Australia's general skilled migration program is designed to attract skilled workers from overseas to fill shortages in the Australian labour market. Several different visa categories are available under this program, including subclass 491, subclass 189, and subclass 190 visas. The visas are a points-based visa option.

All three of these visas are designed for skilled workers with the qualifications and experience to fill shortages in specific occupations in Australia. To be eligible for any of these visas, applicants must have a relevant occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and undergo a skills assessment to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and qualifications for their nominated occupation. The primary applicant must be less than 45 when receiving an invitation.  In addition to these requirements, applicants for all three visas must also meet certain health and character requirements.

Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest( EOI) and receive an invitation to lodge a visa application.

Subclass 491 Visa

The subclass 491 visa is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or an eligible family member to be eligible for this visa.  Each state and territory has their own set of occupation lists and requirements for nomination. This visa is a temporary visa valid for five years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

Subclass 189 Visa

The subclass 189 visa is a permanent residence points-based visa that allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Subclass 190 Visa

The subclass 190 visa is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in a specific state or territory in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government to be eligible for this visa. Each state and territory has their own set of occupation lists and requirements for nomination.

Overall, the general skilled migration program is an important way for Australia to attract skilled workers from overseas to fill shortages in the labour market. While the specific requirements for each subclass 491, subclass 189, and subclass 190 visas can vary, all of these visas are designed for skilled workers with the qualifications and experience needed to meet the projected skill requirements for Australia.

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Reach out to SCA Connect for your visa needs today

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SCA Connect helps people across Australia’s biggest cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. We help employers and individuals alike, with advice based on the most current legislation.

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We’re passionate about helping you succeed. To learn more about your visa options or discuss how SCA Connect can assist you, please get in touch with us and embark on your migration journey with the support of an experienced registered agent.