Dreaming of a new life in Australia? The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the best ways to move to this vibrant country with a strong economy and high quality of life. In June 2025, Australia is actively welcoming skilled professionals to fill job shortages.
This guide simplifies the eligibility criteria and step-by-step application process for the Skilled Worker Visa, helping you plan your move with confidence. Whether you’re overseas or already in Australia, we’ve got you covered with clear, practical advice.
What Is the Skilled Worker Visa?
Australia’s Skilled Worker Visa allows qualified professionals to live and work in the country, either temporarily or permanently. It’s part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, designed to address skill shortages in industries like healthcare, IT, and construction. The visa uses a points-based system, where you earn points for factors like age, education, and work experience. High-scoring applicants can secure permanent residency, granting access to healthcare, education, and a pathway to citizenship.
Main Visa Types
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): No sponsorship needed. Ideal for highly skilled workers in demand nationwide, offering permanent residency.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Requires nomination by a state or territory government. Adds 5 points to your score and offers permanent residency.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491): A 5-year provisional visa for regional areas, requiring state nomination or family sponsorship. Leads to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria for June 2025
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa in 2025, you must meet these requirements:
Age: Under 45 years at the time of invitation to apply (ITA).
Occupation: Your job must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or state-specific lists like the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Examples include nurses, software engineers, and electricians.
Skills Assessment: Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority (e.g., ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for trades).
Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on age, education, work experience, English skills, and other factors.
English Proficiency: Prove your English ability with tests like IELTS (minimum 6.0 per band), PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Higher scores earn more points.
Health & Character: Pass medical exams and provide police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
Work Experience: At least 1 year of relevant experience for some visas, like the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa. More experience boosts points.
Use the SkillSelect points calculator to check your score.
Points System Breakdown
The points test rewards skills and attributes that Australia values. Here’s how points are awarded:
Age: 25–32 years = 30 points; 33–39 = 25 points; 40–44 = 15 points.
English: Competent (IELTS 6.0) = 0 points; Proficient (IELTS 7.0) = 10 points; Superior (IELTS 8.0) = 20 points.
Work Experience:
Overseas: 3–4 years = 5 points; 5–7 years = 10 points; 8+ years = 15 points.
In Australia: 1–2 years = 5 points; 3–4 years = 10 points; 5+ years = 15 points.
Education: Diploma = 10 points; Bachelor’s = 15 points; Master’s/PhD = 20 points.
Australian Study: 2+ years of study in Australia = 5 points.
State Nomination: Subclass 190 = 5 points; Subclass 491 = 15 points.
Partner Skills: If your partner has skills and English proficiency = 5–10 points.
Higher scores improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these 10 steps to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa in June 2025:
Step 1: Confirm Your Occupation
Check if your job is on the Skilled Occupation List or state-specific lists via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure your qualifications and experience match the role.
Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment
Contact the designated assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers). Submit your qualifications and work experience for review. This can take 1–3 months, so start early.
Step 3: Take an English Test
Book an approved test like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. Aim for a proficient or superior score to boost your points. Results are valid for 3 years.
Step 4: Calculate Your Points
Use the SkillSelect points calculator to confirm you score at least 65 points. If below 65, improve your English, gain more experience, or seek state nomination.
Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create an account on SkillSelect and lodge an EOI. Provide details about your occupation, skills, education, and English results. Select your preferred visa (189, 190, or 491). Your EOI is valid for 2 years and can be updated.
Step 6: Secure State Nomination (if applicable)
For Subclass 190 or 491, apply for nomination from a state or territory via their websites (e.g., Migration WA). Each state has its own occupation list and criteria. Nomination adds 5–15 points.
Step 7: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI ranks high, you’ll get an ITA based on your points and occupation demand. Invitations are issued monthly. You have 60 days to apply after receiving an ITA.
Step 8: Lodge Your Visa Application
Create an ImmiAccount and submit your visa application online. Upload certified documents, including:
Passport
Skills assessment
English test results
Employment references
Educational certificates
Medical and police clearances
Proof of funds (if required)
Pay the visa fee (e.g., AUD 4,640 for Subclass 189/190 main applicant).
Step 9: Complete Health & Character Checks
Book a medical exam at an approved clinic and obtain police clearances from relevant countries. Submit results via your ImmiAccount.
Step 10: Await Visa Decision
Processing times vary: Subclass 189/190 takes 9–12 months; Subclass 491 takes 6–9 months. Priority is given to critical sectors like healthcare. Check your ImmiAccount for updates. Once approved, you’ll receive a visa grant notice with conditions and validity.
Costs Involved
Expect these expenses (in AUD, as of June 2025):
Skills Assessment: AUD 300–1,500 (varies by authority)
English Test: AUD 300–400
Visa Fee: AUD 4,640 (main applicant); AUD 2,320 (spouse); AUD 1,160 (child)
Medical Exam: AUD 300–500 per person
Police Clearance: AUD 20–100 per country
Document Translation/Certification: AUD 50–200 per document
Budget extra for migration agent fees (AUD 2,000–5,000) if you hire one.
Also Read: Packing Jobs in Luxembourg with visa Sponsorship 2025
Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa
Permanent Residency: Live and work indefinitely (Subclasses 189/190).
Healthcare Access: Enroll in Medicare for free or subsidized healthcare.
Family Inclusion: Sponsor your spouse and children for the same visa.
Citizenship Pathway: Apply for citizenship after 4 years of residency, including 1 year as a permanent resident.
Freedom: Work for any employer, study, and travel freely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
Miscalculating points or using outdated skills assessments.
Ignoring state nomination requirements for Subclass 190/491.
Delaying application submission after receiving an ITA.
Not updating your EOI with new qualifications or experience.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Maximize Points: Improve your English score or gain more work experience.
Seek Nomination: Apply for state nomination to add 5–15 points.
Stay Updated: Check the SOL regularly, as it changes based on market needs.
Hire a Migration Agent: For complex cases, consult a registered agent via MARA.
Prepare Early: Start skills assessments and English tests 3–6 months in advance.
Final Thoughts
The Australia Skilled Worker Visa in June 2025 is a golden opportunity for professionals to build a future in a thriving country. With clear eligibility criteria and a structured application process, your dream of living Down Under is within reach. Start early, double-check your documents, and aim for a high points score to stand out. Ready to take the first step? Check your eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs website today!
Have questions about the process or tips to share? Drop a comment below or share this guide with others planning their Australian journey!