MIGRATION SERVICES

How Migration Agents Help With Visa Applications

Registered migration agents provide professional advice based on Australian migration law and policy.

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Migration agents may assist with:

• Assessing visa eligibility

• Identifying suitable visa pathways

• Reviewing supporting evidence

• Preparing visa applications

• Managing correspondence during processing

• Responding to requests for additional information

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Professional migration advice can be particularly valuable for applicants with complex circumstances, previous visa refusals, or multiple migration options.

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Pathways to Permanent Residency in Australia

Many migrants ultimately seek permanent residency in Australia.

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Depending on individual circumstances, pathways to permanent residency may include:

• Skilled migration visas

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Partner visas

• Certain family visas

• Regional migration pathways

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The most suitable pathway depends on factors such as occupation, qualifications, work experience, family circumstances, and long-term migration goals.

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How Do I Apply for a Skilled Migration Visa in Australia?

To apply for an Australian skilled migration visa, you generally need to choose an eligible visa pathway, confirm that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list, obtain a suitable skills assessment, meet the English language and points requirements, submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and receive an invitation before lodging your visa application.

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The main points-tested skilled migration pathways are:

• The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), which does not require nomination by an employer, state or territory government.

• The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), which requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.

• The Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491), which requires eligible state or territory nomination or family sponsorship and is intended for living and working in designated regional Australia.

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Applicants may be able to begin the skilled migration process while living in Australia or overseas, depending on the selected visa subclass and applicable eligibility requirements.

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Steps to Apply for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa

1. Choose a suitable skilled visa pathway

Compare the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas to determine which pathway may suit your occupation, points score, location preferences and circumstances.

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A subclass 189 visa may suit applicants seeking an independent permanent visa, while subclass 190 and 491 applicants must satisfy additional nomination or sponsorship requirements. State and territory nomination criteria are separate from the Australian Government’s visa requirements and can change according to local workforce priorities.

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2. Check whether your occupation is eligible

Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the visa pathway you select. Use the Department of Home Affairs’ official skilled occupation list to check:

• Your occupation title and ANZSCO code

• Which skilled visas may be available for that occupation

• The occupation list that applies

• The relevant skills assessing authority

An occupation may be available for one visa subclass but not another. Being included on an occupation list also does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation.

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3. Obtain a suitable skills assessment

A skills assessment determines whether your qualifications and employment experience meet the standards set for your nominated occupation. It is issued by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority, not by the Department of Home Affairs.

Each assessing authority has its own qualification, employment evidence, fee, processing time and validity requirements.

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Applicants should review the official skills assessment guidance and arrange an appropriate assessment early in the process.

A provisional skills assessment issued for certain Temporary Graduate visa applications may not be suitable for a points-tested skilled migration visa. Check that the assessment type and validity meet the requirements of your selected pathway.

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4. Meet the English language requirement

You may need to demonstrate your English ability using an approved English language test. At least competent English is generally required for the subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways, although stronger results may award additional points.

The accepted tests, required scores and validity rules can change. Check the Department of Home Affairs’ current competent English requirements before booking or relying on a test.

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Citizens who hold a valid passport issued by Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States may be able to use their passport as evidence of competent English, subject to the applicable visa requirements.

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5. Calculate your skilled migration points

The subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas are points-tested. Points may be awarded for factors including:

• Age

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study

• Partner qualifications

• Credentialled community language

• Study in designated regional Australia

• State or territory nomination

• Eligible family sponsorship

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The minimum points threshold is generally 65 points. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations may depend on your occupation, total points, ranking, invitation availability and Australian Government or state and territory priorities.

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Use the Department of Home Affairs’ official points calculator to estimate your potential score. All points claimed in your Expression of Interest must be supported by evidence when you apply for the visa.

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6. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect

An Expression of Interest, commonly called an EOI, records information about your skills, qualifications, English results, employment history and points claims.

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The EOI must be submitted through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system. You do not upload supporting documents when initially submitting an EOI, but the information entered must be accurate and capable of being verified.

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An EOI is not a visa application. Submitting one does not automatically provide a bridging visa or permission to remain in Australia. Applicants already in Australia must continue to hold a valid visa while waiting for an invitation.

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According to the Department of Home Affairs’ EOI guidance, an EOI remains active for two years. You should update it before receiving an invitation if your circumstances, work experience, qualifications, English results or points score change.

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7. Apply for state or territory nomination if required

Applicants seeking a subclass 190 or state-nominated subclass 491 visa must meet the nomination criteria of the relevant Australian state or territory.

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Some jurisdictions require a separate Registration of Interest, or ROI, or a nomination application in addition to the SkillSelect EOI. Occupation priorities, residence requirements, employment criteria and application periods vary between jurisdictions and can change during the program year.

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Review the official website of the state or territory where you want to live before submitting an EOI or nomination application.

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8. Receive an invitation to apply

You can only lodge a points-tested skilled visa application after receiving an invitation. Meeting the minimum eligibility and points requirements does not guarantee that an invitation will be issued.

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Invitation outcomes vary according to the visa pathway. The Department of Home Affairs manages invitation rounds for the subclass 189 and family-sponsored subclass 491, while state and territory governments manage nominations for the subclass 190 and state-nominated subclass 491. The official SkillSelect invitation rounds page explains how candidates are ranked and selected.

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If invited, you will generally have 60 days from the invitation date to submit your visa application. The documents provided must support the information and points claimed in your EOI.

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9. Lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount

After receiving an invitation, follow the application link provided through SkillSelect and complete your visa application in ImmiAccount. You will need to attach the required supporting evidence and pay the applicable government visa application charge.

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Documents may include:

• Passport and identity documents

• A suitable skills assessment

• English language test results

• Educational qualifications and transcripts

• Employment references and supporting evidence

• State or territory nomination evidence, where applicable

• Partner and family documents

• Police certificates

• Health examination results, when requested

Applicants and included family members must also satisfy the applicable health and character requirements. The Department of Home Affairs may request further information before deciding the application.

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Can a Registered Migration Agent Help?

Australian skilled migration requirements can be complex, and the most suitable pathway depends on your occupation, qualifications, employment history, English ability, points score and personal circumstances.

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RACC Australia’s registered migration agents can help you:

• Assess potential subclass 189, 190 and 491 pathways

• Review your points and occupation eligibility

• Identify the relevant skills assessing authority

• Understand state or territory nomination options

• Prepare an accurate Expression of Interest

• Review supporting documents and visa requirements

• Prepare and lodge a visa application after invitation

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Professional assistance cannot guarantee an invitation or visa grant, but it can help you understand the available pathways and prepare an application based on the requirements that apply to your circumstances.

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Planning to apply from Australia or overseas? Book a consultation with RACC Australia to discuss your skilled migration options with a registered migration agent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What migration services are available in Australia?

Migration services can include assistance with skilled migration, student visas, graduate visas, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, parent visas, visitor visas, and citizenship applications.

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Can a migration agent help with a 485 visa?

Yes. Migration agents can assist with eligibility assessments, supporting documents, visa applications, and planning future migration pathways after graduation.

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What is the Training Visa Subclass 407?

The Training Visa (Subclass 407) allows eligible applicants to undertake workplace-based occupational training in Australia through an approved sponsor.

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How do I apply for a skilled migration visa in Australia?

The process generally involves meeting eligibility requirements, obtaining a skills assessment, meeting English language requirements, submitting an Expression of Interest, and receiving an invitation before lodging a visa application.

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Can migration services help with employer-sponsored visas?

Yes. Migration services can assist both employers and workers with sponsorship requirements, nominations, and visa applications.

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What are the pathways to permanent residency in Australia?

Common pathways include skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and certain family migration programs.

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Can a migration agent help with a partner visa?

Yes. Migration agents can assist with eligibility assessments, relationship evidence requirements, application preparation, and visa lodgement support.