What is SkillSelect Australia and the Different Visa Categories of SkillSelect

Are you considering making a fresh start in the Land Down Under? Are you a skilled professional looking to migrate to Australia? If so, you're in the right place! Australia's Skill Select program offers a pathway for individuals with the expertise and qualifications to embark on a new chapter in this diverse and vibrant country.

In this blog, we'll explore the ins and outs of Australia's skilled migration opportunities, answering key questions and guiding you on your journey to becoming a skilled migrant in Australia.

What is SkillSelect Australia?

SkillSelect is Australia's online application system for skilled professionals seeking to express their interest in obtaining a skilled migration visa to live and work in the country. This system allows the Australian Government and regional governments to invite qualified workers to apply for visas.

SkillSelect and Expression Of Interest (EOI) Australia

SkillSelect, Australia's online gateway for skilled migration applications is a program that targets specific occupations based on skill shortages, making the selection process highly competitive. To embark on your visa journey successfully, it's essential to review your visa options thoroughly.

• Firstly, to receive an invitation, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and have your skills and work experience assessed by an Australian assessing authority. Also, it is critical to ensure that you have the required number of points (a minimum of 65, but some occupations may necessitate more) to be eligible for an invitation.

• Once you submit your EOI, it becomes visible to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), state and territory governments, and Australian employers. Your EOI remains valid for 24 months, allowing you to make updates to improve your points during this period. However, once you receive an invitation, no further alterations can be made to your points.

• The accuracy of the claims you make in your EOI is crucial since your General Skilled Migration visa application will be decided based on this information. Overclaiming points for work experience or failing to provide satisfactory evidence of your employment history is a common reason for visa application rejection.

• Finally, when you receive an invitation, the time limit to apply after being invited is 60 days. Therefore, meticulous preparation and ensuring all required documents are ready for upload on the SkillSelect system within this timeframe are paramount to your success.

How Does SkillSelect Work?

Below is an easy-to-understand step of the SkillSelect Program and how it works for Australian skilled immigration. It's important to note that this process allows skilled individuals to express their interest in migrating to Australia, and it gives employers and government bodies the opportunity to select individuals who match their needs for specific jobs or skills.

• Fill Out Your Information: First, you fill in your details using the online form provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Additionally, GetGIS Australian immigration counselors will be happy to assist you with this. Book Here!
• Take a Skill Test: You'll need to take a skill test to evaluate your abilities. This test measures your proficiency in the English language, your educational qualifications, and your skills.
• Choose a Visa Category: Next, you select an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the specific visa category that suits your qualifications and experience.
• Get Invited by Employers or Governments: Once your EOI is in the system, Australian employers or government authorities from different states and territories might invite you to apply for a visa. This invitation is part of the process and often involves a nomination or sponsorship. This step is essential for most skilled worker visas.
• Complete Your Visa Application: After receiving an invitation, you complete a visa application. This involves providing the necessary documents and fulfilling the requirements of the specific visa category you've been invited for.
• Receive Your Visa: You will be granted a visa if your application is approved. With this visa, you can live and work in Australia legally.

What Happens If You Are Not Nominated?

Not everyone who submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) will receive a nomination for a visa application. SkillSelect doesn't offer updates on the status of your EOI or whether it will lead to a nomination. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) does release the minimum skill test scores required for EOI approval after each invitation round. These published cut-off scores can give you insight into what to anticipate in the future.

What is Bridging Visas?

A Bridging visa is a temporary visa that permits you to remain in Australia after your current substantive visa expires, and it covers the duration when your new substantive visa application is under processing.

A bridging visa has a validity of 28 days. It's important to note that an Expression of Interest (EOI) is not equivalent to a visa application, and submitting an EOI does not grant you a Bridging visa. Your eligibility for a Bridging visa is evaluated only after you've submitted a valid visa application.

What are the Different Visa Categories of SkillSelect?

There are eight distinct visa categories designed for skilled workers within the SkillSelect program, each with specific skill requirements. Below, you'll find an overview of these visa categories and their respective application prerequisites

1. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

For skilled workers seeking permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination. No employer or family sponsorship or state/territory government nomination is required. However, you may need an invitation to apply, along with the following requirements.

• Occupation nomination from the skilled occupation list
• Suitable skills assessment for your occupation
• Age below 50 years
• The score specified in your letter of invitation is based on the points test factors
• Proficiency in English

Explore: Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This permanent resident visa is designed for skilled workers who need to meet certain points-based criteria. It necessitates a nomination from a state or territory government and compliance with the following conditions:

• Nomination in an occupation listed in the relevant skilled occupation list
• Possession of a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
• Age under 50 years
• Attainment of the score specified in your invitation letter based on the points test factors
• Proficiency in English
• Nomination by an Australian state or territory government agency

Also Read: Discover Opportunities with Australia Visa Subclass 190

3. Subclass 457 – Temporary Work Visa (For skilled workers only)

A temporary visa for skilled workers with employer sponsorship. It Requires the sponsor and work both to be in a nominated occupation.

4. Subclass 489 – Skilled Regional Visa (Provisional)

A 4-year visa for skilled workers to live and work in specific Australian regions. The requirements differ based on whether you are applying under the invited or extended stay pathway.

A. Extended Stay Pathway

To qualify for this pathway, you must have previously held a provisional visa in subclass 496, 495, 487, or 475. If you've held more than one of these visas, you are not eligible for the Subclass 489 visa through the Extended Stay Pathway. The Requirements for the Extended Stay pathway are

• Meet health requirements.
• Meet character requirements.
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
• Be willing to sign the Australian Values Statement.

B. Invited Pathway

If you have not previously held a provisional visa, the Invited Pathway is the route for you. To be eligible for an invitation to apply for the Subclass 489 visa through this pathway, you must meet specific criteria.

• Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency
• Alternatively, be sponsored by an eligible relative residing in a Designated area of Australia
• Not yet reached 50 years of age
• Possess at least competent English language skills
• Meet health requirements
• Meet character requirements
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
• Be willing to sign the Australian Values Statement

5. Subclass 132 – Business Talent Visa (Permanent)

An entrepreneur visa for establishing or developing a new business or enhancing an existing business in Australia.

• Eligibility requires a nomination from a state or territory government agency and an invitation to apply from the minister.
• Two distinct streams are available

• Significant Business History: Requires net business and personal assets of at least AUD1.5 million and an annual business turnover of at least AUD3 million.
• Venture Capital Entrepreneur: Involves obtaining a minimum of AUD1 million in venture capital funding to initiate the commercialization and development of a high-value business concept in Australia.

Read: Australia Business Visa from India: Subclass 600

6. Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme

A permanent residence visa based on employer nomination. The following are the requirements

• Nomination by an approved Australian employer.
• Age below 50 years, unless exempt.
• Fulfillment of skills, qualifications, and English language requirements, unless exempt.
• Application under the nominated stream, which includes the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, the Direct Entry stream, or the Agreement stream.

7. Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa

A permanent resident visa for skilled workers working in regional Australia. The following are the requirements

• Nomination by an approved Australian employer for a regional job (excluding Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, or Melbourne).
• Age below 50 years, unless exempt.
• Fulfillment of skills, qualifications, and English language requirements, unless exempt.
• Application under the nominated stream, which includes the Temporary Residence Transition stream, the Direct Entry stream, or the Agreement stream.

8. Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Provisional)

An entrepreneur visa is for business ownership, management, or investment in Australia. To apply for this visa requires nomination by a state or territory government, as well as an invitation from the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.

Unlock Your Australian Dream with GetGIS

In this comprehensive exploration of SkillSelect and its various visa categories, we've uncovered the gateway to realizing your Australian dreams. SkillSelect Australia offers a streamlined path to skilled migration, and the diverse visa options cater to a spectrum of qualifications and experiences.

As you embark on this journey, remember that the experts at GetGIS are here to guide you every step of the way. With our end-to-end support and your determination, you can navigate the complexities of Australian immigration and pave the way for a successful, enriching future down under. Schedule a Free Consultation.