Overview

- It is point-tested visa, you can only apply for this visa if being invited

- Before apply visa, you need meet the entry requirement of SkillSelect(EOI) (e.g. have an occupation on the list, age, qualifications, skills assessment, English Level) and pass the minimum point criteria (the current pool mark is 65)

- SUBMIT an EOI in SkillSelect after satisfying above minimum requirements

- WAIT for the invitation. The EOI will be evaluated and selected against point ranking among all candidate within the pool

- No guarantee that invitation will be received if only meet minimum requirement. It is always suggest to continue working on more points or seeking other visa options before receiving invitation

- INVITED to apply for visa once the EOI being selected

- APPLY for visa with 60 days from the invitation

- Currently there is not regular invitation round

Procedures

Step 1 - Get Ready for SkillSelect(EOI) – the Preliminary Requirement (minimum requirement)

i. Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

· Currently three Skilled Occupation Lists (combined list of eligible skilled occupation) have been endorsed by skilled migration visa program Subclass 189 190 491

· MLTSSL: suitable for subclass 189 190 491

· STSOL: suitable for subclass 190 491

· ROL: suitable for subclass 491

ii. Have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation

· To nominate one occupation from the list, you need pass the skills assessment through relevant skills assessment authorities

· The skills assessment is usually conducted against your qualifications, employments, and some occupation requires English Level. You will be assessed as suitable for migration under the nominated occupation if pass the skills assessment

· Most skills assessment outcome is valid for 2 or 3 years from the date of issuing the letter

iii. Meet age requirement, between age 18 and 45

· You should be over 18 to be eligible to submit the EOI

· You must be aged under 45 at time of invitation to apply for the visa. You can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after being invited

· If you turn 45 after submitting the EOI but before receiving the invitation, you will no longer be eligible for this program

· Points changes among each age tiers

iv. Meet Competent English level

· Competent English level is the entry requirement. No point can be claimed from but the EOI will not be valid if you do not meet this level of English.

· You can earn more points if reach higher English level

v. Reach the pool mark 65 (the minimum points criteria of EOI)

· You must be able to obtain at least 65 points on EOI to be eligible for this visa. If you cannot obtain 65 points, your EOI will not be selected

· The EOI will be evaluated and selected against point ranking among all candidate within the pool

· If you score enough points and there are places allocated for your occupation, you might receive the invitation to apply for the visa

*calculate your point by EOI Point Table

Step 2 – Submit EOI

You can submit the EOI in SkillSelect when satisfy all requirements listed in Step 1. While waiting for the invitation, you can,

· Work on more points. For example, obtain higher English language level, gain new skilled work, complete a higher qualification etc (higher points can speed up the invitation chance)

· Make changes to the EOI, such as change family structure (it may affect the points), change location, change employment status.

· Every EOI valid for 2yrs, if you do not receive invitation within this period, a new EOI is required to be submitted

Step 3 - State Nomination

*ONLY apply to 190 and 491. If you apply for 189, skip this step.

· Submit ROI/ITA/Matrix at specific State Government (a similar step to EOI, but run and assess by State Government) (applied to VIC, SA, ACT)

· Been selected by State Government to submit State Nomination(NOM) Application. (Application fee may occur in certain states)

· Accept the invitation and lodge the State Nomination application by due date (State Invitation valid between 7 and 28 days)

· State Nom Outcome (Approval / Refusal). If Approval, you can move to next step.

Step 4 – Receive EOI invitation (apply to 189 190 491)

· This is the invitation to apply for the Visa at Department of Home Affair (DHA)

· The invitation is valid for 60 calendar days and cannot be extended. You can not lodge the visa application beyond the due date

*Every EOI can be invited twice. If do not apply at both times, the EOI will be removed. You need re-submit a new EOI to participate.

Step 5 –Visa application

· Get required documents well prepared before lodging the visa application

· Lodge the Visa application online (visa application fee charged at this moment)

· Update your circumstance while waiting, such as location, international travel, change of family composition etc.

· Complete the rest requirements and submit to the case officer as soon as possible, such as Health exam, Biometrics, Police Check

· Visa Outcome (Grant or Refusal)

After Visa Grant

You can stay in Australia permanently. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely.

Coming to Australia

If you are outside Australia when the visa is granted, you must enter Australia before the Initial entry date on your visa grant letter.

The department is aware you and/or family members may not be able to comply with this condition due to global travel restrictions. In this case, holders of valid skilled visas can still enter Australia after their “initial entry date”, any time before the “Must not arrive after date”. (see example below).

You may wish to carry a copy of the attached Facilitation Notice when travelling. This notice should be sufficient evidence for a travel provider to be satisfied that the visa holder can enter Australia as the holder of a Skilled Migration visa.

Medicare

You can enrol in Australia's public health care scheme Medicare while you are onshore. Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. 

How to apply

1. find the application form via https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/forms/ms004 (Please do not click the link directly. Please copy and paste in your browser).

- prepare following documents (You don’t need to get your documents certified)

- Complete the Application Form

- Copy of your Passport

- Visa Grant Letter

2. email or mail all documents mentioned above to the Medicare Enrolment Service Centre

Email Address:  mes@servicesaustralia.gov.au

Mailing Address: Services Australia

Medicare Enrolment Services

PO Box 7856

Canberra BC ACT 2610

Work and Study

you can work and study anywhere in Australia. You are not restricted or bounded by any specific occupation or study. You are protected by Australian workplace law.

Stay and Travel

This is a permanent visa. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date of visa grant. If you need travel internationally after 5 years, a visa renew application called RRV is needed.

Renew your PR – the Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155 or 157) 

After 5 years you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident. You will be granted each RRV with 5-year travel facility when satisfying the “residence requirement”. If unable to satisfy the “residence requirement”, you will be given a maximum of 12 months travel facility on the RRV.

Bringing family

As an Australian permanent resident, you can sponsor your member of family units or other relatives to come to Australia through the following visa options:

Temporary visit

Visitor Visa (AU family Visit) (Subclass 600)

Sponsored Family Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)

Temporary Parent Visa (Subclass 870)

Permanent Visa

Parent Visa (Subclass 103) or Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)

Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 143) or Aged Contributory Parent Visa (Subclass 864)

Partner Visa (Subclass 309-100, 820-801)

Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300)

Child Visa (Subclass 101 802)

Becoming an Australian citizen 

After holding the permanent visa for at least 12months and meet the general residence requirement, you might be eligible for Australian citizenship.

For citizenship purposes, your permanent residence starts on the day:

- we granted the visa, if you were in Australia

- you entered Australia on this visa, if you were outside Australia when we granted it