Australia's skilled migration program is one of the most popular pathways for professionals seeking to live and work in Australia. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about skilled migration in 2025.
Understanding the Points-Based System
The Australian skilled migration program operates on a points-based system. To be eligible for most skilled visas, you need to score at least 65 points. However, as of January 2025, competitive scores for invitation rounds typically range from 85-100 points depending on your occupation. The Department of Home Affairs prioritizes higher-scoring candidates and those in critical skill shortage occupations.
Points Breakdown:
Age (Maximum 30 points)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each band): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each band): 20 points
Skilled Employment (Maximum 20 points)
- 3-4 years: 5 points (overseas) / 10 points (Australia)
- 5-7 years: 10 points (overseas) / 15 points (Australia)
- 8+ years: 15 points (overseas) / 20 points (Australia)
Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)
- Doctorate: 20 points
- Bachelor degree: 15 points
- Diploma: 10 points
Main Skilled Visa Subclasses
Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa
A permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Key Requirements:
- Be invited to apply
- Score at least 65 points
- Have a positive skills assessment
- Be under 45 years old
- Meet English language requirements
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Provides an additional 5 points.
Key Requirements:
- State/territory nomination
- Score at least 65 points (including nomination points)
- Commitment to live and work in nominating state for 2 years
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. Can lead to permanent residency.
Benefits:
- Additional 15 points for regional nomination
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191)
- Access to Medicare and study rights
Skills Assessment
Before applying, you must have your skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Different occupations require assessment from different authorities:
- Engineers Australia: For engineering professions
- ACS (Australian Computer Society): For IT professionals
- CPA Australia: For accounting professionals
- VETASSESS: For many other professional occupations
The assessment process typically takes 6-12 weeks and costs between AUD $500-$1,500 depending on the authority.
State Nomination Programs
Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination program with specific requirements and occupation lists. Popular states include:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Strong focus on Sydney and regional areas
- Competitive points requirements
- Regular invitation rounds
Victoria
- Melbourne and regional opportunities
- Pathway programs for graduates
- Industry-specific streams
Queensland
- Growing demand for skilled workers
- Regional opportunities with lower points
- Business and skilled worker streams
South Australia
- Lower points requirements
- Focus on regional migration
- Generous nomination criteria
Western Australia
- Mining and resources sector demand
- Perth and regional pathways
- Graduate occupation list
Application Process
- Skills Assessment: Get your skills assessed (6-12 weeks)
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your EOI through SkillSelect
- Invitation to Apply: Wait for invitation (varies by points and occupation)
- Visa Application: Submit full application within 60 days
- Processing: Wait for decision (6-12 months on average)
- Grant: Receive visa grant and plan your move
Timeline and Costs (2025 Updated)
Total Timeline: 14-28 months from start to visa grant
- Skills assessment: 8-16 weeks
- EOI to invitation: 3-12 months (varies by points and occupation)
- Visa processing: 8-14 months (current average)
Estimated Costs (2025):
- Skills assessment: AUD $550-$1,800 (varies by authority)
- IELTS/PTE: AUD $385-$420
- Visa application fee: AUD $4,640 (main applicant) - increased July 2024
- Additional applicants: AUD $2,320 (adult 18+), AUD $1,160 (child under 18)
- Health examinations: AUD $350-$600 per person
- Police certificates: AUD $50-$250 per country
- Migration agent (optional): AUD $3,000-$8,000
- Total estimated: AUD $6,000-$12,000 for single applicant
Tips for Success (2025 Edition)
- Maximize Your Points: Aim for 90-95+ points for competitive occupations; 85+ for regional or niche occupations
- Improve English: Superior English (IELTS 8.0) adds 20 points - often the easiest way to boost score
- Consider State Nomination: Adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491); many states now have lower requirements than 189
- Gain Australian Experience: Even 1 year of Australian work experience is highly valuable
- Professional Year: Additional 5 points for eligible professions (Accounting, IT, Engineering)
- Partner Skills: Competent partner adds 5 points; skilled partner adds 10 points
- Study in Regional Area: Additional 5 points for 2+ years study
- STEM Qualification: 10 points for doctorate or research master's in STEM from Australian institution
- Monitor Occupation Ceilings: Check SkillSelect for your occupation's invitation trends
- Update EOI Regularly: Keep your Expression of Interest current; update immediately when circumstances change
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting EOI without positive skills assessment
- Underestimating the importance of English scores
- Ignoring state nomination opportunities
- Not keeping documents updated
- Missing invitation deadlines
- Providing incomplete information
Next Steps
- Check your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Assess your points score using an online calculator
- Book your English test and aim for highest possible score
- Start gathering required documents
- Get your skills assessed
- Research state nomination programs
- Submit your Expression of Interest
The Australian skilled migration program offers excellent opportunities for qualified professionals. With proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, you can successfully navigate the process and start your new life in Australia.
For a personalized assessment of your eligibility, try our free AI-powered assessment tool that analyzes your profile and provides detailed recommendations for your best visa pathway.