Are you considering giving your family a better future by migrating to Australia? General skilled migration is a common route to Australia. The general skilled migration is Australia’s initiative to attract highly skilled individuals from around the globe. Within this article, Ramsden Lawyers’ Registered Migration Agent Yossi Witkowsky explores general skilled migration and eligibility requirements.  

General Skilled Migration

General skilled migration is a common route for migrating to Australia. It is Australia’s initiative to attract highly skilled individuals from around the globe. It is a testament to Australia’s commitment to building a diverse and dynamic workforce that contributes to the nation’s growth and innovation.

Australia’s General Skilled Migration program stands as an open door for skilled individuals worldwide, offering various opportunities through visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas.

General Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass 189 Visa

The Subclass 189 Visa is designed for skilled workers with qualifications in occupations listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List. This Visa provides you with permanent residency in Australia. With this visa, you can commence living and working in any state or territory in Australia.

To be eligible for this Visa, applicants must:

1. Have a minimum of 65 points. Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, education, and work experience.
2. You must be in an occupation listed in the Skills Occupations List that aligns with your skills and qualifications.
3. You must apply for a skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation and obtain a positive skills assessment. This is to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and experience in your nominated occupation.
4. You must be under 45 years of age at the time of being invited before applying for the visa
5. You must meet health and character requirements to ensure you pose no risk to Australia’s community.

General Eligibility Requirements for the Subclass State Sponsored 190 and Subclass 491 Regional Visas

The subclass State Sponsored 190 visa involves state or territory sponsorship, adding an extra collaboration layer to the skilled migration process. This visa provides you with permanent residency in Australia, and you may settle anywhere in a city or regional area in the respective state or territory.

The subclass 491 State or Family Sponsored Regional Visa targets skilled workers willing to contribute to Australia’s regional growth. This temporary five-year visa, if eligible, allows you to apply for a permanent residency visa after three years.

All the requirements mentioned for the subclass 189 visa also apply to the subclass 190 state-nominated and subclass 491 Regional Visa. Except for some additional requirements such as:

1. For both the 190 and 491, you can also get an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area to sponsor you. However, you will still need to meet the state or territories visas, you will need to obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory by meeting their specific criteria. With a 491 visa, you can also get an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area to sponsor you; however, you will still need to meet the state or territory’s specific criteria.
2. For the State Sponsored 190 visa, you must agree to live and work in the nominating state or territory for two years, and for the 491 Regional visa, you must agree to live and work in a regional area for three years before you can move elsewhere.

Ramsden Lawyers – How we can assist you with General Skilled Migration

Embarking on a journey to migrate to Australia is a big step that requires a thorough understanding of the unique legal requirements for each visa subclass.

Whether you are aiming for independence with the 189 visa, seeking state nomination through the 190 state-sponsored visa or embracing regional opportunities via the 491 Regional Visa, meeting the eligibility criteria I mentioned above is your first step towards realising your dream of calling Australia home.

The only question that remains is are you ready to take the leap? Meeting the requirements of the Australian migration process may be complex, and regulations may change, therefore it is essential to stay updated and consult with one of our migration law experts for the latest information tailored to your individual circumstances.

Should you want to migrate to Australia, please do not hesitate to contact us.