Australia
Immigration-
Skilled Migration Visa
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Employer Nomination
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National Innovation Visa (NIV)
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Partner Visa
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Resident Return Visa (RRV)
Skilled Migration Program
The Australia Skilled Migration Visa is a points-based immigration program established by the Australian Federal Government to attract skilled professionals from overseas. Its primary objective is to address skills shortages within the Australian labor market and to drive national economic growth. Applicants must nominate an occupation listed on the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet the eligibility criteria assessed through the Points Test System.
The evaluation framework considers several factors, including age, English language proficiency, educational background, relevant work experience, and partner qualifications. As each Australian state or territory may have unique requirements and priority occupations, it is highly recommended that applicants seek professional consultation to assess eligibility and develop a strategy based on historical invitation scores and current policy trends.
Visa Categories & Key Differences
| Visa Type | Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent Visa | A permanent residency visa that does not require state or territory nomination. Successful applicants may live and work anywhere in Australia. |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa | A permanent residency visa requiring nomination by a state or territory government. Applicants must commit to living in the nominating state for at least two years. Bonus: Additional 5 points in the points test. |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional Visa | A five-year provisional visa requiring applicants to live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years. Eligible holders may later apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residency Visa. Bonus: Additional 15 points in the points test. This visa allows access to a broader range of regional occupations, including niche professions. |
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Age：Applicants must be between 18 and 44 years old at the time of invitation.
- Occupation Requirement： The nominated occupation must be listed on the current SOL or the relevant expanded state occupation list.
- Skills Assessment： A positive skills assessment must be obtained from the designated assessing authority for the chosen occupation.
- Minimum Points Threshold： A minimum of 65 points is required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). It is advised to use an online points calculator for initial self-assessment.
- English Language Proficiency： Applicants must achieve a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 in each band or an equivalent score in other recognized tests such as PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- Education & Experience： Relevant qualifications and professional experience aligned with the nominated occupation are required.
- Health & Character Checks：Applicants must pass a health examination and provide police clearance certificates demonstrating good character.
Expert Advice & Strategic Planning
Given the frequent updates to state and territory occupation lists based on labor market demands, many applicants who may not qualify for the Subclass 189 visa might still be eligible under the Subclass 190 or 491 pathways. These alternative routes can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Our professional immigration consultants can assist in developing a tailored skilled migration plan, including：
Assessing eligibility for a positive skills assessment.
Analyzing recent invitation scores and Expression of Interest (EOI) trends.
Exploring opportunities for regional sponsorship under Subclass 491.
Monitoring changes to state occupation lists and nomination criteria.
We help you evaluate your qualifications, optimize your points strategy, and maximize your success rate in obtaining an Australian skilled visa.
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 186
A Permanent Residency Pathway for Skilled Professionals Nominated by Australian Employers
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 is a permanent residency visa designed by the Australian Government to attract highly skilled international professionals who have received a nomination from an Australian employer. This visa enables applicants to live and work in Australia permanently without going through the points-based system, making it an ideal option for individuals who possess relevant qualifications and hands-on work experience but may not meet the points threshold under other skilled migration categories.
Highly favored among skilled workers seeking a stable and practical pathway to Australian permanent residency, the Subclass 186 visa continues to offer a reliable route for employer-sponsored migration.
Subclass 186 Visa Streams and Key Criteria (2023–2025 Planning Levels)
| Visa Streams | Key Criteria |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry Stream （DE） | Suitable for applicants who have not previously held a temporary skilled visa (such as Subclass 482). Key requirements include：
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| Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRT) | Ideal for individuals currently holding a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa , with：
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| Labour Agreement Stream | This stream applies to workers nominated under an approved Labour Agreement between an employer and the Australian Government, often targeting specific industries and workforce shortages. Features include：
View the current list of active Labour Agreements（link can be added as appropriate） |
Subclass 186 Visa – General Eligibility Requirements
Be aged between 18 and 44 years （age exemptions apply for some roles）
Possess relevant qualifications and skills related to the nominated occupation
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body
Demonstrate English proficiency – IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each component, or equivalent (e.g., PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT)
Have a minimum of 2–3 years of full-time, relevant work experience
Receive a formal nomination from a legally operating Australian employer
Why Choose the Subclass 186 Employer Sponsored Visa？
No Points Test Required – ideal for applicants with lower test scores
Grants Permanent Residency (PR) – offering full work and residency rights across Australia
Perfect for Applicants with Job Offers in Australia
Covers Diverse Occupations – including skilled trades, engineering, healthcare, academia, and more
Let our team help you unlock your path to Australian permanent residency through the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV)
A future-focused permanent residency visa combining GTI and BIIP, designed for global talents, innovators, and high-impact investors.
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a new Australian permanent residency program scheduled to launch by the end of 2024. This visa will consolidate the Global Talent Visa (GTI) and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) into a unified immigration pathway. The initiative aims to attract globally recognised professionals, entrepreneurial innovators, and forward-thinking investors who can contribute to Australia’s scientific, economic, cultural, or social advancement.
The NIV is tailored for individuals with proven leadership in their fields and the potential to make significant contributions to Australia’s future. This includes：
Globally renowned researchers and scientists
High-potential startup entrepreneurs
Accomplished investors with a strong track record
Elite athletes and professionals in the creative and cultural sectors
NIV Visa Eligibility – General Requirements
To submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the National Innovation Visa, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria：
Aged between 18 and 55 years (exemptions may apply for exceptional contributors)
English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 4.5 in each band or an equivalent recognized test
Demonstrated exceptional skills or internationally recognised achievements in their field
Must be nominated by an eligible Australian federal, state, or territory government agency (nomination support available upon request)
Application Prioritization – Four-Tiered Ranking System
EOIs will be assessed and ranked by the Department of Home Affairs based on achievements and potential impact. Priority will be allocated as follows：
| Priority Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Internationally recognised individuals with global influence and top-tier accolades. |
| Tier 2 | Applicants officially nominated by a Commonwealth, State, or Territory agency (via Form 1000). |
| Tier 3 | High achievers in Tier One sectors: Critical Technologies, Health Industries, Renewable and Low Emissions Technologies. |
| Tier 4 | Promising candidates in Tier Two industries: Agri-food and AgTech, Defence and Space, Education, FinTech, Infrastructure, and Resource Sectors. |
Eligibility Indicators – Key Criteria for NIV Eligibility
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following high-performance indicators：
Global Awards & Recognition
Recipients of prestigious international accolades such as：
Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award
Pulitzer Prize, International Booker Prize, Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal
Olympic Gold Medal, IEEE Honors
National Research Grants & Academic Prestige
Beneficiaries of major Australian or international research funding
Holders of influential PhD qualifications
Publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature, The Lancet, Acta Numerica)
High H-index or graduates of world-leading research universities
Thought Leadership & Industry Impact
Keynote speakers at major conferences (e.g., Web Summit, ICM, AACR)
Salary exceeding the Australian Fair Work High Income Threshold
Formal employment offers from Australian institutions (evidence of national demand)
Other Distinguished Credentials
Cultural or athletic figures enhancing Australia’s international reputation
Innovators with commercialised investments or high-potential startups
Holders of international IP rights or patents with commercial application
Previous engagement with Australian innovation hubs or government initiatives
Why Choose the National Innovation Visa？
Designed for elite talents and innovation-driven entrepreneurs
Points-free assessment based on merit and international contributions
Combines the benefits of GTI and BIIP, streamlining the process
Open to a wide range of sectors: science, finance, technology, sports, and creative industries
If you possess an exceptional background and want to explore your eligibility for the National Innovation Visa, our experienced advisory team offers：
One-on-one eligibility assessments
Nomination support and EOI preparation
Guidance through the documentation and application process
Contact us today to begin your Australian innovation journey.
Australia Partner Visa
Subclass 820/801 & 309/100
The Australia Partner Visa provides a legal immigration pathway for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. This visa is divided into two main streams based on the applicant’s location at the time of application：
Onshore Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801)
Offshore Partner Visa (Subclass 309/100)
Both pathways adopt a two-stage assessment process—starting with a Temporary Partner Visa, followed by a Permanent Partner Visa once the relationship continues to meet eligibility requirements over time.
| Onshore Partner Visa (820/801) | Offshore Partner Visa (309/100) |
|---|---|
| For applicants residing in Australia. Applicants may stay legally in Australia on a bridging visa while awaiting the temporary (820) and permanent (801) visa decisions. | For applicants who are outside Australia and planning to settle in the country. Temporary (309) visa is granted first, followed by the permanent (100) visa. |
| Note： The Temporary Partner Visa remains valid until a decision is made on the Permanent Visa. | |
| The same sponsor must be maintained for both the temporary and permanent stages. | |
Proof of Genuine Relationship
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine and ongoing relationship with their Australian partner. The following types of evidence are commonly required by the Department of Home Affairs：
Financial aspects
Joint bank accounts, shared ownership of assets, financial support documents.
Household arrangements
Joint lease agreements, utility bills, shared residence records.
Social evidence
Form 888 (statutory declarations from family and friends), photos from shared activities, travel or events.
Commitment to each other
Inclusion as beneficiary in wills or insurance, evidence of joint parenting responsibilities, relationship statements written individually or together.
Sponsor Eligibility Criteria
The sponsor must be one of the following：
An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
⚠ If the sponsor has previously sponsored multiple partners, been sponsored themselves as a partner in the past, or made repeat sponsorships within a short timeframe, it’s important to consult a registered migration professional to determine eligibility or apply for a sponsorship limitation waiver.
Additional Conditions and Special Cases
For offshore de facto applicants under subclass 309/100, proof of at least 12 months of cohabitation is required.
Relationship must be ongoing during the temporary visa period (subclass 820 or 309); additional documentation may be requested during the permanent visa assessment.
If the relationship ends during the temporary visa phase—due to separation, death of the sponsor, or domestic violence—the applicant may still qualify for the permanent visa under specific conditions.
Translation Requirements
All supporting documents not in English must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator or meet the translation standards recognized by the Australian Government.
Australia Resident Return Visa (RRV)
Ensure Your Re-Entry Rights as an Australian Permanent Resident
Holding Australian permanent residency (PR) grants you the right to reside in Australia indefinitely. However, until you acquire Australian citizenship and an Australian passport, your travel rights remain limited. A PR visa typically includes a five-year travel facility, allowing international travel. Once this period expires, if you intend to leave and return to Australia, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your re-entry rights.
Why Do You Need an RRV？
Although permanent residency permits indefinite stay in Australia, it only grants a limited travel validity, usually for five years from the date of visa grant. Once the travel facility expires, permanent residents located outside Australia—or those planning to travel and return—must hold a valid Resident Return Visa to re-enter the country.
The RRV is issued based on your level of substantial ties to Australia within the past five years. The stronger your connection, the longer the visa validity.
Eligibility and Visa Types for the RRV
| Applicant Profile | Primary Requirements | Visa Type & Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Strong ties to Australia | Resided in Australia for at least two years within the last five years | Subclass 155 – Valid for 5 years |
| Moderate ties to Australia | Less than two years of residence but demonstrable substantial ties (e.g., work, business, family) | Subclass 155 – Valid up to 1 year |
| Compelling & compassionate cases | Limited ties but strong compassionate or compelling reasons for absence (such as medical, family, or force majeure reasons) | Subclass 157 – Valid up to 3 months |
Assessing Substantial Ties to Australia
If you do not meet the two-year residency requirement, you may still qualify for an RRV by providing evidence of meaningful ties to Australia, such as：
Business Connections：Ownership or direct involvement in operating an Australian-registered business.
Employment Ties：Holding a current job, professional registration, or receiving salary from an Australian employer.
Family Ties：Having a spouse, children, or immediate family members who are Australian citizens or PR holders.
Community & Cultural Participation：Active involvement in local community groups, cultural events, or nonprofit organizations.
What Qualifies as Compelling and Compassionate Reasons？
If you do not meet the standard criteria for Subclass 155, you may still apply for Subclass 157 if you can present sufficient evidence of compelling and compassionate reasons, such as：
Providing long-term care or managing funeral arrangements for a seriously ill or deceased relative abroad.
Residing overseas due to marriage, parenting, or family obligations.
Undergoing or assisting with critical or complex medical treatment for yourself or a dependent.
Being legally restricted from leaving a foreign country due to unresolved legal matters.
Being unable to return to Australia due to unforeseen events like pandemics, natural disasters, or armed conflicts.
Each case is assessed on its individual merits and requires strong supporting documentation.
Important Application Considerations
All non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI-certified translator or meet the official standards recognized by the Australian government.
If you’ve been overseas for a prolonged period and intend to apply for Subclass 155, it is crucial to provide comprehensive evidence of your ties to Australia to enhance your chances of approval.
Once your RRV is granted, you can freely travel in and out of Australia during the visa’s validity without needing to reapply.
PR vs. RRV – Key Relationship Explained
Australian permanent residency does not automatically lapse upon departure from Australia. However, without a valid Resident Return Visa, you lose your legal right to re-enter.
If you are eligible for Australian citizenship, applying for naturalization is highly recommended. Citizenship provides permanent travel rights and removes the need for future RRV applications.