Australia continues to be a top destination for skilled workers worldwide, and its SkillSelect visa system is at the heart of this opportunity.
Designed to connect international professionals with job prospects across Australia, SkillSelect provides a structured route to work, residency, and eventually citizenship.
Why Choose Australia?
Australia offers several advantages for skilled migrants:
- High salaries and secure job opportunities
- World-class healthcare and education systems
- Pathways to permanent residency and citizenship
- Growing demand for skills in both urban and regional areas
- A relaxed lifestyle with access to nature and clean cities
What is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is an online platform run by the Australian government. Instead of directly applying for a visa, applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The government or employers may then issue an invitation to apply for a visa.
Key features:
- Free to use
- Accessible from anywhere in the world
- Applicants are ranked by points and occupation demand
Main Visa Options Under SkillSelect
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Permanent residency from day one
- No sponsorship needed
- Best for in-demand professions across Australia
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Permanent residency with full work rights
- Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory
- Ideal for those willing to live in specific regions
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
- Valid for up to 5 years
- Requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by a relative in a regional area
- Offers a path to permanent residency after 3 years
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for a SkillSelect visa, applicants must:
- Be under 45 years of age
- Have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from an approved authority
- Prove English language proficiency through an approved test
- Score at least 65 points based on age, experience, qualifications, and English ability
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Meet all criteria including age, occupation, English, and points
Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount
- Register on the official Australian immigration website
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Choose visa subclass (189, 190, or 491)
- Enter qualifications, work history, English test scores, and skills assessment results
- No documents are needed at this stage
Your EOI stays valid for 2 years and can be updated anytime.
How Invitations Work
- Monthly invitation rounds are held by the Department of Home Affairs
- High scorers and applicants in critical occupations have better chances
- Regional and state nominations boost selection odds
Including Your Family
Family members can accompany the main applicant on all SkillSelect visas.
Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children under 18 or full-time students
- Other dependent relatives (in certain cases)
Benefits for family:
- Spouse can work full-time
- Children get access to public schools
- Healthcare coverage under Medicare (for PR holders)
How Long Does the Process Take?
- EOI Submission: Takes less than 1 hour
- Waiting for Invitation: Can take from a few weeks to over 6 months
- Visa Application Processing: Usually takes between 3 to 9 months
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Retake English test for a higher score
- Add more work experience before submitting EOI
- Target regional areas and occupations in demand
- Apply for state nomination under subclass 190 or 491
