Australia's points-based skilled migration system offers multiple pathways to Permanent Residency. From SkillSelect invitations to employer-sponsored visas — our experts guide you through every step of your journey to calling Australia home.
65+
Min Points Required
200+
Eligible Occupations
5
Visa Subclasses
6–18
Months Processing
Section 01
Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a points-based system designed to attract highly skilled workers whose skills are needed in Australia. Managed through SkillSelect, it allows prospective migrants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for a visa based on their points score.
Unlike many other countries, Australia's system rewards applicants who demonstrate higher skills, better English proficiency, and more work experience through additional points. There is no direct application — you must first be invited through a competitive pool.
Get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant Australian authority for your occupation.
Enter the SkillSelect pool with your Expression of Interest. You must score at least 65 points to be eligible.
Highest-scoring candidates from occupation ceilings are invited to apply for a visa during regular invitation rounds.
Within 60 days of the ITA, submit your complete visa application with all required documents online.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
No sponsor needed
Subclass 190
State/Territory Nominated
+5 points for nomination
Subclass 491
Regional Sponsored
+15 points for nomination
Employer Sponsored
TSS 482
Temp. Skill Shortage
SC 186
Employer Nomination
Section 02
Before submitting an EOI, your skills must be formally assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Different authorities assess different occupation groups — and each has its own criteria, documents required, and processing times.
Australian Computer Society
Assesses ICT professionals including software engineers, network analysts, IT managers, and systems architects.
EA
Assesses engineers across civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, chemical, and related engineering disciplines.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Regulates health practitioners including nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals.
Accounting Bodies
CPA Australia and CAANZ assess accounting, finance, and auditing professionals for skilled migration purposes.
Australian Inst. for Teaching & School Leadership
Assesses teachers and education professionals seeking to work in Australian schools and educational institutions.
TRA
Assesses trade workers including chefs, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled tradespeople.
Official degree certificates and transcripts from all institutions
Detailed reference letters on company letterhead with roles and duties
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores (within validity period)
Current passport copy and identity documentation
Section 03
To be eligible for an Australian Skilled visa (PR), you must meet a range of health, character, skills, English, and age requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation — competition is based on your total points score.
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Age affects your points score significantly.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
You must demonstrate Competent English at minimum. Higher English scores earn additional points.
| Level | IELTS | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 each band | 0 (required) |
| Proficient | 7.0 each band | +10 |
| Superior | 8.0 each band | +20 |
Points are awarded for both Australian and overseas work experience in your nominated occupation.
Overseas Experience
Australian Experience
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (PhD) | 20 |
| Bachelor / Master's Degree | 15 |
| Diploma / Trade Qual. | 10 |
| Awarded in Australia | +5 bonus |
You and your family members must pass a medical examination by an approved panel physician, assessing general health and any conditions of public health concern.
Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years (for applicants over 16).
Spouse, partner, and dependent children can be included in your application. Secondary applicants must also meet health and character requirements.
Recent rounds invite scores of 80–100+ depending on the occupation.
Section 04
Your nominated occupation must appear on an eligible occupation list. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the primary list for most skilled visa subclasses. The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers additional occupations for state-sponsored pathways.
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Category | Assessing Body | 189 | 190 |
|---|
Showing sample occupations. Consult an E-Planet advisor for the full, current MLTSSL/STSOL list.
Section 05
The three primary skilled visa subclasses offer different pathways to Australian Permanent Residency, each suited to different applicant profiles.
Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. No state nomination or employer sponsorship required. Based solely on points test.
Minimum 65 points required
Occupation on MLTSSL
Positive skills assessment
Permanent visa — live anywhere
Competitive Scores
Recent invitations: 85–100+ points
Nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Adds 5 bonus points to your score. Must commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years.
+5 bonus points for nomination
Occupation on state's list
Permanent visa from grant
2-year obligation in state
More Accessible
Lower effective cut-off due to bonus points
Temporary visa (5 years) sponsored by a state/territory or eligible relative in a designated regional area. Earns +15 bonus points. Path to PR via 191 after 3 years.
+15 bonus points — easiest to get
5-year temporary visa
Pathway to PR via SC 191
Must live in regional area
Fastest PR Route
3 years regional → 191 PR
Section 06
If you have a job offer from an approved Australian employer, you may not need a high points score at all. Employer-sponsored pathways provide an alternative route to both temporary and permanent residency in Australia.
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
Allows employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring overseas workers. Available for up to 4 years (MLTSSL) or 2 years (STSOL). Can lead to permanent residency via SC 186 or 187.
Streams
Short-Term & Medium-Term
Duration
2–4 years (extendable)
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Grants permanent residency if sponsored by an approved Australian employer. Three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
Direct Entry
Skills + Job offer
TRT Stream
3 yrs on 482
Labour Agree.
Industry deal
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)
For workers sponsored by employers in regional and low-population-growth areas. Only the Temporary Residence Transition stream remains open for new applications.
The Australian employer must become an Approved Sponsor (Standard Business Sponsor) with the Department of Home Affairs.
The employer nominates the specific occupation and demonstrates the need to hire overseas, including Labour Market Testing (LMT).
You submit your visa application concurrently or after the nomination approval, with skills assessment and all personal documents.
Medical examinations and police clearances for you and all included family members are conducted and submitted.
Upon approval, you receive your visa grant letter and can travel to and work in Australia.
Typical Salary Requirement (TSMIT)
AUD $70,000
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold
Per Year
Must meet or exceed
Section 07
Estimate your points score using the official Australian points test criteria below. Then book a free consultation with an E-Planet migration advisor for a complete eligibility assessment.
Your Estimated Score
Below Minimum
You need at least 65 points to submit an EOI.
Recommended Pathway
Keep building your points
Consider improving your English score, gaining Australian work experience, or pursuing state nomination to reach a competitive score.
Our MARA-registered migration advisors will review your full profile and give you a personalised migration roadmap at no cost.
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