Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for professionals from around the world thanks to its efficient SkillSelect immigration system. Find out how SkillSelect works, what types of visas are available and the criteria for participating in the program

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Australia continues to attract professionals from all over the world, offering not only a high quality of life, but also real opportunities for professional growth. If you dream of a career abroad, the Australian SkillSelect Work Visa program can be an ideal start. This is a state system that combines international talent with demand in the labor market. Read about the employment prospects in Austria for foreign workers and the features of the system in this article.

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Why do expats choose Australia?

Moving for career development is a serious step. And here is why Australia is often among the priority destinations:

- Competitive salary and safe working conditions.

- Access to high-quality medicine and education.

- A real opportunity to obtain permanent residence and citizenship.

- Balance between career and life in nature, by the ocean, in clean cities.

- Equal opportunities in metropolitan areas and regional centres

In 2025, SkillSelect remains one of the most effective platforms for international specialists with in-demand skills.

What is the SkillSelect system in Australia?

SkillSelect is the official online system of the Australian government, created to select skilled workers who are interested in immigration. Instead of applying for a visa right away, you first fill out an EOI (Expression of Interest) - an electronic "statement of interest".

How does it work?

Step 1 - You create a profile on SkillSelect and indicate your profession, experience and level of English.

Step 2 - The system calculates your score according to the specified criteria.

Step 3 - If your profession is on the list of in-demand, and the score is sufficient - you get into the "candidate pool".

Step 4 – Employers or government agencies may send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – an official invitation to apply for a visa.

Advantages of SkillSelect in Australia

- Completely online.

- Free.

- Increases your chances of being noticed by employers or states.

- Transparent and structured process

Main types of visas in SkillSelect

SkillSelect covers several types of visas, but here are three key ones:

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

This visa is for those who have a high level of skills and do not require sponsorship from an employer or regional government.

- Visa type: Permanent resident.

- Who is suitable for: professionals whose profession is on the list of in-demand professions at the national level.

- Advantages: full rights to reside, work and study, the ability to include family members, a path to citizenship.

- Feature: No employer contract or invitation from the state required

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

This type of visa involves the support of the government of a specific Australian state or territory. If you are nominated, you receive permanent residency and full rights to live and work, but with the expectation that you will reside in that region for a certain period of time.

- Visa type: Permanent resident.

- Who is suitable for: Skilled workers who are willing to work in the chosen state or territory.

- Key feature: An official nomination from the state or territory is required.

- Result: Provision of permanent residence, with the possibility of including family members.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia - outside the major metropolitan areas. You can be sponsored by a regional government or a relative living in one of the designated regions.

- Visa type: Temporary (up to 5 years).

- Suitable for: professionals nominated by a region or sponsored by a relative.

- Key feature: Designed to develop regional areas

- Result: Allows you to apply for a permanent visa (PR) after 3 years of living and working in the region.

Do you meet the requirements? Check before applying

Before submitting an EOI (Expression of Interest), make sure you meet the basic criteria:

- Age: up to 45 years at the time of invitation.

- Occupation: must be on one of the government's lists of in-demand professions.

- Skills assessment: a positive assessment from a relevant body (e.g. Engineers Australia, AHPRA, etc.).

- English level: at least intermediate (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or equivalent).

- Scoring system: minimum 65 points according to the following criteria: age, education, work experience, English proficiency, nomination/sponsorship.

How to apply for SkillSelect in Australia?

Step 1 – Eligibility Check

Make sure you:

- Have an occupation on the list.

- Have passed a positive skills assessment.

- Have a good level of English.

- Have a sufficient number of points.

Step 2 – Create an account on the immigration website

Register an ImmiAccount on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This account will be used at all stages of the application.

Step 3 – Submit an EOI through SkillSelect

Through the SkillSelect portal, complete the EOI form. At this stage, you:

1. Select the type of visa (189, 190 or 491)

2. Indicate your qualifications, experience and language test results

3. Add skills assessment data

Important! The EOI does not require additional documents and remains valid for 2 years. You can update it if your details or score change.

Step 4 – Waiting for an invitation

After submitting your EOI, your profile is placed in a pool of candidates where you compete with others. The government regularly holds invitation rounds, where it determines who to invite to apply for a visa.

The more points you have, the better your chances of getting an invitation. Priority is given to critically in-demand professions. Having a nomination or sponsorship is a big plus.

Can you move with your family?

One of the biggest advantages of SkillSelect is the ability to bring your family with you.

You can include:

- Spouse or partner.

- Children under 18 (or full-time students).

- Dependents – in exceptional cases.

Family members will receive full employment rights (for your partner), free public education (for your children), Medicare (for permanent residents)

How long does the SkillSelect application process take?

The process from creating a profile to obtaining a visa can take from several months to a year, depending on the category, points, profession and market demand.

In a world where competition for talent is only increasing, Australia confidently holds its position as one of the most attractive countries for skilled migration. The SkillSelect system is not just a platform - it is a full-fledged launching pad for those who want to build a stable life, career and future in a dynamic environment.

SkillSelect combines transparency, efficiency and accessibility, giving a chance to both young specialists and experienced experts in the fields of IT, medicine, engineering, construction, education and many others.

It does not matter whether you are just planning a move or are already preparing to apply - this system opens the door to Australia. And, perhaps, it will be your next big step forward.

Get advice from a migration lawyer to find out all the requirements and study in detail the procedure for applying for a work visa to Australia.

Recall! Australia is actively attracting skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and young travelers, offering a wide range of visas. We have already told you what visas are available in Australia in 2025, who can get them and the allowed period of stay under the permit.