Australian Skilled Migration Program — Unlock Your Future in Australia
Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program is designed to attract highly skilled workers whose occupations are in demand. This points-tested program offers permanent or provisional residency options, enabling successful applicants and their families to live, work, and settle in Australia — with pathways to citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Skilled Migration Program
- Permanent Residency (PR) for You & Family: Live, work, and study freely across Australia
- No Employer Sponsorship Required: Apply independently or with state nomination
- Access to Medicare: Comprehensive public healthcare for permanent residents
- Education for Children: Access to public schooling and tertiary education with local privileges
- Pathway to Australian Citizenship: Eligible after fulfilling residency and character requirements
- Work & Travel Flexibility: No restrictions on employment or travel (conditions apply for provisional visas)
Main Skilled Visa Categories
| Visa Type |
Description |
PR/Provisional |
| Subclass 189 |
Skilled Independent (Points-tested) |
Permanent |
| Subclass 190 |
Skilled Nominated (State Sponsorship) |
Permanent |
| Subclass 491 |
Skilled Work Regional (State or Family Sponsored) |
Provisional (5 years) with PR pathway |
Visa Application Charges (VAC) — As of 2025
| Applicant |
VAC (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant |
4,640 |
| Secondary Applicant (Over 18) |
2,320 |
| Dependent Child (Under 18) |
1,160 |
Additional charges for English test, skills assessment, medicals, and police clearance apply.
Estimated Visa Processing Times
| Visa Subclass |
Processing Time |
| Subclass 189 |
6-10 months |
| Subclass 190 |
8-12 months |
| Subclass 491 |
9-14 months |
Processing times may vary based on occupation demand and application completeness.
Medicare & Healthcare Access
- Subclass 189 & 190 holders: Full access to Medicare.
- Subclass 491 holders: Access based on reciprocal healthcare agreements or private insurance until PR.
Education for Children
- Children of PR holders (Subclass 189 & 190) receive free or subsidized public schooling.
- For Subclass 491 holders — school fees vary based on state regulations, with concessions in many regions.
Occupation Lists — What Jobs Are In Demand?
- Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) — For Subclass 189 & 190
- Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) — For Subclass 190 only
- Regional Occupation List (ROL) — For Subclass 491
Sample In-Demand Occupations:
- IT Professionals (Software Engineers, Developers)
- Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
- Health Professionals (Nurses, Doctors, Allied Health)
- Accountants, Auditors
- Teachers & Early Childhood Educators
- Skilled Trades (Carpenters, Electricians, Chefs)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Skills Assessment — Obtain a positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- English Language Test — Meet required scores (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL)
- Points Test & Expression of Interest (EOI) — Submit EOI via SkillSelect
- State Nomination (if applicable) — Apply for state/territory nomination (for Subclass 190 or 491)
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) — Receive invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
- Visa Application Lodgement — Submit application with supporting documents
- Health & Character Checks — Complete medical exams and provide police clearance
- Visa Grant — Receive your visa grant notification and make plans to move
Why Apply with Eureka Consultants?
- Accurate Points Assessment & Eligibility Check
- Full Guidance on Skills Assessment & English Testing
- Expert EOI Submission & State Nomination Handling
- Document Preparation, Review & Visa Lodgement
- Post-Visa Settlement Services & PR Pathway Advice
