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What skilled visa best suits you?
If you're looking to live and work in Australia, a skilled visa could be the right option for you.
There are a number of different visas that fall under the skilled visa category, each with its own requirements and conditions.
The most common skilled visa is the 189 visa, which allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. Other types of skilled visas include 190 visas (for those who want to live and work in a specific Australian state or territory) and 491 visas (for those who want to live and work in a regional area of Australia).
To be eligible for a skilled visa, you'll need to meet certain criteria, including having an occupation that's on the list of relevant skills and being nominated by an Australian employer or state/territory government.
You'll also need to pass a points-based assessment, which measures your skills and qualifications against a number of factors, including your age, English language ability, and work experience.
Permanent Skilled Independent Visa (subclass189)
The Subclass 189 visa is a highly sought-after Australian visa that offers independent permanent residency to skilled workers. The 189 visa operates on a points-based system and you must have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the medium to long-term occupation list. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other criteria. Meeting the minimum points requirement is necessary to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
The 189 visa provides individuals with the opportunity to live and work in Australia indefinitely. It offers a pathway to Australian citizenship, allowing visa holders to enjoy the benefits of being an Australian citizen, such as voting rights and access to government services.
One of the key advantages of the Subclass 189 visa is the freedom it provides. Visa holders have the flexibility to work in any occupation and in any location within Australia. They are not bound by any specific employer or region, giving them the autonomy to pursue their career goals and personal aspirations.
Another benefit of the 189 visa is the access to Australia's world-class healthcare system. Visa holders can enrol in Medicare, the country's public health care scheme, which provides affordable medical services and access to essential healthcare facilities.
The Subclass 189 visa also allows visa holders to sponsor eligible family members to join them in Australia. This means that individuals can reunite with their partners, children, parents, or other dependent relatives and build a life together in Australia.
Furthermore, the visa offers travel flexibility. Visa holders can travel to and from Australia for a period of five years from the date the visa is granted. This allows individuals to visit their home country, attend important events, or explore other countries while maintaining their Australian residency.
The Subclass 189 visa can lead to Australian citizenship. Once you become a permanent resident through the 189 visa and meet certain eligibility criteria, you can apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for a specified period of time.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190 Visa)
The Subclass 190 visa is a highly sought-after Australian visa category that offers skilled workers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Australia. This points-based visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government or eligible relative and provides various benefits and opportunities. Here is an overview of the Subclass 190 visa:
To be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa, you must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Each state or territory has its own specific criteria and occupation lists, and you must meet their requirements to be eligible for nomination.
Your occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or occupation list of the nominating state or territory. This ensures that your skills and expertise are in demand in that particular region.
The first step in applying for the Subclass 190 visa is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The EOI allows you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and other relevant information to potential nominating states or territories.
The Subclass 190 visa operates on a points-based system. You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the points test to be eligible for an invitation to apply. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria.
The Subclass 190 visa grants you and your included family members permanent residency in Australia. This means you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
As a Subclass 190 visa holder, you have the freedom to work and study in any occupation and in any location within Australia. You are not bound by any specific employer or region, allowing you to pursue your career goals and personal aspirations.
The Subclass 190 visa provides access to Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare. This allows you and your family members to access affordable medical services and healthcare facilities. You may also be eligible for various social security benefits and services provided by the Australian government.
Once you become a permanent resident through the Subclass 190 visa, you can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia. This includes partners, children, parents, or other dependent relatives.
After living in Australia for a specified period as a permanent resident, typically four years, you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. This provides you with the benefits of being an Australian citizen, such as voting rights and access to government services.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
(Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) 491 Visa is a popular Australian visa category that provides skilled workers with an opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. Here's a comprehensive overview of the 491 visa:
The 491 visa aims to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia. Successful applicants and their families are granted a provisional visa, allowing them to live and work in a designated regional area for a period of 5 years.
To be eligible for the 491 visa, applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area. The nomination or sponsorship is a crucial requirement for applying for the visa.
Applicants need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating their interest in the 491 visa. An invitation to apply for the visa is issued based on the EOI, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of visa places.
The 491 visa operates on a points-based system. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other criteria. Meeting the minimum points requirement is necessary to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Visa holders must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. These areas are determined by the Australian government and include cities such as Perth, which is now classified as regional.
The 491 visa offers several advantages, including the opportunity to live in a vibrant regional community, access to employment and education opportunities, eligibility for various regional incentives and benefits, and the option to include family members in the visa application.
After holding the 491 visa for a minimum of 3 years, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. This permanent residency pathway is subject to meeting specific criteria, which can be found on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
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