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Australia offers several pathways for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency (PR). The country values skilled migrants who can contribute to the economy and society, and as such, has designed various visa categories to facilitate this process. As an experienced immigration consultant, I will detail the five essential pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers, addressing common questions and misconceptions along the way.

 

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

 

Overview

 

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested visa that does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. It is one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers.

 

 Eligibility Criteria

 

– Points Test: Applicants must score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other qualifications.

– Occupation List: The applicant’s occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

– Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is required.

– Age: Applicants must be under 45 years old.

– English Proficiency: Proficiency in English must be demonstrated through tests like IELTS or PTE.

 

Application Process

 

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
2. Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
3. Submit Application: Complete the online application and upload required documents.
4. Medical and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and police checks.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

– Misconception: You need a job offer to apply for a subclass 189 visa.

– Clarification: No job offer is required, but your occupation must be on the MLTSSL.

 

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

 

Overview

 

The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is similar to the 189 visa but requires nomination by a state or territory government.

 

 Eligibility Criteria

 

– Points Test: Score at least 65 points on the points test.

– State Nomination: Secure a nomination from an Australian state or territory.

– Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the relevant state or territory occupation list.

– Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment.

– Age: Be under 45 years old.

– English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency.

 

Application Process

 

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI and select the states or territories where you want to live.
2. State Nomination: Apply for state nomination; each state has its own requirements and processes.
3. Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
4. Submit Application: Complete the application process and provide necessary documentation.
5. Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

– Misconception: State nomination guarantees visa approval.

– Clarification: While state nomination is crucial, you must still meet all other visa requirements.

 

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

 

Overview

 

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

– Points Test: Score at least 65 points.

– State or Family Sponsorship: Obtain nomination from a state or territory or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in regional Australia.

– Occupation List: Occupation must be on the MLTSSL or Regional Occupation List (ROL).

– Skills Assessment: Positive skills assessment is required.

– Age: Be under 45 years old.

– English Proficiency: Show English language proficiency.

 

Application Process

 

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
2. State Nomination or Family Sponsorship: Apply for state nomination or secure family sponsorship.
3. Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply.
4. Submit Application: Complete the online application and provide required documents.
5. Medical and Character Checks: Undergo health and police checks.

 

Pathway to Permanent Residency

 

– Subclass 191 Visa: After holding the 491 visa and living/working in regional Australia for three years, you can apply for the subclass 191 visa, which grants permanent residency.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

– Misconception: The 491 visa does not lead to permanent residency.

– Clarification: The 491 visa is a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after meeting certain requirements.

 

4. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

 

Overview

 

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186) is for skilled workers nominated by their employer. This visa grants permanent residency directly.

 

Streams

 

– Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia.

– Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For those who hold a subclass 457, TSS (subclass 482), or related bridging visa and have worked for their nominating employer for at least three years.

– Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a labour agreement.

 

 Eligibility Criteria

 

– Employer Nomination: Secure a nomination from an approved Australian employer.

– Skills Assessment: Positive skills assessment for the Direct Entry stream.

– Work Experience: Relevant work experience, generally at least three years.

– Age: Be under 45 years old, with some exemptions.

– English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency.

 

Application Process

 

1. Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination application.
2. Submit Visa Application: The applicant submits a visa application after the nomination is approved.
3. Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

– Misconception: You need to be in Australia to apply for the subclass 186 visa.

– Clarification: You can apply for the subclass 186 visa from inside or outside Australia.

 

5. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)

 

Overview

 

The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187) is similar to the ENS visa but is specifically for skilled workers nominated to work in regional Australia.

 

Streams

 

– Direct Entry Stream: For applicants who have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia.

– Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For those who hold a subclass 457, TSS (subclass 482), or related bridging visa and have worked for their nominating employer for at least three years.

– Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a labour agreement.

 

 Eligibility Criteria

 

– Employer Nomination: Secure a nomination from an approved Australian employer in regional Australia.

– Skills Assessment: Positive skills assessment for the Direct Entry stream.

– Work Experience: Relevant work experience, generally at least three years.

– Age: Be under 45 years old, with some exemptions.

– English Proficiency: Demonstrate English proficiency.

 

Application Process

 

1. Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination application.
2. Submit Visa Application: The applicant submits a visa application after the nomination is approved.
3. Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.

 

Common Misconceptions

 

– Misconception: The subclass 187 visa does not lead to permanent residency.

– Clarification: The subclass 187 visa is a permanent residency visa.

 

Conclusion

Australia offers multiple pathways for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency, each with its own set of requirements and processes.

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) provide various options depending on your qualifications, experience, and long-term goals.

Understanding these pathways and meeting the necessary criteria is crucial for a successful application.

Always consider consulting with a registered migration agent to navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system and enhance your chances of securing permanent residency.