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How to Legally Immigrate to Australia in 2026: Complete Skilled Migration Guide

Australia is one of the most sought-after immigration destinations in the world — and for good reason. It offers a high standard of living, a strong economy, world-class healthcare, excellent schools, and clear legal pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. In 2026, the Australian government has maintained its commitment to skilled migration while introducing important updates that every applicant needs to know.

This guide covers everything — from visa types and points calculations to the latest state nomination rounds, in-demand occupations, real costs, and step-by-step application instructions.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not constitute legal or migration advice. Immigration rules change regularly. Always verify information on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website and consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA-registered) or immigration lawyer before applying.

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Why Australia Is One of the Best Countries to Immigrate to in 2026

Australia’s immigration system is points-based, transparent, and designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the economy long-term. Here is why thousands of professionals choose Australia every year:

• The permanent migration program offers 185,000 places for 2025–26, with approximately 71% allocated to skilled workers
• Australia has a severe shortage of workers in healthcare, technology, construction, and trades — meaning your skills are genuinely needed
• The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program allows you to apply without a job offer in many cases
• Permanent residency leads to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements
• Australia has a clear regional pathway — commit to living outside major cities and your visa processing becomes faster and easier
• Your spouse can work anywhere in Australia, and your children can attend public schools
• From July 2026, new income thresholds for employer-sponsored workers are being indexed to ensure higher, market-competitive salaries for migrants

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Understanding Australia’s Migration System: The Big Picture

Australia’s skilled immigration system has three levels:

Temporary work — You live and work in Australia for a fixed period, often with a pathway to permanent residency.

Provisional residence — You live in a regional area for a set time and then qualify for full permanent residency (Subclass 491 → Subclass 191).

Permanent residence — You have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. After four years, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

The entry point for most skilled workers is the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which uses a points-based ranking system through the SkillSelect portal.

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Part 1: The Australia Points Test — How It Works in 2026

Every skilled migration applicant receives a score based on the Points Test. This score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a skilled visa.

Minimum Score Required

65 points is the official minimum to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. However, this is just the entry floor — not a guarantee of receiving an invitation. Competitive invitation cut-offs in 2026 are typically 80 points or higher for popular occupations. For some engineering and IT specializations, cut-offs have reached 90–95 points in recent rounds.

Key insight: Sitting at 65 points means you are eligible to enter the pool, but you may wait years for an invitation. Focus on reaching 80+ points before submitting your EOI.

Points Test Breakdown — Exactly How You Score

Age — Points are awarded based on your age at the time you receive an invitation (not when you submit your EOI):

• 18 to 24 years: 25 points
• 25 to 32 years: 30 points (maximum — best window to apply)
• 33 to 39 years: 25 points
• 40 to 44 years: 15 points
• 45 years and over: 0 points (not eligible for skilled independent or nominated visas)

English Language Ability — Based on your test results (IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET):

• Competent English (IELTS 6 in all bands): 0 points (minimum to apply)
• Proficient English (IELTS 7 in all bands): 10 points
• Superior English (IELTS 8 in all bands): 20 points

Overseas Skilled Work Experience — Work in your nominated occupation outside Australia:

• Less than 1 year: 0 points
• 1 to 2 years: 5 points
• 3 to 4 years: 10 points
• 5 to 7 years: 15 points
• 8 years or more: 15 points (same as 5–7 years for overseas experience)

Australian Skilled Work Experience — Work in your nominated occupation inside Australia:

• 1 year: 5 points
• 3 years: 10 points
• 5 years: 15 points
• 8 years: 20 points

Educational Qualifications:

• Doctorate (PhD) from an Australian or recognized institution: 20 points
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or higher: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
• Award from an Australian institution, or completed study in Australia: additional points apply

Australian Study Requirement: If you completed at least 2 years of full-time study in Australia leading to a recognized qualification: 5 extra points

STEM Qualification: If your Australian Master’s degree or PhD is in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics): 10 extra points

Specialist Education: Completion of a Professional Year program in Australia in IT, accounting, or engineering: 5 extra points

Community Language: If you hold a NAATI Credentialed Community Language (CCL) accreditation in a language other than English: 5 extra points

Partner Skills: If your spouse or partner also holds a skills assessment for an eligible occupation and meets the Competent English requirement:

• 10 points if your partner meets the skills and English requirements
• 10 points if your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• 5 points if your partner has only the Competent English level

State or Territory Nomination:

• Subclass 190 nomination: 5 extra points
• Subclass 491 nomination: 15 extra points

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Part 2: Australia Skilled Visa Types — Which One Is Right for You?

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent)

This is the most sought-after Australian visa. It gives you permanent residency from day one, with the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia — no state, employer, or sponsor required.

Requirements:

• Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Score of 65+ points (competitive scores typically 85–95+ for popular occupations)
• Age under 45 at time of invitation
• Positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority
• English language test: minimum Competent English (IELTS 6 in all bands)
• Health and character checks

Best for: Highly competitive candidates with strong points scores who want maximum flexibility.

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)

This visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. In exchange for committing to live and work in that state for at least 2 years, you receive 5 extra CRS points on your profile.

Requirements:

• Your occupation must be on the state’s priority occupation list
• You must demonstrate genuine ties to the state (employment, family, study, etc.)
• Meet the state’s individual eligibility criteria
• Overall points score of 65+ (competitive scores typically 75–85+)
• Health, character, and English requirements

Best for: Candidates with a moderate points score who want to increase their invitation chances by targeting a specific state. Strong demand in technology, healthcare, and construction roles.

Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional, 5 Years)

This is a provisional visa that allows you and your family to live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. After 3 years of living and working in the region and meeting income requirements, you can apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residency.

Key advantage: State nomination for 491 gives you 15 extra points — the single largest points boost available in the system.

Designated regional areas include: Most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — including coastal cities, inland towns, Canberra (ACT), Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Hobart, and all regional communities.

Requirements:

• Occupation on the relevant state’s priority list or Regional Occupation List (ROL)
• Nomination from a state/territory government or eligible family member in a regional area
• Age under 45
• Health and character requirements

Best for: Candidates with lower points scores, or those willing to experience regional Australia in exchange for a faster and more accessible pathway to PR.

Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand Visa (Temporary, Employer-Sponsored)

This visa replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It is employer-sponsored and does not require a points score — just a confirmed job offer in an eligible occupation.

From July 1, 2026, income thresholds (TSMIT — Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) are being indexed upward to ensure sponsored workers are paid competitive, market-relevant salaries. This will affect all new applications. If your offered salary is close to the current threshold, timing your application before July 1, 2026 is important.

The 482 visa has a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) visa after 2–3 years of employment with the same employer.

Best for: Workers who have a confirmed Australian employer willing to sponsor them.

Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent)

This is a permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer. It can be applied for directly (Direct Entry stream) or after working on a Subclass 482 visa for at least 2–3 years (Transition stream).

Subclass 191 — Permanent Residence (Regional)

After holding a Subclass 491 visa and living and working in a designated regional area for 3 continuous years, you can apply for Subclass 191 Permanent Residence. You must also meet an income threshold — currently above the minimum salary threshold — to demonstrate you are economically contributing to the regional community.

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Part 3: The Occupation Lists — Does Your Job Qualify?

Your occupation must appear on one of Australia’s official skilled occupation lists before you can apply. If your job is not on the list, you cannot apply for skilled migration.

Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

This is the most important list. It contains 212 occupations with strong, long-term national demand across Australia. Professions on this list can access:

• Subclass 189 (permanent, independent)
• Subclass 190 (permanent, state-nominated)
• Subclass 491 (regional provisional)

Examples of MLTSSL occupations: Software engineer, civil engineer, registered nurse, accountant, electrician (special class), plumber (special class), secondary school teacher, general practitioner.

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Contains 215 occupations needed in the short-term or in specific regions. Occupations on this list cannot access the Subclass 189 but can access Subclass 190 (with state nomination) and Subclass 491 (regional).

Examples of STSOL occupations: Hotel manager, photographer, print journalist, marketing specialist.

Regional Occupation List (ROL)

Contains occupations specifically needed in regional areas of Australia. Used primarily for Subclass 491 regional visas. If your occupation is only on the ROL, you must live and work regionally.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

This is a newer list introduced in 2026 for the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482). It uses the updated ANZSCO 2022 classification system. If your occupation is on the CSOL, it primarily supports employer-sponsored visa pathways.

How to verify your occupation: Use the official Department of Home Affairs occupation database at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Always check with a registered migration agent before assuming your occupation qualifies — minor differences in job titles can result in different ANZSCO code classifications with very different outcomes.

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Part 4: Skills Assessments — The Most Important Step

Before you can enter the SkillSelect pool, you must get a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation. This is the step most applicants underestimate.

A skills assessment confirms that your overseas education and work experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. Without a positive skills assessment, you cannot apply for any skilled visa.

Key Assessing Authorities by Field

Engineers: Engineers Australia (EA) — assesses through the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) pathway

IT and ICT professionals: Australian Computer Society (ACS) — covers software developers, network engineers, database administrators, and more

Accountants and financial professionals: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), or Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Nurses: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)

Doctors (overseas trained): Australian Medical Council (AMC) — requires additional licensing exams

Teachers: Teaching authority of the relevant state

Trades workers (electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters): Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) — and from 2026, a new accelerated skills assessment program has been introduced to process up to 4,000 additional skilled trades workers per year, especially those in construction and electrical trades

Architects: Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA)

Scientists and researchers: Various authorities depending on specialization

How Long Does a Skills Assessment Take?

Processing times vary significantly by authority and complexity of your case:

• ACS (IT): approximately 4 to 8 weeks
• Engineers Australia: approximately 8 to 16 weeks (MSA pathway)
• ANMAC (Nurses): approximately 10 to 18 weeks
• TRA (Trades): approximately 6 to 16 weeks
• AMC (Doctors): 6 months to over a year (includes exams)

Start your skills assessment as early as possible. Many applicants lose months of waiting time because they start this step too late.

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Part 5: State Nomination Rounds — What Is Happening in June 2026

Australia’s state and territory governments each run their own nomination rounds independently. Here is a snapshot of what is happening right now in June 2026:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT — Canberra): An upcoming invitation round is scheduled for June 11, 2026 (Subclass 190 only). As of early May 2026, the ACT had 312 places remaining for the program year — 185 for Subclass 190 and 127 for Subclass 491. Most invitations go to Critical Skill Occupations.

Tasmania: Held a skilled migration round on June 4, 2026, issuing 71 invitations — 44 under Subclass 190 (minimum score 500 under the Green pass category) and 27 under Subclass 491 (minimum score 300). Tasmania currently has 41 Subclass 190 places and 123 Subclass 491 places remaining.

South Australia: Closed its Registrations of Interest for the current program year on June 2, 2026, following its final formal invitation round on May 21, 2026. South Australia issued 1,767 nominations for Subclass 190 and 1,086 for Subclass 491 this program year. A small additional round may occur before June 30 to use remaining places.

Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia: Continue running regular rounds targeting their priority occupation lists. Technology, healthcare, construction, and education roles consistently attract invitations across all major states.

Important: Each state has different requirements, different occupation priority lists, and different minimum scores. A score that is too low for NSW may be competitive in Tasmania. Matching your profile to the right state is one of the most important strategic decisions in your migration journey.

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Part 6: In-Demand Occupations in Australia — Where the Jobs Are in 2026

If your occupation is in high demand, your chances of receiving an invitation increase significantly. Australia’s 2026 federal budget highlighted specific sectors where overseas talent is urgently needed.

Healthcare — Critical shortage across all states: Registered nurses, enrolled nurses, personal care workers, aged care workers, general practitioners, specialist doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, sonographers, medical imaging technologists, paramedics, and dental professionals. Australia’s aging population is driving relentless demand in this sector.

Construction and Engineering — Driven by housing and infrastructure programs: Civil engineers, structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, mechanical engineers, project managers, building surveyors, quantity surveyors, and construction managers. The government’s housing construction push is creating massive demand.

Skilled Trades — The 2026 federal budget specifically allocates accelerated assessment for these: Electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, boilermakers, welders, and tilers. Regional areas have particularly severe shortages. From 2026, up to 4,000 additional skilled trades workers per year can be processed faster through a new Trades Recognition Australia assessment program.

Information Technology — Rapidly growing sector in all cities: Software developers, software engineers, cybersecurity analysts, cloud engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers, DevOps engineers, UI/UX designers, network administrators, and IT project managers.

Education — Consistent demand, especially regionally: Secondary school teachers (especially in STEM subjects, languages, and special needs education), primary school teachers, early childhood educators, and TAFE instructors.

Agriculture and Food Production: Agricultural scientists, farm managers, winemakers, and food technologists, particularly in regional areas.

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Part 7: Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 — Check Your Occupation

Verify that your job title and duties match an occupation on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL using the Department of Home Affairs ANZSCO search tool. If you are unsure, a registered migration agent can give you a professional assessment.

Step 2 — Get Your Skills Assessment (Start Early)

Contact the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Submit your academic credentials, employment reference letters, and any professional registrations. This step is critical and takes the most time. Do not wait — start this process immediately.

Step 3 — Take Your English Language Test

Book IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET depending on your occupation and assessing authority preferences. Target Superior English (IELTS 8 in all bands) if possible — it doubles your language points compared to Proficient English.

For healthcare workers: the Occupational English Test (OET) is specifically designed for medical professionals and is accepted by ANMAC and the AMC.

Step 4 — Calculate Your Points Score

Use the official Department of Home Affairs points test to calculate your score honestly. Then develop a strategy to improve it — better English, partner skills assessment, state nomination targeting. Do not submit your EOI until your score is competitive for your occupation.

Step 5 — Create Your SkillSelect Account and Submit an EOI

Log in to ImmiAccount on the official Department of Home Affairs website and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Your EOI remains valid in the pool until you receive an invitation or update your profile.

Step 6 — Register Interest with State or Territory Governments

If you are targeting a Subclass 190 or 491 visa, register your interest with the states you are eligible for. Each state has its own application portal. Monitor state invitation rounds carefully — they happen frequently throughout the year.

Step 7 — Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

When you receive an ITA — either from the federal government (for Subclass 189) or from a state after nomination — you typically have 60 days to submit your full visa application. Do not miss this deadline.

Step 8 — Submit Your Visa Application

Lodge your complete application through ImmiAccount. This includes uploading all supporting documents: passport, skills assessment result, English test results, employment reference letters, police clearances from all countries you have lived in, and a health insurance confirmation.

Step 9 — Complete Health Examinations and Biometrics

You will be directed to complete a health examination with a designated panel physician. You may also need to provide biometrics at a VEVO-approved location. Results go directly to the Department of Home Affairs electronically.

Step 10 — Receive Your Visa Grant

Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa grant letter. For permanent visas (189, 190, 191, 186), you will receive your Permanent Resident confirmation. You must typically make your first entry into Australia before your initial travel date.

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Part 8: How Much Does Australian Migration Cost in 2026?

Item	Approximate Cost (AUD)
IELTS or PTE Academic language test	AUD $330 – $390 per attempt
Skills assessment (varies by authority)	AUD $500 – $1,200
Skills assessment for doctors (AMC)	AUD $3,000 – $8,000+ (includes exams)
Subclass 189 main applicant visa fee	AUD $4,640
Subclass 190 main applicant visa fee	AUD $4,640
Subclass 491 main applicant visa fee	AUD $4,640
Additional applicant (18 or over)	AUD $2,320 per person
Additional applicant (under 18)	AUD $1,160 per person
Police clearance certificates	Varies by country (AUD $20 – $150 each)
Medical examination (panel physician)	AUD $300 – $500 per adult
Registered Migration Agent (optional)	AUD $2,000 – $8,000+ depending on complexity

Note: Visa application fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are regularly reviewed. Always confirm current fees on the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au website before applying. There are no refunds once a visa application has been lodged.

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Part 9: Your Family — What Happens to Spouse and Children

Australia’s skilled migration system is designed to welcome entire families.

Spouse or de facto partner: Can be included in your visa application as a secondary applicant. If your partner holds a positive skills assessment and meets Competent English, this adds 10 extra points to your primary applicant profile — one of the highest-value point boosts available.

Dependent children under 23: Can be included in your visa application. They can attend Australian public schools (free for permanent residents) and universities.

Partner’s independent work rights: Once you arrive in Australia on a skilled visa, your spouse has full work rights in Australia — they are not restricted to a specific employer or industry.

Bringing parents to Australia: The Parent visa (Subclass 103 or 143) is available to parents of Australian permanent residents and citizens. The Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143) is faster but has a higher government fee. These visas have long waiting periods — often many years — due to high demand.

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Part 10: Regional Australia — Why It Is Worth Considering

Many applicants overlook regional Australia because they assume they must live in Sydney or Melbourne. This is a mistake, especially in 2026.

Benefits of regional migration:

• Subclass 491 nomination gives you 15 extra points — the largest single boost in the entire points system
• Processing times for state nominations are often faster in less competitive regional states like Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory
• Lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne
• Strong job markets in healthcare, trades, and agriculture
• After 3 years in a regional area, you qualify for Subclass 191 permanent residency
• Many regional cities offer excellent schools, healthcare, and quality of life

Designated regional areas include: Everywhere in Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas. This includes Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin, Hobart, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle, and all regional towns.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Australia Immigration 2026

How long does it take to get Australian permanent residency? It depends on the visa type. A Subclass 189 application, once lodged, typically takes 6 to 12 months for a decision. Subclass 190 is similar. Subclass 482 to 186 (employer-sponsored permanent) takes 2–3 years of employment first. The Subclass 491 to 191 regional pathway takes a minimum of 3 years of regional living.

Can I apply for Australian PR without a job offer? Yes — the Subclass 189 and most Subclass 190 and 491 streams do not require a job offer. What you need is an occupation on the relevant skilled list, a positive skills assessment, and a competitive points score. A job offer adds employment points if you have a formal offer, but it is not mandatory for these visa types.

Do I need a skills assessment if I already have an Australian qualification? Not always — Australian graduates may be exempt from certain skills assessment requirements in some streams. However, the rules differ by occupation and assessing authority. Always verify this with the authority for your specific occupation.

What English test should I take for Australia immigration? The most commonly accepted tests are IELTS Academic and PTE Academic. Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT are also accepted. For healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, physiotherapists), the OET (Occupational English Test) is specifically designed for medical settings and is preferred by ANMAC and AMC.

What is SkillSelect and how do I use it? SkillSelect is Australia’s online system for managing skilled migration applications. You create a profile (called an Expression of Interest or EOI), which is ranked against other applicants. When invitation rounds are held, the Department invites the highest-scoring candidates. You access SkillSelect through your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Can I include my spouse and children in my visa application? Yes. Your spouse and dependent children (under 23) can be included as secondary applicants in your visa application. Including a skilled partner also increases your points score by 10 points.

What happens if my visa application is refused? You have the right to seek a merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if your visa is refused. You can also re-apply in the future if the reasons for refusal have been resolved. Some refusal grounds, such as character or health, may have permanent consequences — which is why professional advice before lodging is important.

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Tips to Avoid Mistakes and Scams

Only use MARA-registered migration agents. In Australia, only registered agents under the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) are legally authorized to give immigration advice for payment. Verify any agent at mara.gov.au.

Never pay for guaranteed visa approval. No migration agent or consultant can legally guarantee a visa outcome. If someone promises you an approval for a fee — it is fraud.

Use only the official government portal. Apply through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au only. Dozens of unofficial websites copy the government’s design and steal application fees.

Start your skills assessment immediately. This is the step that takes the longest. Do not wait until you have your English test results to start. Run both in parallel.

Aim for Superior English (IELTS 8), not just Proficient. The difference between Proficient (10 points) and Superior (20 points) English is 10 points on your total score — which can be the difference between waiting 2 months for an invitation or waiting 2 years.

Match your profile to the right state. Do not just apply to New South Wales or Victoria because they are the biggest states. Research which state has the most invitation rounds in your occupation and the lowest competitive score threshold.

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Official Australian Immigration Links

All links below go to official Australian government websites:

🔗 Main Department of Home Affairs — Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder/work

🔗 SkillSelect and ImmiAccount: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/create-immi-account

🔗 Skilled Occupation Lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

🔗 Points Test Calculator: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/tools/points-calculator

🔗 Verify a Registered Migration Agent (MARA): https://mara.gov.au/finding-a-migration-agent

🔗 Check current visa processing times: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/global-visa-processing-times

🔗 State and territory nomination portals: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-employer-sponsored-workers/state-territory

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Last updated: June 2026 | All information verified against official Australian Department of Home Affairs sources and registered migration agent guidance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your specific profile, consult a MARA-registered migration agent or a qualified immigration lawyer.