Skilled Visa News
Get the latest updates on skilled visas, including SkillSelect Skilled Independent, Skilled Nominated, Skilled Work Regional, Temporary Graduate Skilled, and Permanent Residence visas.
As of February 1, 2025, the Australian Government has implemented a significant increase in the application fees for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). The base application charge for primary applicants has risen from AUD 1,945 to AUD 2,235, marking a 15% increase. The fees for secondary applicants have also seen a hike, with charges now set at AUD 1,115 for those aged 18 and over, and AUD 560 for applicants under 18. Visa Subclass Base Application Charge Additional Applicant Charge 18 And Over Additional Applicant Charge Under 18 Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post-Higher Education Work stream AUD2,235.00 AUD1,115.00 AUD560.00 Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post-Vocational Education... Read more
About Skilled Migration
SkillSelect is an online application process that enables skilled workers and business people interested in migrating to Australia through the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI).
All EOI’s are considered and, if you are a successful applicant, you will be issued an invitation to apply for the skilled migration visa you have conveyed interest in.
You may also be found and nominated by an Australian employer or State or Territory Government if you have skills and qualifications that are required in Australia.
Employers seeking to sponsor or hire foreign workers can visit our Australian Employer Services page.
Skilled visa processing priorities
Skilled visa applications are processed according to government policy priorities:
- Subclass 124 (Distinguished Talent) Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)
- Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment) (Provisional)
- Subclass 189 (Skilled - Independent) Subclass 190 (Skilled - Nominated)
- Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional))
- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)
- Subclass 489 (Skilled - Regional (Provisional)) Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional))
- Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional))
- Subclass 858 (Global Talent)
- Subclass 887 (Skilled - Regional)
- Subclass 888 (Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent).
Skilled visa applications are processed in the following order
- Visa applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation.
- For employer sponsored visas, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status.
- Visa applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area.
- For permanent and provisional visa subclasses, visa applications that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188 (Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional)) visa.
- All other visa applications.
For all categories above, priority will be given to holders of eligible passports.
All other skilled visa applications are assessed in order of date of lodgement.
Migration planning levels
The 2023-24 migration planning level will be 190,000 places, with 137,100 allocated to the skilled migration stream.
Skilled Visa Application Charges
The application process for an Australian skilled work visa requires payment of mandatory Government Visa Application Charges (VAC), which differ depending on the type of skilled work visa and the number of applicants involved.
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Or book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents .
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The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) allows individuals holding a qualifying visa who have lived for at least 3 years in a designated regional area and who have also earned the specified income amount, to reside permanently in Australia.
The visa can include eligible members of your family. You do not need a sponsor or nominator for this visa.
This is a provisional visa. It is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
This provisional visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a regional state/ territory government or an eligible relative.
It provides benefits including a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191).
If you are a skilled worker who is not sponsored by an employer, state or a family member, you may be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
This permanent visa enables successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia.
To qualify, you must have an eligible occupation appropriate to this subclass and score at least 65 points in the points test at the time you are invited to apply.
Skilled Migration Reviews
Leah and Martin from This is Australia had helped me and my husband's 485 visa and both were granted. They deliver great service and are approachable. Every time I had questions, they gave us very informative answers.
Krizzle De Leon
03/02/2025
Want to give a big thanks to Marty and Leah for assisting in my 485 Graduate Visa. They were so helpful and knowledgeable throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend This is Australia!!!
Edward Wall
18/07/2024
I would highly recommend This is Australian Migration Agency as they did an amazing job with my 491visa application I had the opportunity to have Martin as my visa agent ,and all I can tell you that whole team was very professional and extremely efficient. I love to thanks Anthony and Erine too. Thank you so much for everything ❤️
Amandeep Singh
08/07/2024
Thanks to “This is Australia” team. They helped me in getting my 485 replacement and 491 visa. Special thanks to Martin, tony and Mathew for all their help and assistance.
munaf mehdi
22/07/2023
Thank you Jerry for your best services for my 491 Visa.
Dreampwn Phucharoun
23/01/2023
My husband and I would rate TIA 'ten star' if we could. The service provided by Ernie, Sookyi and Audrey was exceptional. We were advised, guided, supported and encouraged by a team of skilled and professional people. People who really care. The granting of the Permanent Residency visa for my partner has changed our lives forever and we will always remember the TIA team who we worked with through the process. A BIG thank you from both of us.
Garry Huggett
07/01/2023
Great and professional migration agency. I did my graduate and skilled visa with them and I was very pleased with their service and communication. Martin and Tony always kept me updated and answered all my questions every time I reached out. I can't recommend them enough.
Alex Mijares
09/09/2022
Can’t recommend this team enough. I’ve used This is Australia for several visa applications which has resulted in me being successful with a 491 regional visa. Recommended these guys to several friends already!
HARRY M
06/04/2022
Best migration agency! Thanks to the guidance and timely promoting from both Tony and Martin, I was able to get my SC 491. I have recommended ‘This is Australia’ to all my friends.
Judika Devini Peries
12/05/2021