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🇦🇺 Australia

Visa & Residency

Australia's skilled migration system is points-based and transparent, with multiple pathways for workers, investors, students, and retirees. The SkillSelect system and state sponsorship open doors even when federal quotas are tight..

Data verified June 14, 2026

65–85+

Points Pass Mark (189)

Fluctuates with invitation rounds

AUD 79,499/yr

482 Salary Threshold

From July 2026 (CSIT, +3.8%)

2 years

482 → 186 PR

TRT stream (was 3 years pre-Nov 2023)

Up to 35

WHV Age Limit

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462)

AUD 4,640+

Skilled Visa Fee

Subclass 189 primary applicant

Overview

Australia's skilled migration system is points-based and transparent, with multiple pathways for workers, investors, students, and retirees. The SkillSelect system and state sponsorship open doors even when federal quotas are tight.

Key Takeaways

  • Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa: points-tested, no sponsorship needed, permanent residency granted directly
  • Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (SID) visa (replaced TSS Dec 2024): 3 streams — Core Skills CSIT (AUD 76,515 currently, rising to AUD 79,499 from 1 Jul 2026), Specialist Skills SSIT (AUD 141,210 → AUD 146,717 from 1 Jul 2026), Essential Skills (still in development). Specialist Skills target processing time: 7 days median. Key improvements over old TSS: only 1 year experience required (was 2), 180-day buffer to find new sponsor if job ends (was 60 days), 4-year validity, direct PR pathway.
  • Subclass 417 and 462: available for ages 18–35 from eligible countries (UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Canada, USA, etc.). Visa application charge AUD 670 (since 1 Jul 2025).
  • Subclass 500 Student Visa: study at CRICOS-registered institution, 48hrs/fortnight work rights during term
  • Create ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — all applications submitted here
1

Skilled Migration Visas

Australia's main pathway for skilled workers is the points-tested SkillSelect system, operating through Expression of Interest (EOI) invitations.

  • Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa: points-tested, no sponsorship needed, permanent residency granted directly
  • Subclass 190 — State/Territory Nominated: adds 5 bonus points; easier pass mark in exchange for 2 years living in nominating state
  • Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional: state-nominated, regional area requirement for 3 years, pathway to PR via 191
  • Points tested: age (25–32 earns max 30 pts), English (competent=0, superior=20), qualifications (15–20 pts), work experience (5–20 pts)
  • Minimum 65 points required to lodge EOI; actual invitations typically require 70–90+ points
  • Skills must be on relevant occupations list (MLTSSL, STSOL) and assessed by relevant assessing authority
2

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employers can sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent residence through the TSS and ENS programs.

  • Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (SID) visa (replaced TSS Dec 2024): 3 streams — Core Skills CSIT (AUD 76,515 currently, rising to AUD 79,499 from 1 Jul 2026), Specialist Skills SSIT (AUD 141,210 → AUD 146,717 from 1 Jul 2026), Essential Skills (still in development). Specialist Skills target processing time: 7 days median. Key improvements over old TSS: only 1 year experience required (was 2), 180-day buffer to find new sponsor if job ends (was 60 days), 4-year validity, direct PR pathway.
  • Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme: PR pathway for 482 holders after just 2 years (reduced from 3 in November 2023). Also available via Direct Entry stream for those not already on 482
  • 482 → 186 transition is the most common employer-sponsored PR pathway
  • Permanent Migration Program 2025-26: 185,000 places — Employer-sponsored 44,000, State/Territory Nominated 33,000, Skilled Independent (189) cut to 16,900, Global Talent reduced to 4,000
  • CSIT/SSIT thresholds are indexed annually each 1 July to AWOTE (+3.8% for 2026-27)
3

Working Holiday Visa

Popular with young expats wanting to explore Australia while working.

  • Subclass 417 and 462: available for ages 18–35 from eligible countries (UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Canada, USA, etc.). Visa application charge AUD 670 (since 1 Jul 2025).
  • Initial 1-year visa with work rights; extend to 2nd year by doing 3 months regional/specified work (now includes natural-disaster-affected postcodes since 5 Apr 2025)
  • 3rd-year extension available for additional regional work; UK passport holders can stretch to 3 visas without doing regional work
  • Ballot system for high-demand passports: China cap 5,000, Vietnam 1,500, India 1,000 — AUD 25 ballot registration fee on top of visa charge
  • No skill requirements — popular gateway visa to see Australia before committing to long-term pathways
4

Student & Family Visas

Australia has strong student visa pathways with post-study work rights.

  • Subclass 500 Student Visa: study at CRICOS-registered institution, 48hrs/fortnight work rights during term
  • Post-Study Work stream (subclass 485): 2–4 years depending on qualification level and location
  • Partner visa (subclass 309/100): sponsor an Australian spouse/de facto — takes 12–24 months to process
  • Subclass 804 Aged Parent Visa: very long queue (25+ years wait) — retired parents of Australian citizens/PRs
5

Application Process

All Australian visa applications go through the Department of Home Affairs online portal.

  • Create ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — all applications submitted here
  • Gather: passport, skills assessment letter, IELTS/PTE English results, employment references, qualifications
  • Lodge EOI in SkillSelect — you'll be ranked and invited when score meets threshold
  • Health examination by BUPA or Medibank clinic after invitation (required for all applicants and dependants)
  • Police clearance from all countries lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
  • Biometrics collection required for most visa types
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FAQs

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