🔹 1. Permanent Residency (PR) Visas

✳️ General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program

Includes several points-tested visa subclasses:

✅ Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family or nominated by a state

  • Based on points (minimum usually 65+)

  • No need to be in Australia

✅ Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • For workers nominated by an Australian state or territory

  • Extra 5 points for nomination

  • Requires commitment to live in that state

✅ Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

  • For skilled workers nominated by a region/state or sponsored by eligible family

  • Temporary visa valid for 5 years

  • Pathway to PR through the Subclass 191 after 3 years

🔹 Steps for GSM Visas

  1. Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List

  2. Take an English test (usually IELTS, PTE)

  3. Get a skills assessment from a relevant authority

  4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

  5. Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  6. Apply for the visa within 60 days of receiving an ITA

🔹 2. Employer-Sponsored Visas

✅ Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

  • For skilled workers sponsored by an employer

  • Valid for 2–4 years depending on occupation

  • Pathway to PR in many cases

✅ Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

  • Permanent visa

  • For skilled workers nominated by an approved employer

✅ Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)

  • For skilled workers in regional Australia (replaced in part by Subclass 494)

🔹 3. Family Visas

✅ Partner Visa (Subclasses 820/801 and 309/100)

  • For spouses or de facto partners of Australian citizens or PRs

  • Temporary first, then leads to permanent residency

✅ Parent Visas

  • Includes Contributory Parent Visa (faster, higher cost) and Non-contributory (cheaper, longer wait)

✅ Child & Other Family Visas

  • For dependent children, orphan relatives, aged dependent relatives, etc.

🔹 4. Business & Investment Visas

✅ Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188/888)

  • For business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs

  • Must meet net assets, business turnover, or investment thresholds

🔹 5. Temporary Visas

✅ Student Visa (Subclass 500)

  • For international students at registered institutions

  • Work allowed part-time during study

✅ Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

  • For young adults (18–30 or 35, depending on country)

  • Work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months (extendable)

✅ Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

  • For tourism, short-term business or family visits

  • Typically valid for 3, 6, or 12 months

✳️ Points System (for Skilled Visas)

You’re awarded points for:

  • Age (max points at 25–32 years)

  • English proficiency

  • Skilled work experience

  • Education qualifications

  • Australian study or work experience

  • State nomination / regional sponsorship (bonus points)

Minimum points to apply: 65, but higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

🔗 Official Websites & Tools

If you'd like help figuring out your eligibility, feel free to share:

  • Age

  • Occupation

  • Education

  • English test results (if any)

  • Work experience

  • Country of residence