Australian skilled migration
Migration Program Details & Application
Program Overview
Project Description
Australian skilled migration is an immigration pathway established by the Australian government to fill domestic labor market shortages, allowing foreigners with specific skills to apply for permanent residency. Its core logic is "points-based selection"—your age, English proficiency, work experience, and education are all quantified into a score; the higher the score, the greater the chance of receiving an invitation.
Based on whether state government or family sponsorship is required, visas are mainly divided into the following three categories:
• 189 Independent Skilled Migrant Visa: Based entirely on personal merit, with no residency restrictions. This is the most valuable permanent residency visa, but also the most competitive.
• 190 State Nominated Immigration: Requires state government nomination, which adds 5 points to your application. After obtaining the visa, you must live in the nominating state for 2 years.
• 491 Regional Migrant Visa: This is a preliminary permanent residency visa that can add 15 points to your application. After obtaining the visa, you need to work and live in a regional area for 3 years, after which you can apply for the 191 permanent residency visa.
Special note for 2026: The skilled migration quota has been reduced this fiscal year. The invitation scores for popular occupations (IT, engineering) are generally above 90 points, while occupations such as medical, education, and social work still have a chance to be invited with 65-70 points.
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Australian skilled migration is an immigration pathway established by the Australian government to fill domestic labor market shortages, allowing foreigners with specific skills to apply for permanent residency. Its core logic is "points-based selection"—your age, English proficiency, work experience, and education are all quantified into a score; the higher the score, the greater the chance of receiving an invitation.
Based on whether state government or family sponsorship is required, visas are mainly divided into the following three categories:
• 189 Independent Skilled Migrant Visa: Based entirely on personal merit, with no residency restrictions. This is the most valuable permanent residency visa, but also the most competitive.
• 190 State Nominated Immigration: Requires state government nomination, which adds 5 points to your application. After obtaining the visa, you must live in the nominating state for 2 years.
• 491 Regional Migrant Visa: This is a preliminary permanent residency visa that can add 15 points to your application. After obtaining the visa, you need to work and live in a regional area for 3 years, after which you can apply for the 191 permanent residency visa.
Special note for 2026: The skilled migration quota has been reduced this fiscal year. The invitation scores for popular occupations (IT, engineering) are generally above 90 points, while occupations such as medical, education, and social work still have a chance to be invited with 65-70 points.
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Eligibility & Requirements
Application requirements
1. Occupational List
The nominated occupation must be on the relevant occupation list.
• 189 requirement: MLTSSL (Medium- to Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
• 190 requirements: MLTSSL or STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupations List)
• 491 requirements: MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (Regional Occupations List)
Note: The ANZSCO code has been updated in 2026; careful verification is recommended.
2. Age
Applicants must be under 45 years of age when submitting their applications. In the scoring system, those aged 25-32 receive a perfect score of 30 points, while those aged 33-39 receive 25 points.
3. English proficiency
A minimum score of Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent) is required. Higher scores will give you a better chance of getting a higher Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Competent (4 out of 6): 0 points
• Proficient (4 out of 7): +10 points
Superior (4 8s): +20 points
4. Vocational skills assessment
A Positive Skill Assessment issued by a designated assessment body (such as ACS, EA, VETASSESS, etc.) proves that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
5. EOI (Expression of Interest) Score
You need to accumulate at least 65 points (including state sponsorship points). Please note that 65 points is the threshold, not the minimum score required for an invitation. For example, a software engineer might need 85-90 points to receive an invitation.
6. Other requirements
• No criminal record: Must meet character requirements.
• Physical health: A medical examination is required.
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1. Occupational List
The nominated occupation must be on the relevant occupation list.
• 189 requirement: MLTSSL (Medium- to Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
• 190 requirements: MLTSSL or STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupations List)
• 491 requirements: MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (Regional Occupations List)
Note: The ANZSCO code has been updated in 2026; careful verification is recommended.
2. Age
Applicants must be under 45 years of age when submitting their applications. In the scoring system, those aged 25-32 receive a perfect score of 30 points, while those aged 33-39 receive 25 points.
3. English proficiency
A minimum score of Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent) is required. Higher scores will give you a better chance of getting a higher Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Competent (4 out of 6): 0 points
• Proficient (4 out of 7): +10 points
Superior (4 8s): +20 points
4. Vocational skills assessment
A Positive Skill Assessment issued by a designated assessment body (such as ACS, EA, VETASSESS, etc.) proves that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.
5. EOI (Expression of Interest) Score
You need to accumulate at least 65 points (including state sponsorship points). Please note that 65 points is the threshold, not the minimum score required for an invitation. For example, a software engineer might need 85-90 points to receive an invitation.
6. Other requirements
• No criminal record: Must meet character requirements.
• Physical health: A medical examination is required.
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Application Process & Advice
suggestion
1. Three-step strategy for awarding bonus points
• Short-term sprint:
• Spouse bonus: If your partner also passes the skills assessment and has an IELTS score of 6 in each band, you can get 10 bonus points; if you are single, you can get 10 bonus points.
• CCL (Community Language Certification): Pass the NAATI exam and receive 5 extra points.
• PY (Professional Year): Australian graduates can take a 1-year PY course and receive 5 extra points.
• Medium-term planning:
• Work experience: 3 years of overseas experience can add 5 points, and 5 years can add 10 points; Australian local experience can add more points.
• Further education: Pursue a master's or doctoral degree.
Long-term investment:
• Studying in Australia: 5 points for studying in Australia for 2 years; 5 more points for studying in a regional area; 10 more points for a Master’s or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
2. The "Tian Ji Horse Racing" strategy for choosing state sponsorship
Don't just focus on New South Wales and Victoria. Competition will be fierce in 2026; consider the following strategies:
Western Australia (WA): More quotas (3400), and a more favorable pathway for graduates.
Northern Territory (NT) / Tasmania (TAS): Suitable for applicants who are willing to "go to the countryside" and study and work locally.
3. Compliance and Avoiding Pitfalls
• Beware of falsification: Never fabricate work experience or engage in "sham marriage." The immigration authorities will conduct rigorous reviews through social security records, tax returns, and bank statements. If falsification is discovered, you may face a 3-year ban from entering the country.
• EOI "Lifespan": An EOI (Expression of Interest) is valid for 2 years in the SkillSelect system. If your score changes due to age during this period, the system will automatically adjust it.
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Australian Skilled Migrant Visa Points Assessment Checklist (2026 Edition)
Below are the core points-based criteria for Australian skilled migration. You can use these to calculate your own base score:
Specific details of the scoring items and their scores
Age 25-32 years old 30
(Highest score) 33-39 years old 25
English proficiency: IELTS 7 in each band (or PTE 65) 10
(Key Item) IELTS 4 x 8 (or PTE 79) 20
Work experience: 3-5 years of overseas experience.
(Overseas) 5-8 years of overseas experience
PhD 20
15 undergraduate/master's students
College/Vocational Training 10
State/Remote Sponsorship 190 State Sponsorship 5
(A powerful tool for accumulating points) 491 Remote area guarantee 15
Additional requirement: Single/spouse meets condition 10
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Degrees 10
Community Language (NAATI/CCL) 5
Studying in remote areas of Australia 5
Consultation fee: $500
1. Three-step strategy for awarding bonus points
• Short-term sprint:
• Spouse bonus: If your partner also passes the skills assessment and has an IELTS score of 6 in each band, you can get 10 bonus points; if you are single, you can get 10 bonus points.
• CCL (Community Language Certification): Pass the NAATI exam and receive 5 extra points.
• PY (Professional Year): Australian graduates can take a 1-year PY course and receive 5 extra points.
• Medium-term planning:
• Work experience: 3 years of overseas experience can add 5 points, and 5 years can add 10 points; Australian local experience can add more points.
• Further education: Pursue a master's or doctoral degree.
Long-term investment:
• Studying in Australia: 5 points for studying in Australia for 2 years; 5 more points for studying in a regional area; 10 more points for a Master’s or PhD in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
2. The "Tian Ji Horse Racing" strategy for choosing state sponsorship
Don't just focus on New South Wales and Victoria. Competition will be fierce in 2026; consider the following strategies:
Western Australia (WA): More quotas (3400), and a more favorable pathway for graduates.
Northern Territory (NT) / Tasmania (TAS): Suitable for applicants who are willing to "go to the countryside" and study and work locally.
3. Compliance and Avoiding Pitfalls
• Beware of falsification: Never fabricate work experience or engage in "sham marriage." The immigration authorities will conduct rigorous reviews through social security records, tax returns, and bank statements. If falsification is discovered, you may face a 3-year ban from entering the country.
• EOI "Lifespan": An EOI (Expression of Interest) is valid for 2 years in the SkillSelect system. If your score changes due to age during this period, the system will automatically adjust it.
---
Australian Skilled Migrant Visa Points Assessment Checklist (2026 Edition)
Below are the core points-based criteria for Australian skilled migration. You can use these to calculate your own base score:
Specific details of the scoring items and their scores
Age 25-32 years old 30
(Highest score) 33-39 years old 25
English proficiency: IELTS 7 in each band (or PTE 65) 10
(Key Item) IELTS 4 x 8 (or PTE 79) 20
Work experience: 3-5 years of overseas experience.
(Overseas) 5-8 years of overseas experience
PhD 20
15 undergraduate/master's students
College/Vocational Training 10
State/Remote Sponsorship 190 State Sponsorship 5
(A powerful tool for accumulating points) 491 Remote area guarantee 15
Additional requirement: Single/spouse meets condition 10
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Degrees 10
Community Language (NAATI/CCL) 5
Studying in remote areas of Australia 5
Consultation fee: $500