Compared with other immigration pathways, Australian skilled migration is the most cost-effective option among all immigration policies. According to relevant regulations, Australian skilled migration is subdivided into three visa categories: 189, 190, and 489. The application processes and requirements for these visas are quite complex. Many applicants who technically meet the requirements miss their opportunity because they are unfamiliar with the critical points of the skilled migration application process. To increase your chances of success, you must satisfy these three conditions:
1. The Skilled Occupation List is the basic requirement
First, the applicant's occupation must appear on the skilled migration list designated by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Typically, the occupation list serves as the basic condition for determining whether an applicant is eligible to apply for skilled migration. It is primarily divided into two lists: the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The long-term list applies to the 189 Skilled Independent visa and the 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, as well as employer-sponsored visas that can transition to permanent residency. The short-term list applies to 190 State Nominated and 489 State Nominated visa applications, as well as employer-sponsored visas that cannot transition to permanent residency. The occupation in which the applicant works must be on the relevant list; if it is a shortage occupation, one may even receive additional points.
2. Skills assessment is the most challenging requirement
For all applicants, finding their corresponding occupation on the occupation list does not automatically mean they are eligible to apply. In most cases, the Australian Department of Home Affairs delegates the assessment of an applicant's professional qualifications to a relevant assessing authority. Once the assessment is passed, the applicant will receive a skills assessment letter. At the same time, the applicant must also meet the professional qualification requirements prior to applying for skilled migration. Within the Australian skilled migration occupation lists, different occupations, assessing authorities, assessment methods, processing times, required materials, and letter validity periods all vary.
3. EOI score is the decisive factor
The EOI (Expression of Interest) refers to the skilled migration visa invitation system, which can be understood as the official scoring table issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. It assigns points based on an applicant's education, language proficiency, age, and work experience. Under the latest policy, the score must be no lower than 65 to enter the pool and wait for an invitation. For Australian skilled migration applicants, before submitting an EOI, one must also have the skills assessment letter and the required language test scores approved by the Department of Home Affairs ready. Australian EOI rounds are not fixed in frequency but generally occur twice a month. Those who submit their immigration applications earlier are more likely to receive an invitation.