1. The Australian Skilled Migration Framework
Australia’s skilled migration program is designed to resolve structural labor deficits across engineering, healthcare, information technology, construction, and advanced trades. Administered by the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian system operates through two primary avenues:
- Employer-Sponsored Visas: Requiring an eligible Australian enterprise to nominate you for a specific vacancy.
- Points-Tested General Skilled Migration (GSM): Independent or state-nominated permanent residence visas that do not require an employer sponsor.
2. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS Subclass 482) Visa
The TSS Subclass 482 Visa is the cornerstone temporary employer-sponsored work visa in Australia:
- Sponsorship & Nomination: The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) and obtain an approved nomination for an eligible occupation on the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL).
- Experience Requirement: The applicant must possess at least 2 years of relevant full-time work experience in the nominated occupation.
- TSMIT Salary Threshold: The position must pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of $73,150 AUD per year, plus the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for that role.
- Clear Pathway to PR: Under recent reforms, all TSS 482 visa holders have a direct pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after 2 years with their sponsoring employer.
3. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) PR Route
The Subclass 186 Visa grants direct, unconditional Australian Permanent Residence (PR):
| Stream | Key Eligibility Requirements | Pathway Type |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) | Held a TSS 482 visa with the sponsoring employer for at least 2 years; employer sponsors PR. | Employer-sponsored transition to permanent residence. |
| Direct Entry (DE) | Positive formal skills assessment; at least 3 years relevant work experience; under age 45. | Direct offshore or onshore permanent residency nomination. |
4. General Skilled Migration: Subclass 189 and Subclass 190
If you do not have an Australian job offer, General Skilled Migration allows you to apply for permanent residence independently:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Permanent residence visa that permits you to live and work anywhere in Australia. Requires an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and a competitive score in the SkillSelect points test.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): Permanent residence visa requiring nomination by an Australian State or Territory government (e.g., New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland). Adds 5 bonus points to your points score in exchange for a commitment to live in that state for 2 years.
5. The SkillSelect Points Test: How Points Are Calculated
To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under GSM, candidates submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, competing on points:
- Age (Max 30 Points): Ages 25–32 award maximum 30 points; ages 33–39 award 25 points; ages 40–44 award 15 points.
- English Proficiency (Max 20 Points): Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE Academic 79+ in all bands) awards 20 points; Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65) awards 10 points.
- Educational Qualifications (Max 20 Points): Doctorate awards 20 points; Bachelor's/Master's degree awards 15 points; Trade qualification awards 10 points.
- Skilled Employment (Max 15 Points Overseas / 20 Points Australian): 8+ years overseas experience awards 15 points.
- Partner Skills (Max 10 Points): Single applicants receive 10 points; applicants with a skilled partner with positive skills assessment and competent English receive 10 points.
6. Navigating Australian Skills Assessment Authorities
Every skilled visa application requires a positive formal skills assessment issued by the legislated assessing authority for your specific ANZSCO occupation code:
- Australian Computer Society (ACS): Evaluates ICT and software engineering degrees and verifies professional work experience.
- Engineers Australia (EA): Assesses civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering qualifications (via Washington Accord or Competency Demonstration Report - CDR).
- VETASSESS: Assesses non-technical managerial, commercial, and professional occupations (marketing, human resources, administration).
- ANMAC: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council for registered healthcare professionals.
7. The TSMIT Salary Floor and Labor Market Testing Rules
Australian sponsoring employers must comply with strict statutory obligations:
- Labor Market Testing (LMT): Employers must advertise the vacancy on Workforce Australia and two prominent national platforms (e.g., SEEK, LinkedIn) for at least 4 weeks to demonstrate no Australian worker could fill the role.
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: Employers must pay a mandatory government training levy ($1,200 to $1,800 per year of TSS visa duration) that cannot be passed onto the employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an Australian work visa after age 45?
The standard age limit for permanent skilled visas (Subclass 186 Direct Entry, Subclass 189, Subclass 190) is strictly 45 years at time of invitation. TSS 482 temporary work visas do not have an upper age limit, but transitioning to permanent residence past age 45 is limited to narrow medical, academic, or high-income executive exemptions.
Do I get Medicare on an Australian temporary work visa?
TSS 482 holders from countries with Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with Australia (UK, Italy, New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, etc.) receive partial Medicare access. All other TSS holders must purchase mandatory private Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).