Australia is a huge country with considerable skills shortage in many of its important industries, be it engineering, mining, food and hospitality management or even building and construction. As a result, in order to attract more skilled labour into the country, the Government has different types of visas where each suited to different applicants.

  1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

    This stream is for point tested skilled points calculator workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
    For the Skilled Independent (Points-tested) stream you need to submit an expression of interest (EOI). If you are a New Zealand citizen you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) (new Zealand Stream)

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Have a relevant occupation on the 189 skilled occupation list (MLTSSL)
    • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
    • Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
    • Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points but refer to minimum 80 points – contact Empire for more details.
    • Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
    • Have competent English
    • Meet health and character requirements
    • Be invited to apply.
  2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

    This Visa allows you to Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers who hold occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List may be eligible for a Subclass 190 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be nominated by a state or territory government.
    The Skilled Nominated Work Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

    • Work and live in Australia indefinitely
    • Opportunity to study in Australia
    • Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
    • Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
    • Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
    • Travel in and out of Australia as you please

    Eligibility Requirements:

    You must meet the following requirements in order to apply:

    If you are eligible for this visa and wish to apply for it; you can submit an EOI (Expression of Interest) through the Skill Select program of the DHA. Upon reviewing your EOI, the authorities will be inviting you to apply for the visa . An EOI expires after two years if no invitation is received

  3. Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) (Provisional) Visa

    This is a provisional visa. It is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.

    Requirements:

    • Stay in Australia for 5 years
    • Live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
    • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
    • Apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Be nominated to apply by a state or territory government agency, or an eligible relative must sponsor you
    • Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
    • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
    • Be invited to apply
    • Satisfy the points test

    With this Visa, you can

    • Stay in Australia for 5 years
    • Live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
    • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
    • Apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted

Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) (Provisional) Visa – Subsequent entrant

This visa is for a member of the family unit of someone who holds a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
You must:

Requirements:

  • Be one of the members of the family unit, of a subclass 491 visa holder.
  • If you are in Australia when you lodge your application you must hold a substantive visa or a subclass 010 Bridging A visa, a subclass 020 Bridging B visa or a subclass 030 Bridging C visa.

With this visa you can

  • Stay in Australia while the visa is valid
  • Live, work and study in a specified regional area of Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid

Connect With Us

Brisbane: Suit 1, LEVEL 5, 141 QUEEN STREET
(T & C Building) Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Sydney: G/F 20 Hunter st, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia