A clear Australia skilled migration checklist can prevent avoidable mistakes in Australia’s points-tested skilled migration process. Subclasses 189, 190 and 491 share several core elements, but nomination and sponsorship requirements differ.
Australia Skilled Migration Checklist: What You Need to Do
Step 1: Identify the Relevant Occupation
• Check the official Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List.
• Confirm the ANZSCO code.
• Identify the correct assessing authority.
• Check which visa subclasses are available for that occupation.
Step 2: Check Basic Visa Eligibility
• Age requirement for the relevant visa.
• English-language requirement.
• Suitable skills assessment.
• Minimum points threshold.
• Health and character requirements.
• Any nomination or sponsorship requirement.
Step 3: Prepare the Skills Assessment
For points-tested General Skilled Migration visas, a suitable skills assessment is required for the nominated occupation. Assessment criteria differ by authority, so use the authority’s current requirements.
Step 4: Calculate Points Carefully
• Age.
• English level.
• Skilled employment.
• Educational qualifications.
• Australian study and other eligible factors.
• Partner-related points where applicable.
• Nomination points where applicable.
Step 5: Submit and Maintain the EOI
An EOI is not a visa application. It records your claims and interest in skilled migration. Keep it accurate and update it before invitation if relevant circumstances change.
Step 6: Understand the Pathway Difference
Subclass 189: Independent points-tested pathway, no state nomination
Subclass 190: Requires state or territory nomination
Subclass 491: Requires eligible state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship, depending on stream
Step 7: After Invitation
If invited, check the deadline immediately. Home Affairs currently gives invited applicants 60 calendar days to lodge the visa application. Evidence must support the claims relevant to the invitation and eligibility.
Final Pre-EOI Checklist
• Occupation confirmed.
• Skills assessment strategy confirmed.
• English evidence current.
• Points evidence available.
• Employment dates verified.
• Education documents ready.
• Partner claims checked.
• State or territory criteria checked if relevant.
• EOI information reviewed for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a skills assessment before an invitation?
For the main points-tested GSM pathways, you need a suitable skills assessment by the relevant stage specified by Home Affairs.
Is an EOI a visa application?
No. It is an expression of interest in SkillSelect.
How long do I have after an invitation?
Home Affairs currently states 60 calendar days for the relevant SkillSelect invitation.
Does meeting 65 points guarantee an invitation?
No.
Next Step
Preparing an EOI or comparing 189, 190 and 491? eduaid can help you structure the pathway around current occupation, points and nomination requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and may change. Eligibility, visa conditions, costs and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and decisions by the relevant authorities. Check current official requirements before applying or making a financial commitment.
Official Sources
· Home Affairs, Expression of Interest