Skilled & Sponsored Work Visas
For qualified professionals and tradespeople, points-tested independent visas, state and regional nomination, and employer-sponsored options.
Australia's skilled migration program is built around occupations the country needs. If your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list and you meet the age, English and skills assessment requirements, there may be more than one pathway open to you, and the right one depends on your points score, your occupation, your state, and whether an employer is willing to sponsor you.
We take the time to map your profile against each option so you understand what is realistically available, what it will take, and how long it is likely to run. Where a pathway isn't currently viable, we say so early rather than after you have spent money on it.
How we help with skilled & sponsored work visas
- Assess your eligibility across the independent, nominated and regional streams
- Calculate your points score and identify where it can realistically be improved
- Advise on state and territory nomination requirements and timing
- Prepare and lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
- Coordinate skills assessments, English testing and supporting evidence
- Prepare employer nomination and sponsorship applications
- Respond to requests for further information from the Department
Visas in this category
Expand any option below for who it suits and what it involves. These summaries are general. Your own eligibility depends on your circumstances.
A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers with an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Applicants who can score competitively on the points test
- People who want permanent residence without being tied to a sponsor or region
Key points
- Permanent residence granted from the outset
- Requires a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Requires an invitation to apply, issued through SkillSelect
- Competent English is the minimum; higher levels attract more points
- Generally requires you to be under 45 at the time of invitation
- No obligation to live or work in a particular state or region
A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers whose occupation appears on a state or territory's nomination list
- Applicants who can commit to living and working in the nominating state
- People whose points score benefits from the additional nomination points
Key points
- Permanent residence granted from the outset
- State or territory nomination adds five points to your score
- Each state sets its own occupation list, criteria and application windows
- Usually carries a commitment to live and work in the nominating state
- Requires a positive skills assessment and an invitation to apply
A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers willing to live, work and study in designated regional Australia
- Applicants with an eligible relative in a regional area who can sponsor them
- People whose points score is not yet competitive for subclass 189 or 190
Key points
- Valid for five years, with a pathway to permanent residence via subclass 191
- Adds fifteen points to your points score
- You must live, work and study only in a designated regional area
- Most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane is regional
- Requires a positive skills assessment and an invitation to apply
An employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa) that lets an approved business sponsor a skilled worker where they cannot source the skills locally.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor
- Employers who need to fill a genuine skills shortage
- Applicants seeking an employer-sponsored route toward permanent residence
Key points
- Three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Essential Skills
- The employer must be an approved sponsor with an approved nomination
- Requires relevant work experience and, in most cases, a skills assessment
- English requirements vary by stream
- May lead to permanent residence through the subclass 186 Transition stream
A permanent employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers with a permanent job offer from an approved employer
- 482 visa holders who have completed the required period with their sponsor
- Workers whose occupation is on the relevant list for the Direct Entry stream
Key points
- Permanent residence granted from the outset
- Direct Entry stream generally requires a skills assessment and three years' experience
- Temporary Residence Transition stream suits existing sponsored employees
- Generally requires you to be under 45, with limited exemptions
- Requires at least Competent English
A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in designated regional Australia.
Who it may suit
- Skilled workers with a job offer from a regional employer
- Employers in regional areas who cannot fill a position locally
- Applicants seeking a regional route to permanent residence
Key points
- Valid for five years, with a pathway to permanent residence via subclass 191
- Requires employer sponsorship and an approved nomination
- Requires a positive skills assessment and three years of relevant experience
- You must live and work only in a designated regional area
- Generally requires you to be under 45
A permanent visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in an eligible field.
Who it may suit
- Exceptionally talented individuals with a demonstrated international record
- Applicants who can be nominated by an eligible Australian nominator
- People able to show they would be an asset to the Australian community
Key points
- Permanent residence granted from the outset
- Invitation-based: you must be invited to apply
- Requires a nominator with a national reputation in your field
- No points test, but the achievement threshold is high
- No formal upper age limit, though age is a consideration
Not sure where you stand?
Book a consultation and get an honest assessment of your options, including the ones that are not open to you yet, and why.
Initial consultations are by appointment, in person in Punchbowl or by video anywhere in Australia and overseas.
- Registered migration agency. MARN 2619475
- Honest assessment, including when a pathway isn't open
- Written quote before any work begins
- In person in Punchbowl, or by video Australia-wide