How Can I Apply for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024?

The Australian Government launched a General Skilled Migration Program to attract skilled migrants who possess the potential and skills to boost the Australian economy and occupy vacancies that cannot be filled by local workers. Internationally skilled migrants and workers have high job participation rates in Australia, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth and resulting in more jobs.

Moreover, the Department of Home Affairs is now prioritizing the Australian skilled migration visa to overcome the skills and labor shortages in regional areas. The government has set a new target of hiring 190,000 new skilled migrants for the program year 2023–2024. Additionally, the immigration process to Australia has been simplified, offering skilled migrants a fantastic chance to migrate in 2024. 

Therefore, understanding the basic eligibility criteria and application process for an Australian skilled migration visa is important to avoid rejection. Let’s delve together to learn more about an Australian skilled migration visa.

What is an Australian Skilled Migration Visa?

An Australian skilled migration visa allows skilled workers and individuals to live or work in Australia for up to five years. With this visa, applicants can also gain permanent residency in Australia. A family, an independent entity, or a state or territory can sponsor visas under the General Skilled Migration program. These visas follow the points-based test system, and candidates must score at least 65 points to get successful approval of their visa application. 

What are the Types of Australian Skilled Migration Visa?

The Australian skilled migration visa is subdivided into three major categories, which are:

• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)

• Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 491)

Let’s discuss these types in detail.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This is a permanent visa that allows international skilled workers to live and work in Australia to meet the skills shortage in certain areas. This visa is point-tested and designed for those foreign workers who are not sponsored by Australian employers. However, your occupation must be mentioned in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).  

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

A skilled nominated visa (subclass 190) permits nominated skilled professionals to live and work permanently in Australia. Under this visa, you can live and work anywhere in Australia for up to five years. Candidates must be nominated by an Australian state or territory to gain permanent residency in Australia with this visa. 

3. Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa (Subclass 491)

This is a provisional visa designed for skilled workers who wish to reside and work in regional Australia. With this visa, you can live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. This visa allows multiple entries to Australia within the specified time period. Moreover, you can apply for PR after completing three years of residency in Australia.

What is the Eligibility Criteria for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024?

All candidates need to meet the eligibility requirements before applying for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024. Each category has its own set of requirements. However, the general requirements include: 

• You must choose an occupation listed in Australia’s relevant skilled occupation list (SOL).
• You must be proficient in the English language to get successful approval for your skilled visa in Australia in 2024. 
• You must possess a positive skills assessment report from recognized Australian authorities.
• You need to score at least 65 points on a points-based test system. These points are given after assessing your age, skills, qualifications, and work experience.
• Before applying for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024, make sure you meet certain health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

How to Apply for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024?

The Australian visa application process is very challenging and requires careful planning to get successful approval for your visa application. Below is a detailed analysis of the steps of the application process for an Australian skilled migration visa.

• Check your eligibility.

• Obtain a positive skills assessment.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

• Receive an invitation to apply for a visa.

• Submit your application.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

The Australian skilled migration visa has different streams, each with its own eligibility and requirements. Therefore, you must check whether you are eligible for a certain stream before applying for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024.

Step 2: Get a Positive Skills Assessment

A skills assessment evaluates a candidate’s skills and qualifications relevant to the designated occupation. Therefore, applicants need to obtain a positive skills evaluation for the job they have selected. The Department of Home Affairs confirms that your skills meet the Australian requirements through this skills assessment.

Important information:

The Australian government has implemented strict procedures for skills assessment to ensure hiring only those individuals who can positively impact the Australian economy. For this purpose, 39 skilled migration assessment authorities are currently in place to assess visa applicants’ skills and qualifications. Getting a positive outcome from a skills assessment is critical, and you must be prepared for this step. Contact us if you need any assistance regarding skills assessments.

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest

You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect to apply for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024. Specify your visa type and mention all the necessary information and details in your EOI.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply

Once you have submitted your EOI, wait for the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for your visa. If you obtain at least 65 points, the Department will invite you to submit an application for your visa. A higher score means more chances of getting an invitation to apply for your visa.

Step 5: Submit the Visa Application

Download the application form from the ImmiAccount website and fill out the form correctly. Attach all the necessary and supporting documents to that application form and submit it.

What is the Fee Cost to Apply for an Australian Skilled Migration Visa in 2024?

The fee cost for an Australian skilled migration visa involves the main application fee and additional charges. The fee cost for visa applications of different streams is mentioned in the following table:

Apart from the main application fee, the candidates are required to pay additional charges for the English language test, skills assessment, medical examination, and police clearance certificate. 

Are you still confused? It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer. 

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is an authorized organization that provides authentic visa and education consultations to its clients. Our team of immigration lawyers and MARA-certified agents provides candidates with customized solutions by assessing their skills, age, qualifications, and work experience. 

We offer a wide range of services, covering everything from initial consultation to the final steps of getting successful approval of your prior GSM visa. Therefore, schedule an online appointment now and get customized solutions for all your visa-related problems.

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FAQs

What is the new Skills in Demand visa for Australia in 2024?

The Australian Government has launched a new Skills in Demand visa as a replacement for the Temporary Skills Shortage visa (subclass 482). Visa applications for this stream will be processed within a seven-day period in order to maintain the integrity of the workforce department.

What happens if my skills assessment expires during the 189 or 190 invitation?

You will not be able to accept the invitation because your skills evaluation needs to be current at the time of the invitation rather than when you apply for a visa.

What is the minimum point score required for an Australian skilled migration visa?

You need to score at least 65 points on the points assessment to qualify for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024. The score depends on various factors, including English language proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications.

What is a general skilled migration (GSM) program in Australia?

The general skilled migration (GSM) program is designed for skilled workers to meet Australia’s labor or skills shortage. The program intends to fill the positions where no Australian workers are available. Moreover, this program also focuses on regional development by inviting skilled workers to regional Australia through state or territory nomination.

What is the eligibility criteria for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024?

Here is the list of requirements that you need to consider before applying for a general skilled migration visa in Australia:

• You must be under 45.
• You must have a valid passport.
• You must be proficient in the English language.
• You must possess relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience.
• Your occupation must be mentioned in the skilled occupation list (SOL).
• You must meet certain health and character requirements to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, the Australian skilled migration visa is a golden opportunity for skilled workers and migrants to grab in 2024. The Australian Government is prioritizing skilled migrants, especially in regional areas, to meet the skills shortage in the country. 

Therefore, check your eligibility, meet the requirements, and apply for an Australian skilled migration visa in 2024. However, it is better to seek professional assistance if you need clarification. You can also contact us at The Migration to get help regarding lodging a flawless visa application and a positive outcome of the skills assessment.