What is the minimum points score to get a skilled visa?

The minimum to lodge an Expression of Interest is 65 points, but actual invitations typically require 70–90+ points depending on occupation demand. Check the latest invitation rounds on the Home Affairs website for current cut-off scores.

Can I bring my family on a skilled visa?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children under 23 can be included as secondary applicants on your skilled visa application. They will receive the same visa grant and work/study rights as the primary applicant.

How long does a Subclass 189 visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 6–18 months after receiving an invitation, depending on completeness of your application and Department of Home Affairs workload. 75% of applications are processed within 9 months.

Do I need an IELTS for an Australian skilled visa?

Most skilled visas require at least 'Competent English' (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL score). Higher scores earn more points — 'Proficient English' (IELTS 7.0) earns 10 bonus points, 'Superior' (IELTS 8.0) earns 20.

What is the Working Holiday Visa and who qualifies?

Subclass 417/462 allows ages 18–35 from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for 1–3 years. Eligible countries include UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, and many more. No prior skills or qualifications required.

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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..

65–85+

Points Pass Mark (189)

Fluctuates with invitation rounds

AUD 4,640

Skilled Visa Fee

Subclass 189 primary applicant

6–18 months

Processing Time

Subclass 189/190

Up to 35

WHV Age Limit

Working Holiday Visa

Subclass 500

Student Visa

Includes work rights (48hrs/fortnight)

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa: points-tested, no sponsorship needed, permanent residency granted directly
Subclass 482 — Temporary Skills Shortage: employer-sponsored, 2-year (medium) or 4-year (long-term) streams
Subclass 417 and 462: available for ages 18–35 from eligible countries (UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Canada, USA, etc.)
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

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

Employer-Sponsored Visas

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

Subclass 482 — Temporary Skills Shortage: employer-sponsored, 2-year (medium) or 4-year (long-term) streams
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme: direct PR pathway for employer-sponsored workers (2 years with employer)
482 → 186 transition is the most common employer-sponsored PR pathway
Salary minimum threshold: AUD 73,150 for TSS visa (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold)
TSMIT is reviewed annually and has been increasing — check current rate before applying

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.)
Initial 1-year visa with work rights; extend to 2nd year by doing 3 months regional work (farming, construction, etc.)
3rd-year extension available for additional regional work
No skill requirements — popular gateway visa to see Australia before committing to long-term pathways

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

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

FAQs