Work visas for moving to Australia

Skills in Demand visa (Core Skills stream) for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List.

Processing time

1-4 months

Validity

2 years

Government fees

AUD $3,210

Requirements

• Job offer from Australian employer
• Employer sponsors visa
• Occupation on Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• 1+ year relevant work experience
• English proficiency (IELTS 5.0)

Documents you will need

• Valid US passport: With adequate validity
• Sponsor nomination: From employer
• Skills assessment (optional): If required for occupation
• English test results: IELTS, PTE, etc.
• Work experience proof: Reference letters

Worth knowing

• High-income specialist roles may qualify for the Specialist Skills stream
• Check the Core Skills Occupation List before applying
• Partner can work full-time

Skills in Demand visa (Specialist Skills stream) for high-income specialist roles - pathway to PR.

Processing time

1-4 months

Validity

4 years

Government fees

AUD $3,210

Requirements

• Guaranteed earnings at or above the Specialist Skills income threshold (no occupation list)
• Employer sponsorship
• 1+ year relevant work experience
• IELTS 5.0 overall

Documents you will need

• Skills assessment: From relevant authority
• Qualification proof: Degrees, certifications
• Experience letters: Detailed reference letters

Worth knowing

• No occupation list - open to most high-income specialist roles
• Pathway to Subclass 186 (permanent visa) after 2 years
• Higher income threshold but faster processing than Core Skills

Path to residency: Subclass 186 after 2 years

Permanent residence visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement who can make a meaningful contribution to Australia.

Processing time

2-6 months

Validity

Permanent Residence

Government fees

AUD $4,985

Requirements

• Internationally recognised record of exceptional, outstanding achievement
• Standing in research/academia, critical or emerging technologies, business and innovation, the arts, or sport
• Written invitation to apply (issued after a selected Expression of Interest)
• Nomination by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in your field (Form 1000)

Documents you will need

• Expression of Interest: Submitted first - an invitation is required before applying
• Evidence of achievements: Awards, publications, patents, peer recognition
• Statement of contribution: How you will benefit Australia in your field
• Form 1000 nomination: From an Australian individual/org with national reputation in your field

Worth knowing

• Top priority for global award winners and government-nominated candidates
• Tier One priority sectors: critical technologies, health, renewables and low-emissions
• No fixed salary threshold (unlike the former Global Talent visa)
• Family can be included

Points-based permanent visa - no employer sponsorship needed.

Processing time

6-12 months

Validity

Permanent Residence

Government fees

AUD $4,910

Requirements

• Occupation on skilled occupation list
• Positive skills assessment
• Minimum 65 points on points test
• IELTS 6.0 each band
• Under 45 years old

Documents you will need

• Skills assessment: From assessing authority
• English test: IELTS, PTE, etc.
• Qualification evidence: All degrees/certs
• Police clearances: From all countries lived

Worth knowing

• No job offer needed
• Very competitive - higher points = better chance
• Consider state nomination (190) for extra 5 points
• Strong English (8.0+ IELTS) adds significant points

Permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Direct Entry stream suits offshore applicants; Temporary Residence Transition suits those already on a 482/TSS after the qualifying period.

Processing time

13-14 months (Direct Entry)

Validity

Permanent Residence

Government fees

From AUD $4,910 (main applicant)

Requirements

• Nomination by an approved Australian employer for a genuine, ongoing role
• Occupation eligible for the relevant stream
• Positive skills assessment (Direct Entry) and at least 3 years relevant experience
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent)
• Under 45 at time of application (limited exemptions)

Documents you will need

• Employer nomination: Approved nomination for the position
• Skills assessment: For the Direct Entry stream
• English test results: IELTS, PTE, or equivalent
• Work experience evidence: Reference letters covering 3+ years

Worth knowing

• Grants permanent residency directly - a path to citizenship
• Temporary Residence Transition stream is easier if you have held a 482 with the employer
• Direct Entry stream is designed for offshore applicants
• Family members can be included

Path to residency: This IS a permanent residence visa

Points-based permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. State nomination adds 5 points and can open occupations not regularly invited under 189.

Processing time

6-12 months

Validity

Permanent Residence

Government fees

AUD $4,945

Requirements

• Nomination by an Australian state or territory government
• Occupation on the nominating state's list
• Positive skills assessment
• Minimum 65 points (state nomination adds 5)
• Competent English and under 45 at invitation

Documents you will need

• State nomination: From the nominating state/territory
• Skills assessment: From the relevant assessing authority
• English test: IELTS, PTE, or equivalent
• Points evidence: Age, education, experience documentation

Worth knowing

• State nomination adds 5 points over the 189
• States target genuine local skills shortages - occupation lists differ by state
• Carries a 2-year obligation to live and work in the nominating state
• Good option if your occupation is not regularly invited under 189