Doc Summary
- Confirm your occupation is on Australia’s skilled occupation lists and note its ANZSCO code.
- Choose your visa pathway (189, 190, or 491).
- Calculate your points (aim for 65+, more is better).
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the correct authority.
- Meet English, health, and character requirements.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and, if relevant, seek state nomination.
Match your occupation to ANZSCO and the skilled occupation lists #
Start by finding your exact occupation and ANZSCO code, then confirm it appears on the current skilled occupation list used for your target visa. Use:
- Skilled Occupation Lists: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment/skills-occupation-lists
- ANZSCO occupation details: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/classifications/anzsco-australian-and-new-zealand-standard-classification-occupations
Note the tasks, skill level, and any specialisations—your evidence must match this description during skills assessment.
Choose the right visa pathway #
- Skilled Independent (Subclass 189): No sponsor, points-tested. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189
- Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190): State/territory nomination required. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491): Regional nomination or eligible relative sponsor. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491
Your occupation must be on a list that aligns with the visa stream. Some occupations are restricted to specific lists or states.
Calculate your points (minimum 65) #
Points are awarded for age, English, work experience, qualifications, Australian study, partner skills, NAATI, and more. Use the official calculator:
- Age: Highest points typically at 25–32.
- English: Competent, Proficient, or Superior English boosts your score.
- Skilled work: More years, more points (onshore and offshore considered).
- Qualification: Trade, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD.
- Bonuses: Australian study, regional study, partner skills, NAATI CCL, professional year.
While 65 is the minimum, competitive EOIs usually exceed this, especially for popular occupations.
Verify your skills assessment requirement #
A valid, positive skills assessment for your ANZSCO occupation is mandatory before invitation or application (timing varies by visa). Key authorities include:
- VETASSESS (many professional and trade roles): https://www.vetassess.com.au/
- ACS (ICT professionals): https://www.acs.org.au/
- Engineers Australia: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/migration-skills-assessment
Check required documents, employment references, and qualification comparability. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and gap training can help if your evidence is incomplete—see “How RPL can boost your eligibility.”
Prove English language ability #
Most skilled visas require at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 each band or PTE equivalent). Higher scores increase points. Confirm acceptable tests and validity periods:
Check health, character, and age settings #
- Age: Generally under 45 at time of invitation for points-tested visas.
- Health and character: Police checks and medicals required. Details: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/character
Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect #
Create or update your EOI in SkillSelect and enter your points accurately:
Ensure all claims (work experience, qualifications, English, partner skills) can be evidenced. Invitations are issued based on merit, occupation ceilings, and state priorities.
Consider state nomination or regional options #
For the 190 and 491 visas, you must meet state criteria that can include occupation availability, work/study in that state, or regional residency. Check live state requirements (for example, Victoria):
How RPL can boost your eligibility #
Recognition of Prior Learning translates your real-world experience into an Australian qualification, helping with skills assessments, licensing, and points. If you lack formal documents, RPL can close gaps quickly and legitimately. Learn how Skills Campus supports RPL and documentation pathways: https://skillscampus.com.au/
Common pitfalls to avoid #
- Mismatched ANZSCO tasks and employment references.
- Claiming points you cannot prove at time of invitation.
- English or skills assessment results expiring before application.
- Assuming an EOI is a visa application—it isn’t.
- Ignoring state nomination criteria when targeting 190/491.
Fast self-check checklist #
- My occupation and ANZSCO code appear on the right skilled list for my visa.
- I reach at least 65 points (and know how to lift my score if needed).
- I can secure a positive skills assessment from the correct authority.
- My English test meets the visa requirement (and boosts points where possible).
- I meet age, health, and character requirements.
- My EOI information is truthful and fully evidenced.
Next steps #
Unsure where to start? Skills Campus can map your ANZSCO, pre-assess your points, advise on RPL to strengthen your case, and guide your EOI and nomination strategy. Book a personalised eligibility check today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
Skills Campus is your Australian study, skilled migration, and Recognition of Prior Learning partner. Speak to our consultants now: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact
