Australian Skilled Migration Guide

Author: Mohammad Reza Azimi, Registered Migration Agent

If you intend to migrate to Australia on the basis of your qualifications, skills and professional experience, you should understand that the principal skilled migration pathways operate through a points-tested system.

The current statutory minimum for the relevant points-tested visas is 65 points. Reaching 65 points does not, by itself, guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on the visa subclass, nominated occupation, points score, program capacity, invitation rounds and, for subclasses 190 and 491, the requirements of the nominating state or territory.

The statutory minimum and invitation arrangements may change. In many occupations, the practical score required to receive an invitation is higher than the legal minimum. Generally, applicants with stronger points scores are more competitive.

This guide explains the Australian skilled migration process step by step. It is intended to help you understand the initial requirements and identify whether further professional assessment may be worthwhile.

The guide is principally directed to people living outside Australia who have not studied in Australia. It also summarises some additional points options available to Australian graduates.

After reading the guide, you may contact Shada Migration Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a detailed assessment of your circumstances.

For many skilled migration pathways, the applicant must hold an academic, vocational or trade qualification, or possess experience and skills that correspond with the nominated occupation and the requirements of the relevant assessing authority. A secondary-school certificate alone is usually insufficient for professional occupations. In some trades, however, workplace training, apprenticeships and employment experience may form an important part of the assessment.

In appropriate cases, a person who acquired a trade through practical work and holds training certificates may be able to obtain an Australian assessment of skills gained overseas. The applicant will usually need detailed evidence of employment, written descriptions of duties and, depending on the occupation, a technical interview or practical assessment. A successful assessment or Australian qualification can then support the migration process.

Qualifications obtained overseas are not automatically treated as equivalent to Australian qualifications. An Iranian associate degree, bachelor degree, masters degree or doctorate may be assessed at a different Australian level depending on the institution, course and assessment methodology.

For example, qualifications that are regarded as equivalent within Iran may receive different recognition in Australia. In some cases, an overseas doctorate may be assessed at a lower Australian level. This can directly affect the number of education points available.

Before starting the migration process, determine the likely Australian equivalence of your qualification and whether additional evidence, study or assessment will be required. An early document review can prevent unnecessary cost and delay.

For points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491, the main applicant must generally be under 45 years of age when invited to apply. Other pathways, including some employer-sponsored, family and labour-agreement visas, may use different age rules or exemptions.

If the main applicant is married and the partner is aged 45 or over, the partner can still be included if the relevant family-member requirements are met. However, that partner will not satisfy the age component required for 10 partner-skills points.

Age points reduce as the applicant becomes older because the skilled migration program favours applicants who can enter the Australian workforce earlier.

Whether a child may be included depends on the definition of a member of the family unit and the rules of the relevant visa. Age, marital status, financial dependency and, in some cases, physical or cognitive disability may be relevant.

If you are 45 or older, subclasses 189, 190 and 491 will generally not be available, but employer-sponsored, family or other specialised pathways should be considered before ruling out migration. Some medical practitioners may have access to age concessions under other visa programs.

English language ability is one of the most important factors in skilled migration. Improving your English can significantly increase your points score and will also affect your future employment and settlement in Australia.

Skilled visa applicants normally demonstrate English ability through an approved test. The approved tests and equivalent scores can change. From 7 August 2025, the list of accepted tests and a number of score requirements changed. Earlier results may remain usable depending on the visa and validity period.

Detailed information appears on our Approved English Language Tests for Skilled Migration page.

English is generally assessed across listening, reading, writing and speaking. For points-tested skilled migration, Competent English is normally the minimum threshold. An IELTS score of 6 in each component, or the approved equivalent, is a common method of satisfying that level.

The required component scores ordinarily must be achieved in an accepted test result rather than assembled by combining separate test attempts, except where an expressly approved single-skill retake arrangement applies.

Citizens of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States who hold a valid passport from that country may use the passport to establish Competent English for relevant visas. A test result is generally required to claim points for higher English levels.

In limited visa contexts, qualifying education in English may be relevant. Seek advice before relying on an education-based exemption.

English preparation often requires sustained effort. A structured program of regular study over an extended period is usually more effective than short-term preparation.

Applicants cannot migrate through any occupation of their choosing. The nominated occupation must be eligible for the intended visa pathway.

Eligible occupations appear in different legislative instruments and program lists. Terms such as MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL and CSOL may apply to different pathways. The presence of an occupation on one list does not make it eligible for every skilled visa.

You must check the visa pathways available for the occupation, the responsible assessing authority and any separate requirements imposed by a state, territory or sponsoring employer.

Occupation lists are informed by workforce and economic needs. Occupations associated with longer-term demand may have access to a broader range of pathways, while other occupations may be available only in particular regional or employer-sponsored programs.

State nomination does not provide the applicant with a job. A nominated migrant remains responsible for finding suitable employment.

Use the current Skilled Occupation List to review available pathways, with particular attention to occupations eligible for subclasses 189, 190 or 491.

For employer-sponsored visas, the employer must satisfy the applicable sponsorship and nomination rules, pay at least the annual market salary rate and meet the relevant income threshold. From 1 July 2026, the Core Skills Income Threshold for relevant subclass 482 and 186 nominations is $79,423, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold is $146,576, and the corresponding subclass 494 threshold is $79,423.

Applicants may be able to claim additional points, particularly where they have completed eligible study in Australia.

Potential categories include the Australian study requirement, study in a designated regional area, eligible specialist education, a Professional Year program and a recognised credentialled community language qualification. Each category has detailed requirements.

Some points opportunities may appear achievable in theory but may not assist if the applicant cannot satisfy the underlying visa requirements. For example, an Australian graduate may hold an eligible qualification but still be unable to proceed if the nominated occupation is not available for the intended visa.

Prospective international students who ultimately intend to seek permanent migration should obtain advice before choosing a course. The course, occupation, assessing authority and likely visa pathways should be considered together.

Partner points

A partner may contribute 5 or 10 points. To claim 10 partner-skills points, the partner must meet the applicable legal requirements, including age, Competent English, a suitable positive skills assessment and the other criteria applying at the time of invitation.

Migration costs are not limited to the visa application charge. Applicants may also need to pay for skills assessment, English testing, health examinations, police certificates, translations, biometrics, state nomination, postage and professional services.

The charges below apply from 1 July 2026 and may change. Confirm the final amount through the official visa pricing table or estimator when lodging the application.

For some family members aged 18 or over who do not have Functional English, a second instalment may be requested. For subclass 491, the current second instalment for an affected family member is $4,890 and is payable only if requested by the Department.

Minimum wage in Australia

From 1 July 2026, the National Minimum Wage for an adult employee not covered by an award or registered agreement is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. Most employees are covered by an award or agreement and may be entitled to a different or higher rate.

Because every family’s circumstances differ, it is not accurate to quote one universal total migration cost. Prepare separate allowances for government, assessment, English, health, police, translation, nomination and professional expenses.

The current statutory minimum for the relevant points-tested visas is 65 points, but 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. The practical score depends on the occupation, visa subclass, program capacity and invitation round.

If your estimated score reaches 65, you can examine the remaining stages of the process. The Shada calculator provides an initial estimate only and does not replace legal advice.

It is preferable to understand your English position before beginning the migration process. Some assessing authorities require an English result before they will assess qualifications or professional registration.

The correct sequence depends on the nominated occupation. For professions such as engineering, medicine, accounting, teaching and nursing, English evidence may need to accompany the skills-assessment or registration application.

The following tables show the current approved scores for points-tested skilled migration. Test names and official terminology remain in English.

A suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation is one of the most important early requirements in skilled migration. Assessments are undertaken by organisations specified for particular occupations.

Each assessing authority has its own criteria. Some require an English result; others do not. Some require employment experience, while others assess qualifications without a minimum employment period.

Although Home Affairs may accept Competent English for the visa, an assessing authority or professional regulator may require a higher score, such as IELTS 7 or an approved equivalent. The authority’s own requirement must be met independently.

Application methods and processing times vary. Some authorities accept online applications, while others may require additional verification or documents. Processing may take several months, although priority services may be available for an additional charge.

The assessment can strongly influence the recognition of qualifications and skilled employment. Information should be complete and accurate. An adverse assessment can be difficult to correct, and some authorities impose restrictions or report serious false information.

Professional assistance can be valuable where the occupation, qualification or employment evidence is complex.

An Expression of Interest, or EOI, is submitted through SkillSelect. It allows the Australian Government and state or territory authorities to consider applicants for skilled visa invitations.

EOI information must be accurate, supportable and consistent with the applicant’s circumstances. A valid English result and suitable skills assessment will normally be required at the relevant time to support eligibility and points claims.

Providing incorrect or misleading information to increase a points score can lead to refusal even if an invitation is issued.

Subclass 189 invitations are issued through SkillSelect under the applicable invitation arrangements. State and territory nomination for subclasses 190 and 491 involves additional criteria and processes administered by each jurisdiction.

An EOI generally remains active for two years and can be updated before invitation. Once invited, the relevant points position is assessed at the invitation date. An applicant ordinarily has 60 days to lodge the visa application.

Do not submit an EOI before you are genuinely able to support the claimed eligibility and points.

Visit the official SkillSelect information page.

Applicants seeking subclass 190 or the state-nominated stream of subclass 491 require nomination by an Australian state or territory.

Each jurisdiction sets its own criteria, allocation, occupation priorities and application process. Some programs charge an application fee. An EOI may need to be accompanied by a separate registration of interest or nomination application.

A jurisdiction may ask why the applicant genuinely intends to live and work there. The response should be personal, accurate and based on real research into employment, housing, cost of living and family circumstances.

Do not copy generic statements from online sources. Explain your own employment prospects, relevant projects, preferred location, schooling considerations and settlement plan. The focus should be on establishing a realistic new life and employment pathway.

Some jurisdictions ask applicants to demonstrate settlement funds. Prepare a realistic budget covering rent or purchase costs, transport, utilities, food, communications and other household expenses.

Nomination for subclass 190 or 491 may be an appropriate pathway, but it is never guaranteed. Criteria may change without notice, and nomination does not itself guarantee visa grant.

For example, a civil engineer may wait for a subclass 189 invitation with a higher points score, while another applicant may become eligible through five subclass 190 nomination points or fifteen subclass 491 nomination points. The practical outcome depends on the current program and jurisdictional criteria.

After receiving an invitation, the applicant lodges the visa application through ImmiAccount.

At this stage, every material claim made in the EOI must be supported by evidence uploaded to the application. Home Affairs assesses the visa independently and does not automatically receive documents previously provided to an assessing authority or state government.

The visa application charge is paid through the methods available in ImmiAccount. Payment options and surcharges can change, so check the current payment information at lodgement.

Provide complete and accurate answers. Do not guess where a question is unclear; obtain advice before submitting the application.

Eligible family members are generally included in the same application rather than lodging separate skilled visa applications.

Upload clear, readable documents. Persian-language documents should be accompanied by English translations. PDF scans should ordinarily be clear, proportionate in file size and checked carefully before upload.

Police certificates

The applicant and relevant family members will generally need police certificates for each country in which they have spent a total of 12 months or more during the previous 10 years since turning 16. The period may be continuous or made up of separate visits.

In Iran, police certificates are commonly obtained through Police +10 offices. The certificate should be translated by an authorised translator, and Home Affairs may also request the original Persian document.

Health examinations

Health examinations must be completed with a panel physician or approved clinic. Instructions and a HAP ID are normally issued through ImmiAccount.

Take the passport and referral information to the appointment. The clinic generally sends the results electronically to Home Affairs.

The timing of the examination should follow the instructions for the case. Health results are commonly valid for 12 months, but further examinations may be requested if processing is prolonged or circumstances change.

The first-entry date on a visa may be influenced by the expiry of health or character documents. All family members identified by Home Affairs may need to satisfy the health requirement. The effect of a medical condition depends on the visa, anticipated costs, any available health waiver and the individual circumstances.

After assessment, the visa outcome is issued in writing, usually through ImmiAccount. In some cases, Home Affairs gives the applicant an opportunity to respond to adverse information before making a final decision, but such an opportunity is not guaranteed in every matter.

False English results, fraudulent documents, misleading claims or serious national-interest concerns can lead to refusal. If a visa is refused, the application charge is generally not refunded.

Whether review is available through the Administrative Review Tribunal, who may apply and the applicable deadline depend on the visa, the applicant’s location and the legislation. The refusal letter will state whether review rights exist.

If the visa is granted, the grant notice usually specifies the date by which the holder must first enter Australia. The entry conditions for the main applicant and family members must be checked in each grant letter and through VEVO rather than assumed.

Australian visas are issued electronically. Visa details and conditions can be checked through VEVO.

A permanent visa permits indefinite residence in Australia, but its travel facility is normally limited to a specified period. After that period, a permanent resident may require a Resident Return visa or another appropriate travel document to return to Australia.

For Australian citizenship, an applicant generally needs four years of lawful residence before applying, including the final 12 months as a permanent resident, while also satisfying absence limits and the other statutory criteria.

Permanent residents have extensive rights to live and work in Australia. Citizenship provides further rights and responsibilities, including an Australian passport, voting rights and an unrestricted right of return. Some countries restrict or do not recognise dual citizenship, so applicants should consider the law of their country of nationality.

After changing a passport, update the passport details linked to the visa. Airlines and border authorities normally confirm visa status electronically, although carrying a copy of the grant notice can be useful.

Applicants nominated by a state or territory should comply with any post-grant reporting or settlement commitments requested by that jurisdiction.