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C.A. · Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1803385)

Kompass Global Advisory — Immigration · Global Mobility · International Advisory

Skilled migration · Australia

Australian skilled migration, step by step

The deepest skilled programme of any destination we work with: independent, state-nominated and regional streams, plus employer sponsorship with a clear path to permanent residence.

See the costs for your familyCheck your points

The journey

Your Australian PR journey

  1. 1
    Step 1Skills assessment

    Your qualifications and experience are assessed for your occupation. This decides whether the occupation is open to you. Some assessments ask for your English test result when you lodge, so the test and the assessment are planned together.

    How Kompass helps: We confirm the right occupation for your profile, check every document before you lodge, and manage the assessment from start to finish.

  2. 2
    Step 2English test

    A recognised English test shows your level, and higher scores earn more points. Some assessing bodies need the result at the time you apply, so this step can come before, or alongside, your skills assessment.

    How Kompass helps: We tell you which test and score to aim for, and when to book it, so you do not pay for a retake you did not need.

  3. 3
    Step 3Expression of Interest

    Your details and points are registered with the Department of Home Affairs. This puts you in line for an invitation.

    How Kompass helps: We prepare and lodge it for you, claim every point you are entitled to, and keep it accurate while you wait.

  4. 4
    Step 4Invitation and nomination

    For the 189 you wait for an invitation. For the 190 and 491, a state or territory nominates you first.

    How Kompass helps: We plan which pathway fits your occupation and points, and prepare your state nomination application.

  5. 5
    Step 5Visa application

    Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge. The application includes your family, health examinations and police certificates.

    How Kompass helps: We prepare and lodge the application with your family included, and handle every request from the Department.

  6. 6
    Step 6Visa granted

    The visa is granted. The 189 and 190 give permanent residence. The 491 is a provisional visa with a pathway to PR.

    How Kompass helps: We guide you on your first entry, and on the steps towards PR if you hold a 491.

Visa routes

Skilled and employer-sponsored visas

189 · Skilled Independent

Points-tested permanent residence with no sponsor or nomination required.

Read more about subclass 189
  • Invited from SkillSelect
  • Live and work anywhere in Australia
  • Usually needs a high points score
190 · Skilled Nominated

State or territory nomination adds five points and a separate invitation round.

Read more about subclass 190
  • State nomination adds 5 points
  • Expect a commitment to live in that state
  • Each state has its own occupation list
491 · Skilled Work Regional

Five-year provisional visa in a designated regional area, leading to subclass 191.

Read more about subclass 491
  • Nomination adds 15 points
  • Live and work in a designated regional area
  • Pathway to PR after the required period
482 · Skills in Demand

Employer-sponsored temporary work visa across specialist, core and essential streams.

Read more about subclass 482
  • Needs an approved employer to sponsor you
  • Skills, experience and salary requirements apply
  • Can lead to permanent residence through the 186
186 · Employer Nomination Scheme

Permanent employer-sponsored residence, direct entry or temporary residence transition.

Read more about subclass 186
  • Your employer nominates you, with no points test
  • Two routes: direct entry, or transition from a temporary visa
  • Usually needs a skills assessment and relevant experience

Free points calculator for skilled migration

Open the points calculator

Your family

Who can come with you?

Main applicant
  • Holds the skills assessment and the English test result
  • Must be under 45 when invited
  • Needs at least 65 points to be in line for an invitation; higher scores are invited first
Partner
  • Can be included in your application
  • A partner with a positive skills assessment and competent English can add points to your score
  • A single applicant, or one whose partner is an Australian citizen or PR holder, can also claim extra points
  • An adult partner without functional English may have to pay an extra charge
Children
  • Dependent children can be included in the application
  • No skills assessment or English test is needed for them
  • Each child needs a health examination, and older children may need police certificates

Costs

See what each stage costs for your family

Fill this out to see the government and third-party costs, stage by stage, in Australian dollars (A$) and Indian rupees (₹).

FAQs

FAQs

Can my partner come with me to Australia?
Yes. Your partner can be included in your visa application as a secondary applicant, and receives the same visa as you once it is granted. A genuine marriage or de facto relationship is required. Your partner can live, work and study in Australia.
Does my partner need a skills assessment or English test?
Not to be included. But if your partner has a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation and competent English, you can claim extra points. An adult partner without functional English may have to pay an additional charge at the visa stage, so it is worth planning for this early.
Can my children be included, and do they need to take any tests?
Yes. Dependent children can be included in the application. They do not need a skills assessment or an English test. Each child needs a health examination, and older children may need police certificates.
What if I have a child after I apply?
A child born after you lodge can usually be added to the application. Tell us as soon as the child is born, because the timing and paperwork matter.
How many points do I need?
The pass mark is 65 points. But a score at the pass mark rarely gets an invitation for the 189. Competitive occupations often need much more. Our points calculator shows where you stand today.
Is regional worth it?
Often yes. A 491 with genuine regional intent is frequently faster than waiting years for an independent invitation.
Is there an age limit?
You must be under 45 when you are invited to apply. Points for age are highest between 25 and 32, and fall after that.
Is my occupation on the skilled occupation list?
Each visa uses an occupation list, and state lists differ. Occupations can move on and off the lists. Pick your occupation in the cost planner above, or book a quick call, and we will confirm where it stands.
Why do I need a skills assessment, and who does it?
A skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience match the occupation you are nominating. The right assessment depends on your occupation. We guide you on the right one for your profile and manage the application.
How much does the whole process cost?
Official costs depend on your visa, your family and your occupation. The cost planner on this page shows each stage in Australian dollars and Indian rupees. It covers government and third-party charges only. Our professional fees depend on the scope of work, and we share them at your consultation.
How long does it take?
It depends on your occupation, your points and your skills assessment. Assessment and testing often take a few months. After that, the wait for an invitation can vary widely. Once you are invited, you have 60 days to lodge, and processing times then apply. A consultation gives you a realistic timeline for your own profile.
Is a visa guaranteed if my points are high?
No. The Department of Home Affairs and the state or territory make the decisions. No agent can promise an outcome. What we do is make sure your application is accurate, complete and put in the best position.
Can I do this myself without an agent?
You are free to. The process rewards careful preparation, because small errors can cost points or time. Many people book a consultation to confirm their pathway and then decide how much help they need.
What happens if I do not get an invitation?
You stay in the pool while your EOI remains valid. We look at ways to improve your position, such as better English, a different occupation, a state nomination or a partner's points.

This page is general information, not migration advice for your situation. Rules, lists and fees change. Book a consultation and we will confirm what applies to you before you act.

Still have questions? Talk to us.

The free 15-minute call is with our Registered Migration Agent for Australian visas, and answers what this page does not. For a full assessment and a letter of advice, book the paid Australia Immigration consultation.

Book a free 15-minute callWhatsApp us