Question 1

What is the difference between a permanent and provisional visa?

Accepted Answer

A permanent visa (e.g., subclass 189, 190, 186) grants you permanent residency in Australia with full work rights, Medicare access, and a pathway to citizenship. A provisional visa (e.g., subclass 491) is temporary (usually 5 years) and may have conditions like living in a regional area. Provisional visas typically offer a pathway to permanent residency if you meet certain requirements during the visa period.

Question 2

What is SkillSelect and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

SkillSelect is an online system managed by the Department of Home Affairs where you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration visas. You enter your skills, qualifications, and experience, and the system calculates your points. Based on regular invitation rounds, the department invites applicants with the highest points scores to apply for visas like the 189 and 190.

Question 3

How long does the entire migration process typically take?

Accepted Answer

The total timeline varies significantly depending on your pathway. For skilled migration (189/190), expect 6-18 months from EOI to visa grant. This excludes the time for skills assessment (1-3 months) and English testing. Employer-sponsored pathways (482 → 186) can take 3-5 years total. Regional pathways (491 → 191) typically take 4-6 years from initial visa to permanent residency.

Question 4

Do I need a migration agent to apply for an Australian visa?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not mandatory to use a migration agent. You can apply directly through the Department of Home Affairs. However, a registered migration agent (registered with MARA - Migration Agents Registration Authority) can help navigate complex situations, ensure your application is complete, and advise on the best strategy. If you use an agent, always verify they are registered with MARA.

Question 5

Is the points test changing in 2027?

Accepted Answer

The Government has announced a skilled migration points test reform as part of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, with the new test expected from 1 July 2027 following consultation in 2026. Point values and categories are not final until the Department of Home Affairs publishes new rules. Until then, the current test (including the 65-point minimum to lodge an EOI) still applies. See our news article on the reform timeline for more detail.

Question 6

What is the timeline for the 2027 points test reform?

Accepted Answer

Indicative milestones (subject to change): consultation paper around June 2026; submissions closing around August 2026; exposure draft legislation around December 2026; implementation from 1 July 2027. Transitional arrangements are expected for people already invited under the current test. Always check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for official updates.

Question 7

Will my current EOI score still count after the reform?

Accepted Answer

If you receive a SkillSelect invitation under the current points test before the new rules take effect, transitional arrangements are expected to honour that invitation. Details will be confirmed when legislation is published. If you have not been invited yet, your EOI will be assessed under whatever test is in force at the time of invitation.

Question 8

What is the minimum points score to be eligible?

Accepted Answer

The minimum pass mark is 65 points for subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas. However, the minimum is rarely enough to receive an invitation for 189 visas — most occupations require 80-95+ points for a realistic chance. For 190 (with state nomination adding 5 points) and 491 (with regional nomination adding 15 points), the effective points needed from other categories are lower.

Question 9

How can I maximise my points score?

Accepted Answer

Key strategies include: (1) Improve your English — Superior English (IELTS 8+) gives 20 points, the single biggest boost. (2) Gain more work experience — Australian experience is worth up to 20 points. (3) Complete an Australian Professional Year program (5 points). (4) Get NAATI community language certification (5 points). (5) Consider a regional nomination (15 points for 491). (6) Partner skills can add 5-10 points. (7) Consider a specialist STEM qualification (10 points).

Question 10

What English tests are accepted for the points test?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS (Academic or General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band) is the minimum requirement and gives 0 extra points. Proficient (IELTS 7) gives 10 points, and Superior (IELTS 8) gives 20 points. Test results are generally valid for 3 years from the test date.

Question 11

Does my partner's skills affect my points?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your partner has a suitable skills assessment and Competent English, you can claim 10 points. If your partner has Competent English only (no skills assessment), you can claim 5 points. If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or you are single/unpartnered, you automatically receive 10 points for the 'single or partner is Australian' factor.

Question 12

Can I change employers while on a 482 visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can change employers while on a 482 visa, but your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and must lodge a new nomination for your role. You should not start working for the new employer until the new nomination is approved (or at least lodged, if you have a bridging visa). Changing employers may affect your pathway to the 186 visa, as the TRT stream requires 2-3 years with the nominating employer.

Question 13

What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy?

Accepted Answer

The SAF levy is paid by the sponsoring employer (not the visa applicant). For small businesses (turnover less than $10 million), it is AUD $1,200 per year for temporary visas and AUD $3,000 for permanent visas. For larger businesses, it is AUD $1,800 per year for temporary visas and AUD $5,000 for permanent visas. This cost is borne by the employer as part of their sponsorship obligations.

Question 14

What is the difference between the 482 short-term and medium-term streams?

Accepted Answer

The short-term stream (up to 2 years, one renewal onshore) is for occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and does NOT provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. The medium-term stream (up to 4 years) is for occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and provides a pathway to the permanent 186 visa through the TRT stream after 2-3 years with the same employer.

Question 15

How much does skills assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

Skills assessment costs vary significantly depending on the assessing authority and your occupation. Typical ranges: ACS (IT professionals) AUD $500-550, Engineers Australia AUD $600-1,100, VETASSESS (various occupations) AUD $630-1,500, CPA/CA (Accountants) AUD $500-600, AITSL (Teachers) AUD $550-700. Some assessments also require additional verification fees. Check the relevant assessing authority's website for current fees.

Question 16

What health checks are required?

Accepted Answer

All visa applicants must undergo a health examination by a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. This typically includes a physical examination, chest X-ray (for applicants 11+ years), and blood tests (including HIV). The cost is usually AUD $300-500 per applicant. Additional tests may be required based on your medical history or country of origin. Health results are valid for 12 months.

Question 17

How can I track my visa application status?

Accepted Answer

You can track your application through your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. This shows the current status of your application (received, initial assessment, further assessment, finalised). You may also receive requests for additional information or documents through ImmiAccount. Processing times vary by visa subclass and are published on the DHA website, updated monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions