Find your occupation
Identify the occupation that best matches your actual qualifications and work.
Skilled migration to Australia
Find a skilled migration pathway that fits your occupation
Start with your occupation, then explore the main skilled visa pathways, state nomination, points and skills assessment requirements.
1Start with your occupation
2Compare visa pathways
3Explore states and points
4Start your assessment
How skilled migration works
You do not need to know the visa system before you start. Work through these four steps.
Explore possible pathways
Compare Skilled Independent, state-nominated and regional options.
Check the key factors
Review skills assessment, points, English, work experience and state requirements.
Assess your circumstances
Start a preliminary assessment or speak with EMC if you need professional advice.
Search skilled migration pathways
Your occupation is the best starting point because occupation settings can affect which migration pathways are relevant.
Skilled migration search
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Popular occupations
Main skilled migration pathways
These are the core points-tested skilled migration pathways. Each subclass links to its own detailed visa page.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent visa
A points-tested skilled pathway that does not require state or territory nomination.
View subclass 189 ->Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated visa
A points-tested skilled pathway requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
View subclass 190 ->Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional visa
A points-tested regional pathway involving state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
View subclass 491 ->| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| State nomination | No | Required | State nomination or eligible family pathway |
| Regional pathway | No | No | Yes |
| Next step | View 189 details -> | View 190 details -> | View 491 details -> |
Explore state and territory nomination
Use the map to understand where state nomination may fit into a skilled migration strategy. Occupation-specific state status belongs on the individual occupation page.
Victoria VIC
State nominationExplore current program
Relevant skilled visas190 / 491
Occupation-specific statusSee occupation page
Program sourceCRM-managed
View state nomination information ->Points and other key factors
Points are important, but they are only one part of a skilled migration strategy.
AgePoints factor
EnglishPoints factor
EmploymentPoints factor
QualificationsPoints factor
Australian studyPoints factor
Partner factorsPoints factor
NominationPoints factor
Other factorsPoints factor
What is a skills assessment?
A skills assessment checks whether your qualifications, skills and sometimes work experience meet the standard for your nominated occupation.
Accountant
CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA
CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA
Chef
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
ICT occupations
Relevant ICT assessing authority
Relevant ICT assessing authority
What if points-tested migration is not the right pathway?
Some applicants may have employer-sponsored options instead. Keep employer sponsorship separate from the core 189 / 190 / 491 pathway comparison, then link to the dedicated employer-sponsored section.
Skilled migration FAQs
Broad questions belong here. Occupation-specific questions belong on occupation pages.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us about your occupation, qualifications, work experience and English. We’ll use that information to continue your preliminary assessment.