Australia is a popular immigration destination for many Chinese individuals. As a major immigration country, Australia has introduced several different immigration programs. Among them, the Australia Skilled Immigration Program is the most popular. The main reasons why so many individuals choose the Australia Skilled Immigration Program are its advantages, which include relatively low immigration costs, shorter approval periods, and fewer asset requirements. Currently, Australia’s skilled immigration is mainly divided into three categories: the Australia 489 Regional Visa, the Australia 189 Independent Skilled Visa, and the Australia 190 Sponsored Visa. Below, we will introduce the application requirements for these visa categories:
1. Australia 189 Independent Skilled Visa
The 189 visa can be applied for both within Australia and outside of Australia. For immigration applicants, it allows them to work and live anywhere in Australia and grants them the right to permanent residency in Australia, making it one of the preferred pathways for many international students immigrating to Australia.
The application requirements for the Australia 189 visa include achieving a score of at least sixty points on the EOI (Expression of Interest) immigration points test, having a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, and being under fifty years of age. Applicants must meet the English language requirements, which generally require an IELTS score of at least six in each band or an equivalent level of English proficiency. Additionally, applicants must be in good health and have no criminal record.
2. Australia 190 Sponsored Visa
The primary purpose of the Australia 190 visa is to increase the workforce, reduce labor costs, and attract more skilled talent. Currently, the states in Australia that offer sponsorship for the 489 and 190 visa programs include New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and others.
The application requirements for the Australia 190 visa mainly include that immigration applicants must meet the sponsorship conditions set by the respective state governments in Australia and agree to work and reside in the sponsoring state after obtaining the visa. Applicants must achieve a score of at least sixty points on the EOI immigration points test, and their nominated occupation must be on the state nomination occupation list.
3. Australia 489 Regional Visa
The Australia 489 visa allows overseas skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to four years. Additionally, immigration applicants can receive extra points if they obtain sponsorship from a relative who is nominated by a state or territory government.
The Australia 489 visa is also a temporary visa, valid for four years, and requires applicants to later apply for a transition to a permanent residency visa in Australia. To apply for this visa, applicants must first ensure that their occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (STSOL or MLTSSL); secondly, the applicant must be under 45 years of age, and their language proficiency must meet the requirements. Then, it must be determined whether the applicant meets the EOI scoring criteria and identify the relevant assessing authority for the applicant's occupation. Finally, it must be confirmed that the occupation is on the 190 or 489 sponsored occupation list, and that there are available sponsorship quotas and that the application requirements are met.