Australia PR for Professionals in STEM and Healthcare in 2025-26

Aspect

Details

PR Pathways

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Eligibility Criteria

Relevant occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Positive Skills assessment

English proficiency (IELTS/PTE)

Minimum 65 points on the PR Points calculator

Top Occupations in Demand

Software Engineers

ICT Business Analysts

Mechanical Engineers

Civil Engineers

Nurses

Doctors

Physiotherapists

Aged Care Workers

Processing Time

6–12 months (depending on visa subclass and demand)

Success Rate

Skilled Migration visas had a grant rate of ~72% in 2023–24 (according to DHA data)

Australia PR Pathway

Details

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This Visa type is one of the most sought-after visas for STEM and healthcare professionals, as it grants direct Australia PR without any requirement for sponsorship. To be eligible, you must: 

• Have your occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL)
• Have obtained a positive skill assessment report from the relevant authority.
• Have scored a minimum of 65 points in the points test for Australia PR and lodged an Expression of Interest (EOI Australia)
• Have received an invitation to apply from the Australian Government 

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The subclass 190 visa is another direct permanent residency visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. 

This visa pathway is ideal for candidates whose occupation is not competitive enough for the 189 visa but is in demand in certain states. The benefits of this pathway include:

• State nomination adds 5 points to your points test score
• Many states publish state occupation lists, prioritising healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, and allied professionals) and STEM job roles
• Also, you must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least 2 years after the visa approval

Skilled Work Regional (Provincial) Visa (Subclass 491)

Thus, the 491 visa is a 5-year provincial visa that provides a direct pathway to permanent residency under the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years of residing, working, and meeting income requirements in regional Australia. This visa program includes:

• Requires state or territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.
• You receive 15 extra points for regional nomination, making it easier for professionals with lower scores to qualify.
• This visa encourages individuals to settle in regional Australia, where demand for healthcare and STEM professionals is often high
• Once you meet the residency and work requirements, you can transition to permanent residency 

Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186 and 482)

Employer-sponsored visas are often considered the fastest and most secure way to relocate to Australia if you already have a job offer. Two main pathways under this visa include:

1. Temporary Skilled Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This Skills In Demand (Subclass 482) Visa from India allows employers to sponsor overseas workers in occupations listed on the short and medium-term skills list.

The duration of this visa generally ranges from 2 to 4 years, and visa holders can gain eligibility to permanent residency under the Subclass 186 visa.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) 

The Subclass 186 visa is a direct permanent residency visa pathway sponsored by an Australian employer. Applicants under this visa are required to have a full-time job offer in an eligible occupation to gain eligibility. 

Occupation (STEM/Healthcare)

Assessing Authority

ICT Business Analyst, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Developer Programmer

ACS (Australian Computer Society)

Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Chemical, etc.)

Engineers Australia (EA)

Medical Practitioners (General Practitioners, Specialists, Surgeons)

AMC (Australian Medical Council)

Registered Nurses (all categories)

ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council)

Midwives

ANMAC

Physiotherapists

APC (Australian Physiotherapy Council)

Pharmacists

APharmC (Australian Pharmacy Council)

Dentists

ADC (Australian Dental Council)

Occupational Therapists

OTC (Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd.)

Radiographers, Medical Radiation Practitioners

ASMIRT (Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy)

Psychologists

APS (Australian Psychological Society)

Audiologists

Audiology Australia

Social Workers

AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers)

Laboratory Technicians / Scientists

VETASSESS / AIMS (Australian Institute of Medical & Clinical Scientists)

University Lecturers / Researchers (STEM-related)

VETASSESS