Australia remains one of the top destinations for skilled professionals from Pakistan due to its strong economy, high wages, excellent quality of life, and immigration-friendly policies. The Skilled Migration Program allows qualified individuals to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia, providing access to job opportunities, healthcare, and social benefits. This comprehensive guide outlines the migration process through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491).

Why Choose Australia for Skilled Migration?

• High Employment Opportunities – Growing demand in engineering, IT, healthcare, and construction sectors.
• Permanent Residency (PR) Pathway – Skilled migration visas provide a direct route to PR and, eventually, Australian citizenship.
• Free Healthcare & Education – PR holders benefit from Medicare (public healthcare) and free schooling for children.
• Work-Life Balance – Australia offers a relaxed lifestyle, scenic landscapes, and a strong economy.
• Dependent Family Benefits – Spouse and children can live, work, and study in Australia under the same visa.

Understanding Australia’s Skilled Migration Visas

There are three main visa categories under Australia’s Skilled Migration Program:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
   • No state nomination required.
   • Must meet the points threshold (65+ points).
   • Ideal for skilled professionals without an Australian employer or state sponsorship.
2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
   • Requires state or territory nomination.
   • Provides 5 additional points towards eligibility.
   • Ideal for professionals willing to live in specific Australian states.
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
   • Requires nomination from a state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative.
   • Valid for 5 years, with eligibility for PR after 3 years.
   • Encourages migration to regional areas.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Skilled Migration

To qualify for Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – Your profession must be listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
• Points-Based System (Minimum 65 points required) – Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and state nomination.
• English Language Requirement – IELTS minimum 6.0 in each band (higher scores add points).
• Skill Assessment – Applicants must have their qualifications and work experience assessed by an Australian assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, TRA).
• Health & Character Clearance – Medical examination and police clearance certificate (PCC) are mandatory.

Step-by-Step Process for Australian Skilled Migration

Step 1: Skill Assessment

• Choose the relevant assessing authority based on your occupation.
• Submit documents for assessment.
• Processing time: 8–12 weeks.

Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission

• Create an account on SkillSelect.
• Enter details of your education, experience, and language scores.
• Select visa subclass (189/190/491).

Step 3: State Nomination (For Subclass 190 & 491)

• If applying for Subclass 190 or 491, check each state’s nomination criteria.

Step 4: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

• Applicants with the highest scores receive an ITA via SkillSelect.
• Once invited, 90 days to submit a complete visa application.

Step 5: Visa Application Submission

• Submit all supporting documents, including skill assessment, nomination (if applicable), and health/police checks.
• Pay visa fees: AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant.
• Processing time: 6–12 months.

Step 6: Visa Grant & Relocation

• Receive visa grant notification.
• Arrive in Australia and activate PR status.
• Begin job search and settlement.

How to Improve Your Points Score for Australian Migration

Since 65 points is the minimum requirement, you can improve your score by:

• Scoring Higher in IELTS/PTE – 20 points for IELTS 8.0 in each band.
• Gaining More Work Experience – 15 points for 8+ years of experience.
• Studying in Australia – 5 points for completing a 2-year course in Australia.
• State Nomination (Subclass 190 & 491) – Adds 5 to 15 points.

Costs & Processing Time for Skilled Migration

Processing Time: 6-12 months (Subclass 189/190) and 9-15 months (Subclass 491).

Why Choose Ace Law Pakistan for Australian Skilled Migration?

✅ Expert Guidance – Assistance with Skill Assessment, EOI, and Visa Application. ✅ Higher Success Rate – Maximizing points to increase ITA chances. ✅ Legal Representation – Handling state nominations & appeals. ✅ Settlement Support – Helping with job search and accommodation in Australia.

Final Thoughts

Migrating to Australia is a life-changing decision that requires careful planning. With the right guidance and legal support, you can secure an Australian Skilled Visa and build a successful career. If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to start your Skilled Migration journey, contact Ace Law Pakistan today for a free consultation!