Important
This article is general information only.
Workinitiatives does not provide migration advice, legal advice, education advice, visa eligibility assessments, or visa application support.
Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before making decisions about a visa application.
What are skilled visas?
Skilled visas are Australian visa options for people who have skills, qualifications, work experience, or occupations that may be needed in Australia. Some skilled visas require an employer to sponsor or nominate you. Others may require nomination by a state or territory government, sponsorship by an eligible relative, or a commitment to live and work in a regional area. The Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list summarises occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages. The occupation list used can depend on the visa subclass and program requirements.
Common skilled visa options
Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482
The Skills in Demand visa, subclass 482, is a temporary employer-sponsored visa.
This visa may allow an approved employer to sponsor a skilled worker to fill a role they cannot fill locally.
General points to know:
it is a temporary visa
you usually need an approved sponsor
you usually need to be nominated for the visa
you must meet the relevant skill and English language requirements
This visa replaced or updates previous references to the Temporary Skill Shortage visa in current Department of Home Affairs skilled visa information. Check the Department of Home Affairs for current subclass 482 requirements.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, subclass 494
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, subclass 494, is a provisional employer-sponsored regional visa.
This visa may allow eligible skilled workers to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. The Department of Home Affairs states that this visa is for people sponsored by an employer in regional Australia.
General points to know:
you must usually be sponsored by an eligible employer
the role must usually be in a designated regional area
you may be able to travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
eligible visa holders may be able to apply for permanent residence after meeting relevant requirements
Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491
The Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491, is a provisional skilled regional visa.
The Department of Home Affairs describes this visa as being for people nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member to live and work in regional Australia.
General points to know:
you must usually have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
you must usually be nominated by a state or territory government agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative
you must usually live, work, and study in a designated regional area
it is a temporary or provisional visa pathway
it may provide a pathway to permanent residence if eligibility requirements are met
Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa, subclass 186, is a permanent employer-sponsored visa.
This visa may allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently if they are nominated by an Australian employer and meet the relevant requirements.
General points to know:
you must usually be nominated by an Australian employer
you must usually have the required skills and qualifications
you may need to meet English language requirements
eligibility depends on the stream and your circumstances
Skilled Regional visa, subclass 489
The Skilled Regional visa, subclass 489, is closed to new applications. The Department of Home Affairs states that the extended stay pathway and subsequent entrant pathway remain open to eligible applicants.
If you are looking for a current regional skilled visa option, review the subclass 491 or subclass 494 visa information instead.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa, subclass 187
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa, subclass 187, is closed to new applications.
The Department of Home Affairs states that the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the subclass 187 visa remains open to transitional subclass 457 workers and transitional subclass 482 workers.
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, speak with a registered migration agent.
Regional skilled visa information
Some skilled visa options require you to live, work, or study in a designated regional area.
The Department of Home Affairs states that most locations in Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are classed as designated regional areas for migration purposes.
Before applying for a regional visa, check:
whether the location is a designated regional area
whether your occupation is eligible
whether you need employer sponsorship
whether you need state or territory nomination
whether you need family sponsorship
whether there is a pathway to permanent residence
whether there are conditions attached to the visa
Basic eligibility factors
Eligibility depends on the specific visa subclass and stream.
Some skilled visa options may require:
Requirement | What it means |
Eligible occupation | Your occupation may need to appear on a relevant skilled occupation list |
Skills and experience | You may need to show that you have the right skills for the role |
Employer sponsorship | An approved employer may need to sponsor or nominate you |
State or territory nomination | A state or territory government may need to nominate you |
Eligible relative sponsorship | Some regional visas may allow sponsorship by an eligible relative |
English language requirements | You may need to meet minimum English language requirements |
Regional location | Some visas require you to live, work, or study in a designated regional area |
Points test | Some visas may require a minimum points score |
Health and character checks | You may need to meet health and character requirements |
Not all requirements apply to every visa. Always check the official visa page for the subclass you are interested in.
Where to check official visa information
Use the Department of Home Affairs website for current information about visa eligibility, conditions, processing, and application requirements.
Useful official resources include:
Department of Home Affairs visa list
Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation list
Department of Home Affairs regional visa information
Department of Home Affairs designated regional areas
Visa Finder
ImmiAccount
The Department of Home Affairs visa list is the best starting point if you are unsure which visa may apply to your circumstances.
Seeking migration advice
Skilled visa eligibility can be complex.
You should consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified migration professional if you are unsure about:
which visa may suit your situation
whether your occupation is eligible
whether you need sponsorship
whether your employer can nominate you
whether a regional pathway applies
what documents you need
whether you may have a pathway to permanent residence
You can use Migration Marketplace to browse and book consultations with migration specialists.