Australia's skilled migration program selects people whose skills the country needs. Most permanent skilled visas follow the same path: get your skills assessed, register your interest, and wait for an invitation to apply.
1. Check your occupation
Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list for the visa you want. Each occupation is linked to an official assessing authority.
2. Get a skills assessment
The assessing authority (for example Engineers Australia, the Australian Computer Society, or VETASSESS) confirms that your qualifications and experience match your occupation. You need a positive assessment before you can be invited.
3. Calculate your points
The points test rewards factors such as:
- Age: the most points go to applicants aged 25 to 32
- English language ability
- Skilled work experience, in Australia or overseas
- Qualifications, plus extra points for study in Australia
- Partner skills, or being single
- State or regional nomination
The pass mark is 65 points, but invitations are competitive and successful scores are often higher.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest
You register your profile in SkillSelect, the government's online system. In regular invitation rounds, the highest-ranked candidates in each occupation are invited to apply.
The main visa options
Pass marks, occupation lists, and state criteria change regularly. Always check the Department of Home Affairs and state government websites for current settings.