules may affect timing and competitiveness.

You need to reach at least 65 points for skilled migration, but higher scores dramatically improve your chances of being invited. Points are based on age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, etc.

Yes, you can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your application. They will receive the same visa type (permanent or provisional).

A skills assessment is an evaluation by an approved assessing authority that confirms your education,work experience, and competencies match Australian standards for your nominated occupation. It is often required before lodging a visa application.

It depends on your nominated occupation. For example:

• VETASSESS for many general professional occupations

• Engineers Australia for engineering roles

• ACS for ICT / computing

• AITSL for teachers

• TRA for trades and technical roles

Typically:

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Employment references / work experience letters

• Detailed job descriptions / role statements

• Registration or licensing (if applicable)

• Certified translation of documents (if not in English)

• Identification documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.)

Yes, many assessing authorities require evidence of both verifying that your study and your work align with the nominated occupation. Some authorities may focus more on one area depending on the field.

You may receive feedback on why your assessment failed. We can help you address gaps, prepare a review or appeal, or re-submit with strengthened evidence.

Processing times vary by authority and occupation. Some publish current turnaround times. Delays often occur if documents are incomplete or non-compliant.

Validity varies by authority; many are valid for 2–3 years, but you should confirm with the specific assessing body.

EOI is a profile you lodge via SkillSelect, where you present your qualifications, experience, English skills, and preferred visa subclasses. You wait in the pool until invited.

There’s no fixed timeline. Invitations depend on your points score, the demand for your occupation, subclass, and government quotas for that year.

Yes. You may submit EOIs for 189, 190, 491 (if eligible). But each has its own criteria, and state nomination rules vary.

No. A nomination increases your points and opportunity, but you must still meet all visa requirements (health, character, etc.).

• You’ll need a medical exam to meet health standards.

• You must provide police clearances from the countries you’ve lived in.

• You must meet at least “competent English” — often via IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent.

Yes, you can update your EOI to reflect new work experience, qualifications, or English scores. It may affect your ranking.

Processing times vary by subclass and demand. Delays can occur due to incomplete documents, high volume, or complications.

Application fees depend on subclass. Additional costs may apply (health checks, police checks, document certification, migration agent fees).

Yes, visas can be refused if criteria aren’t met or documentation is missing. In certain cases, you may be eligible for review or appeal.

For state-nominated visas (e.g. subclass 190, 491), you’re usually required to live and work in the nominating state or region for a specified period (often 2 years or more).

Some states allow review of nomination decisions (if administrative error). Visa refusal reviews depend on the subclass, timing, and whether review rights exist.

Usually not. Work experience must be paid and in your nominated occupation to qualify as “skilled employment.”

Yes. The Australian Government sets planning levels (caps) on the number of skilled visas granted each year under the Migration Program.

They can, subject to evaluation by the assessing authority. They will be compared to Australian standards (Australian Qualifications Framework – AQF).

It’s a structured professional training program (often in accounting, engineering, ICT) that helps international graduates gain work experience in Australia and can add points for visa purposes.

Often yes, especially for skills assessment. Your academic qualification should be relevant to the occupation you wish to nominate.