Meeras Resources

  • 913, 9th floor, Hemkunt Chambers, 89, Nehru Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Linkedin
APPLY NOW

Australia

Home > Australia

Australia

 A Complete Guide: Migrate to Australia

Choose to migrate to Australia

Australia, besides being a beautiful island continent, is also a land with amazing career and business opportunities. Immigrants often choose Australia as their dream destination as this country welcomes people from all round the globe with abundant job prospects, and a very high quality of life. Australia is a true cosmopolitan and the most multi-cultural country. Be it Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, these cities are considered to be the one of the best cities to explore for opportunities and live in. Australia being one of the wealthiest nations has one of the highest per capita incomes. Good political and financial security with an awesome climate, Australia is a wonderful place to settle in.

⦁ Quality of Life
⦁ Economic Opportunities
⦁ Education
⦁ Healthcare System
⦁ Multicultural Society
⦁ Safety and Stability
⦁ Natural Beauty
⦁ Family and Lifestyle
⦁ Migration Pathways

Types of Visas to Migrate to Australia

Australia offers various types of visas for individuals wishing to migrate to the country. Some of the common types of visas include:

  • Skilled Visas:These visas are designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer or state or territory government agency. Examples include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
  • Employer-Sponsored Visas : You have These visas allow Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions that they cannot find locally. Examples include the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
  • Business and Investment Visas:For individuals wanting to start or invest in a business in Australia. Examples include the Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) and the Business Talent visa (subclass 132)..
  • Family Visas :These visas are for individuals sponsored by their family members who are Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. Examples include Partner visas (subclass 309/100), Parent visas (subclass 103), and Child visas (subclass 802/101)
  • Student Visas : For individuals who want to study in Australia at an educational institution. The student visa (subclass 500) is the most common visa for this purpose.
  • Visitor Visas: These visas are for individuals who want to visit Australia for tourism, business purposes, or visiting family and friends. The Visitor visa (subclass 600) is a common type for short-term visits.
  • Humanitarian Visas: For individuals seeking asylum or humanitarian protection due to persecution, war, or other humanitarian crises

It’s essential to understand the specific eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements for each visa subclass before applying. The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information about each visa type and their respective requirements.

Who is eligible to migrate to Australia under the Skilled Independent Visa Program? Following are the basic criteria that are to be considered when one is planning for immigrate to Australia under the respective program:

Age: Anyone planning for immigration to Australia should be between 18 to 50 years.

Language and Skill assessment: Passing through an English language assessment test (e.g. IELTS Or TOEFL) with an average score of a component or vocational level is mandatory under the norms set by Australian government. Likewise, it is mandatory for an applicant to pass through a skill assessment test before applying for the respective visa. Likewise, by the means of partner skills, one can assert more points, provided that the applicant’s partner satisfies all the basic criteria.

Overseas qualification and experience: Anyone willing to apply for immigration to Australia by the means of the Skilled Immigration Program is at a good advantage if he holds any overseas degree or work experience certifications. Both these criterions will help one gain beneficial points. If the applicant holds an Australian degree and Australian work experience, that is even more than just a benefit.

Nominated occupation: The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is the list of occupations which features all the acceptable opportunities for those planning for immigration to Australia. One must initially nominate an occupation on the SOL, which matches his qualifications, skills and overall work experience.

Moral character and sound health: The applicant should hold a police clearance certificate from all the countries which he has lived in for more than a year. Collectively, he should also be healthy enough and hold certificates stating of his sound health in order to immigrate to Australia Australia’s Skilled Immigration Program is a permanent visa and falls under Skill Select points-based system. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they possess a qualification and the skills of an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. The applicant has to meet the point’s threshold by scoring 60 points and satisfying the basic visa criteria.

Australia Immigration Process

S.No Details Visa Subclass
189
190
491
482
1
PR Visa Validity
5 years
5 years
–
–
–
2
Occupation should be listed
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
3
Family visa
Family visa
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Education, Employment, English requirements
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
5
Sponsored by
–
State
Regional State
Employer
6
PR Eligibility
–
It is a PR. However applicants have to stay 2 yrs in sponsored state
Work for 3 years in 5 years with at least minimum taxable salary of AUD53, 900 P.A in Regional Areas to convert to PR
Based on the eligibility
–
7
Temporary visa
–
–
5 Years. Applicant can move between the regions
2 – 4 Years
8
Priority Processing
N/A
N/A
Applicable
N/A
9
Applicant can enroll to Medicare
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Stages of Process & Timelines:
1
Skills assessment
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2
EOI
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
3
State sponsorship
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months – Employer nomination
4
Process Timelines
4-8 months
4-8 months
4-6 months
4-6 months
S.No
Details
Visa Subclass
189
190
491
482
1
PR Visa Validity
5 years
5 years
–
–
2
Occupation should be listed
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3
Family visa
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
4
Education, Employment, English requirements
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
5
Sponsored by
–
State
Regional State
Employer
6
PR Eligibility
–
It is a PR. However applicants have to stay 2 yrs in sponsored state
Work for 3 years in 5 years with at least minimum taxable salary of AUD53, 900 P.A in Regional Areas to convert to PR
Based on the eligibility
7
Temporary visa
–
–
5 Years. Applicant can move between the regions
2 – 4 Years
8
Priority Processing
N/A
N/A
Applicable
N/A
9
Applicant can enroll to Medicare
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Stages of Process & Timelines:
1
Skills assessment
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2
EOI
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
3
State sponsorship
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months
2-3 months – Employer nomination
4
Process Timelines
4-8 months
4-8 months
4-6 months
4-6 months

Skilled independent Subclass 189

Australia Subclass 189 Consultants

The 189 Visa Australia is for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Australia. It works on the same points-based principle as the other visas but is intended for those aspirants who are independent, that is, they are not sponsored by any entity, whether it is an employee, territory or state. 
The Australia visa subclass 189 allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident

Australia subclass 189 Requirements

You might be eligible to apply for visa subclass 189 if invited for the application. When you are sent your letter of invitation, you must also have:
⦁ Nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
⦁ Obtained a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
⦁ Not yet turned 50 years of age at the time of filing for visa subclass 189.
⦁ Achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test.
⦁ At least competent English.

Australia subclass 189 Visa Processing Time

⦁ 75 per cent of applications processed in 4 months
⦁ 90 per cent of applications processed in 6 months

Benefits of 189 visa Australia

⦁ The 189 visa Australia allows you to immigrate to Australia along with your family
⦁ You can live and work anywhere in Australia with this visa
⦁ The visa for Australia subclass 189 has one of the fastest processing times for immigration to Australia
⦁ The visa allows you to stay indefinitely in Australia and enjoy full working rights and work in any occupation once you arrive in Australia. Which is to say, you are not restricted to working in the same occupation as the one that you applied for the visa
⦁ You can pursue your studies in Australia, while living on this visa
⦁ You are entitled to social security payments and Medicare if you are living in Australia on this visa
⦁ You are entitled to apply for permanent residence for your family members and even apply for citizenship for yourself and your family

Features of 189 visa

1. The visa is intended for skilled independent workers and their families to permanently move to Australia. In this regard family includes and is limited to the following members
a. Your partner/spouse
b. Yours or your partner’s dependent child
c. Yours or your partner’s dependent relative
2. The visa subclass 189 is granted on a points based system, with points assigned for various factors such as your age, work experience, education and English language ability. The points are assigned for the following criteria.
a. Age – not less than 45 years
b. English language skills – you will need to submit scores of IELTS or equivalent examination
c. Education level
d. Overall work experience including work experience in Australia,

Stages of Application

  • Choose the Right Visa Categoryi :There are various visa categories through which you can apply for PR in Australia. Commonly used pathways include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) among others. Select the visa category that aligns with your qualifications, work experience, and circumstances.
  • Skills Assessment:Most skilled migration visas require applicants to undergo a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority. This step ensures that your qualifications and work experience match the Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) :For certain visa subclasses like the subclass 189 or subclass 190, you need to submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you outline your skills, work experience, and other relevant information. Based on your EOI, you might be invited to apply for a visa.
  • Invitation to Apply (ITA):): If your EOI is successful, you may receive an Invitation to Apply for the specific visa you've expressed interest in. The ITA will specify the timeframe within which you need to lodge your visa application.
  • Lodge Your Visa Application:After receiving an ITA, you can proceed to submit your visa application online. Ensure that all required documents are provided and the application fee is paid.
  • Health and Character Checks:You and any family members included in your application will need to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to prove good character.
  • Visa Decision :Once your application is lodged, it will be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. If everything meets the criteria, you'll be granted the PR visa.
  • Receive PR and Initial Settlement :Upon approval, you will receive your Australian Permanent Residency. You'll need to make your initial entry to Australia before a specified date, usually within a certain timeframe after the visa grant.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491 is a provisional visa meant for those skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. The Australian government introduced this visa category on November 16, 2019. This particular visa replaced the old Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 489.

What are the benefits of Subclass 491 Visa?

This particular visa offers some added benefit compared to the old 489 visas. Find below the key benefits of this visa:
This visa allows you to stay in Australia for 5 years. The visa holders are allowed to live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia.
You can include the eligible family members in the application. It allows the visa holder to travel to and from Australia as many times as they want while the visa is valid.

  • 5 additional points for regional nomination or sponsorship provide an extra incentive for prospective migrants to consider settling in the country’s regional parts.
  •  Permanent Residency pathway available with upcoming Subclass 191 visa, starting from 16 November 2022.
  • The government extends the priority processing provisions. It now includes all visa applications sponsored by regional employers and other visa applicants to live and stay in Australia’s regional areas.
  • 491 & 494 subclass visa holders are eligible to enroll for Medicare
  • 491 & 494 subclass visa holders will be able to move between the regional areas, unlike 489 subclass
  • Except for Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane rest, all will be considered as Regional Areas.
  • ACT is also sponsoring a subclass 491 visa, which never use to sponsor the regional visa, i.e., 489 visas earlier. Canberra, which is the capital city of Australia.
  • Access to the Regional Occupations List – more jobs compared to non-regional lists.
  • International students studying at regional universities will be eligible to access an additional year in Australia on a post-study work visa.
  • Priority in negotiating region-specific Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

Australia’s government encourages migration to regional parts of the country to relieve the added burden and congestion in the big cities. In addition, there is a great demand for skilled and talented people in the regional areas due to the ongoing skill shortage.
Hence, the introduction of this visa is a key step towards boosting migration to regional Australia. The government has allocated 25,000 new visa places annually for regional visas.
Let us now look at key requirements to apply for a Subclass 491 Visa.

Feel Free To Get In Touch!

Migrate
Visitor Visa
Study Visa
Job Seeker Visa
Work Permit

What is the requirement to apply for Subclass 491 Visa?

To apply for this particular visa, an applicant needs:

⦁ To be under 45 years of age to be invited to apply for the visa.
⦁ to be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you to apply for this visa
⦁ to have an occupation listed in a relevant skilled occupation list, i.e. Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations
⦁ to have a suitable skills assessment from an approved assessing authority for the occupation
⦁ to have competent English, i.e. IELTS band 6 for each four components
⦁ To have received an Invitation to Apply by DHA (via SkillSelect System).
⦁ to have enough points (minimum 65 points) on the points assessment table
⦁ To meet the health and character requirement. Provide the medical certificate and PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.

Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 489)

The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 489) is a provisional Visa which is granted for a period of 4 years for individuals who cannot meet the requisites of Skilled Independent Visa either subclass 189 or 190 – Skilled Regional Sponsored visa subclass 489 is a pathway to an Australian permanent resident visa.

The basic requirements for a subclass 489 visa are,

⦁ The applicant must secure sponsorship either from a sponsoring state/ Territory or form a relative residing in the area,
⦁ The applicant must meet the 65 point benchmark
⦁ The applicant must live for 2 years in the sponsoring state and work for at least 12 months to be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Applicants whose professions are not listed in the Skilled Occupation List can choose to apply for permanent residence to Australia under the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). The applicant however has to secure sponsorship from a state or territory in Australia and the point score of 65.
The applicant can score 5 additional points if nominated by an Australian State/Territory. The subclass 190 visa however entails the recipient of the visa to live for 2 years in the sponsoring state/ territory.

Benefits of Subclass 190 are,

⦁ A permanent resident has the right to stay in Australia indefinitely
⦁ A permanent resident has access to all the health care benefits under Medicare as well as certain social security benefits
⦁ A permanent resident can apply for citizenship after staying in Australia for 4 years
⦁ A permanent resident can sponsor his/ her family for permanent residency
⦁ A permanent resident can get dependents if they comply with Australian immigration laws

Eligibility

The applicant must secure 65 points to be eligible, the criterions for the same are mentioned below,

⦁ Age: The applicant should not be more than 45 years old
⦁ Nominated Occupation: The applicants must be able to nominate an occupation in accordance to the consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) as per their skills, qualifications and experience.
⦁ English Language Ability: The applicants must prove that meet the minimum requirements specified by the Australian Immigration department and to prove so they need to submit the score cards from different language assessment examinations like IELTS, TOEFL (ibt), PTE (A) etc.
⦁ Experience: The applicants must be able to provide details of relevant work experience both inside Australia and outside as per the demands of Nominated occupation
⦁ Education: The applicants must provide details of Education
⦁ Skill Assessment: The applicants must secure a positive skill assessment report from the relevant authorities for filing of the application.
⦁ Maintenance funds: The applicants should show sufficient maintenance funds to obtain sponsorship from state territory. (if required)