How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in Australia (Step-by-Step Guide)
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How to Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in Australia 2025
To apply for a skilled worker visa in Australia, you typically 1) check your occupation is on the skilled list, 2) get a valid skills assessment for that occupation, 3) take an approved English test, 4) calculate your points (aim for 65+), 5) submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, 6) if invited, lodge your visa (commonly subclasses 189, 190, or 491) with complete documents and health/character checks. Using a MARA-registered migration consultant greatly reduces mistakes and delays. Official rules and points tables are set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Why this matters and why to read this guide
Most independent professionals use one of these three points-tested visas:
| Visa (points-tested) | What it does | Key extras | PR pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent | Permanent visa; live/work anywhere in Australia | No state nomination required | Direct PR if granted. |
| Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated | Permanent visa; you commit to the nominating state/territory | Requires state nomination | Direct PR if granted. |
| Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) | Up to 5 years in a designated regional area; work/study | Needs a state nomination or an eligible relative sponsor | Pathway to PR after 3 years (if criteria met). |
All three require a suitable skills assessment, a points test, and an invitation before you can lodge the visa. Read More on official website
Step-by-step: How to apply for a skilled worker visa in Australia
Step 1 — Confirm your occupation is eligible
Check that your job is on a relevant skilled occupation list for your target visa (189/190/491). If it’s not listed, you’ll need a different pathway. Find the lists on the Home Affairs and state nomination pages.
Step 2 — Get a skills assessment
A skills assessment confirms your qualifications and experience match Australian standards for your ANZSCO occupation. Each occupation has a specific assessing authority (e.g., TRA for many trades, ACS for ICT roles). You’ll submit qualifications, references, and employment evidence; fees and processing times vary by authority.
- Home Affairs overview: Skills assessment.
- Example assessors: TRA (trades) and ACS (ICT).
Tip: Some assessors also provide Migration Points Advice (useful for proving employment claims).
Step 3 — Prove your English
You’ll need Competent, Proficient, or Superior English (tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL accepted—check current lists). Higher English levels add points. See the points table for how many points each level gives.
Step 4 — Calculate your points (aim for 65+)
Points come from age, English, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study, partner skills, and more. The threshold is 65+ to be competitive for an invite (higher is better). Review the official points tables.
Step 5 — Decide your pathway (189 vs 190 vs 491)
- 189 if you want maximum flexibility and meet high points.
- 190 if you can meet a state’s nomination criteria (occupation lists, residency rules, or work requirements).
- 491 if you’re open to regional living with a clear PR pathway after 3 years (subject to income/residency rules).
Step 6 — Submit your EOI in SkillSelect
Create an Expression of Interest, enter your points claims, and select the visas/states you want. You cannot lodge a points-tested skilled visa until you receive an invitation.
Step 7 — (If 190/491) Apply for state nomination
Each state has its own requirements (occupation lists, residency, job offers, or work experience). Rules differ for NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, ACT—always check the current criteria.
Step 8 — Receive an invitation and lodge your visa
Once invited, you submit your online visa application with supporting documents, health examinations, and police checks by the deadline in your invite letter. Processing times vary; always refer to Home Affairs for current guidance.
What documents do you need?
- Passport and civil documents
- Skills assessment outcome letter (valid & correct occupation)
- English test results (validity period observed)
- Employment evidence (contracts, payslips, tax docs, reference letters)
- Qualifications (degrees, transcripts)
- State nomination approval (for 190/491)
- Health & character checks (after lodgement)
Accuracy matters. Claims in your EOI must match the evidence you lodge after invitation.
How many points do typical applicants target?
Below is a simplified points snapshot (illustrative). Always verify your own points against the official tables.
| Factor | Example points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 | 30 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Skilled employment (overseas 5–7 yrs) | 10 |
| Skilled employment (Australia 1–3 yrs) | 5 |
| Bachelor degree (or higher) | 15 |
| State nomination (190) | +5 |
| Regional nomination/sponsorship (491) | +15 |
Many successful EOIs sit above 70–85 points depending on occupation and state demand.
State nomination: what to know for 190/491
- NSW notes that the 491 nomination is highly competitive; consider other pathways too.
- Victoria and South Australia publish rules and occupation lists—requirements can include earnings, study in-state, or targeted sectors.
- Some states open and close periodically; timing matters.
Real-world context (why demand changes)
Government and industry frequently discuss skills shortages and recognition of overseas qualifications—this can affect state nomination priorities and processing. Stay current with credible reporting and government updates.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Wrong ANZSCO code → Your duties must align with the nominated occupation used for your skills assessment.
- Points over-claim → If evidence doesn’t match your EOI, you can be refused. Cross-check with the points tables
- Expired English or assessment → Make sure documents are valid at invitation and lodgement.
- Missing state criteria → States can require specific residency or employment proof.
- Late lodgement → Invitation windows are strict; organise documents early.
How to apply for a skilled worker visa in Australia
What is the minimum points score?
You must meet the points test threshold (currently 65+) to be eligible for an invite; higher points improve your chances. Check the official points tables
Do I need a state nomination?
For 190 and 491, yes. 189 has no state nomination.
How long does it take?
Timelines vary by occupation demand, state rounds, and Home Affairs processing. Always rely on current Home Affairs guidance
Can I include family?
Eligible family members can often be included as dependents (check your target visa subclass page).
Is a migration consultant required?
Not required by law—but MARA-registered professionals reduce risk and help with state nomination strategy and documentation.
Final checklist: how to apply for a skilled worker visa in Australia
- Choose your ANZSCO occupation and confirm it’s eligible.
- Secure a valid skills assessment from the right authority.
- Sit an approved English test (aim for Proficient/Superior if possible).
- Calculate points and plan how to reach 65+. Immigration and Citizenship Website
- Pick your target visa (189/190/491).
- Lodge your EOI (and state nomination if needed).
- When invited, lodge your visa with complete, consistent evidence.
- Complete health & character checks and wait for the outcome.
Why apply with Fast Track Consultancy and how we help?
- Case strategy: We map the best subclass (189 vs 190 vs 491), occupation match, and points uplift tactics.
- Document accuracy: We coordinate your skills assessment, employment evidence, and English test timelines.
- State nomination readiness: We prepare targeted state packs aligned to published criteria.
- EOI to grant: We monitor invitations, lodge on time, and keep you updated until the decision.
Prefer a quick start? Book a free discovery call
Internal links
Once you’ve secured your Skilled Worker Visa, the next step is settling into your new life. From finding accommodation to adapting to Australian culture, every detail matters. Many new migrants also look for trusted online stores that ship worldwide, so they can keep a piece of home close to them. For example, Shop With Namra is a great platform offering fashion and lifestyle products that can make your transition smoother while still staying connected to your personal style.
