Skilled Labour Visa Australia: Latest Process, Jobs, Fees 2025

If you're dreaming of living a new life Down Under, Australia's skilled labour visa program might be your ticket to success! With many Migrants using the Skilled Labour Visa Australia as a pathway to Permanent residency, you could be the next one for this! The Australian government has introduced new regional visas to encourage skilled migration to rural areas. 

So let's dive into the latest requirements, opportunities, and insider tips to make your Australian dream a reality. 

2025 Visa Policy Changes for Australia

• Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): Replaces the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Updated May 2025 with 456 in-demand jobs.

• Salary Thresholds: From July 1, 2025, the Core Skills Income Threshold rises to AUD 76,515; the Specialist Skills to AUD 141,210.

• Work Experience: Minimum now 1 year (down from 2 years) for most skilled visas.

• Transitional Arrangements: Applications lodged before December 7, 2024, will be processed under previous rules.

Understanding the Skilled Labour Visa Australia Program 

With a basic understanding of the Skilled Labour Visa Australia program, you can get a hang of what you're diving into. 

Here are five key features of the Skilled Labour Visa Australia, which can help you get an insight - 

Purpose of Skilled Labour Visa Australia 

Let's go through the top 5 reasons why the program might need you. 

• To address Skill shortages in various industries across Australia. 

• To support Australian businesses by providing access to skilled international people.

• Enhancement of innovation and productivity by bringing diverse expertise.

• To create a pathway for skilled Migrants to obtain permanent residency in Australia. 

• To attract highly qualified professionals and tradespeople to contribute to the country's economy.

Also Read: Jobs in Australia for Indians: Salary, Visa & Documents

Benefits of Skilled Labour Visa Australia 

There are ample benefits of the Skilled Labour Visa Australia, which is why it's gaining popularity amongst international people. 

Here are the top 5 benefits of the Skilled Labour Visa Australia, which might convince you - 

• Allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia legally.

• Provides access to high-paying job opportunities in high-demand sectors. 

• It offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia and, eventually, citizenship.

• It also enables Visa holders to bring their families under dependent visas.

• It grants access to Australia's top Healthcare, social security benefits, and quality education for children.
  

Types of Skilled Visas Available Australia

There are a lot of subclasses under the Skilled Labour Visa Australia, which are important to know and untabulated versions for you to read with ease and grasp the basic concept of each Subclass: 

Skilled Labour Visa Australia Requirements in 2025

This section outlines the essential Skilled Labour Visa Australia requirements, including age limits, language proficiency, and qualifications. 

Make sure to read and keep this in note to avoid future mishaps - 

• Age Requirements: Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of application. 

• English language proficiency is demonstrated by competent English language skills, typically through tests like IELTS or PTE. 

• A nomination for an occupation that appears on Australia's Skilled Occupation List has a higher chance of a Visa grant. 

• Obtain a positive skills assessment from a relevant Australian assessing authority for the Nominated occupation. 

• Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points assessment, considering factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.

• Health and character requirements through medical examinations to meet Health standards and provide police certificates to satisfy character requirements. Failure can lead to Visa refusal. 

• Employer Nomination: Some visas require nomination by an Australian employer, especially for employer-sponsored visas. 

• State or Territory Nomination for a visa Subclass like 190.

• Demonstrating relevant skills and work experience in the Nominated field.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

What's the point system? Has the 5th point got you confused? Keep reading to clear up! 

Points System Explained for Australian Visa 

Here is a detailed breakdown of the points system used for Skilled Labour Visa Australia, including points allocated for age, work experience, education, and language skills.

Higher points mean you'll have a higher chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a Skilled Labour Visa Australia. 

Australia Skilled Occupation List: Your Pathway to Eligibility 

SOL is one of the best parts of applying to Australia for a visa. Here, you'll know why it is so important and how to avail yourself of this to increase your chances of a dream career in Australia. 

This section focuses on the importance of the Skilled Occupation List and how it impacts Visa Eligibility.

• Determines Visa Eligibility - The applicants with occupations listed on the SOL can apply for specific skilled migration visas, such as Subclass 189, 190, and 491. 

• Affects Point-based Selection - With an occupation mentioned on the list, the chances of Eligibility increase. 

• Influences Sponsorship and Nomination - Some visas might require an employer or state, and only occupations listed here can be eligible. 

• Impacts Processing Priority - High-demanding jobs can be filled faster and with greater priority. The processing is kept as a priority at all times. 

• Limits/Expands Opportunities - A removal or addition to the list affects the current applicants greatly, so always check and keep yourself updated. 

Also Read: Social Work Jobs in Australia For Indians: Experts Guide

Key Occupations in Demand 2025 Update 

As of February 2025, here are the top most sought-after jobs under the Skilled Labour Visa Australia - 

• Healthcare professionals like registered nurses and early childhood teachers are in high demand. 

• Engineering professionals in civil, for infrastructure and urban planning,.

• Information and Communication Technology specialists with roles like ICT business analysts are in high demand, reflecting the growing importance of technology. 

• Construction managers for ongoing major constructions. 

• Artificial Intelligence specialists are in high demand due to the sudden surge in AI incorporation everywhere. 

How to Check if Your Occupation is on the Australia Skilled Occupation List?

Below are the steps to check your occupation status:

Step 1: Visit Home Affairs

Step 2: Navigate to the Australia Skilled Occupation List

• Click on "Visa" in the menu.

• Select "Working in Australia" from the dropdown.

• Find and click on "Skilled Occupation List" under the skilled migration section.
  

Step 3: Use the  Occupation Search Tool

• Look for the search bar or the full occupation list.

• Enter your job title or related keyword.

• Click "Search" to find relevant occupations.

Step 4: Check Visa Eligibility

• Once you find your occupation, check which visa subclasses (e.g., 189, 190, 491) it is eligible for.

• Review any special conditions or state/territory nominations required.
  

Step 5: Verify Skilled Labour Visa Australia Requirements & Updates

• Click on the occupation link to see the required qualifications, skill assessments, and licensing needs.

• Since the list is updated regularly, ensure you check the latest version.

There is an Alternative Method: 

Contact a Migration Agent: If you’re unsure of how to check the Australia Skilled Occupation List, consult a registered migration agent or lawyer for professional guidance. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Skilled Labour Visa in Australia in 2025

Here, we provide you with a comprehensive,  step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Skilled Labour Visa Australia, from initial assessment to Visa grants. 

1. Check Eligibility - Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List Australia and meets the age, English, and other skills required.
2. Get Skills Assessment - Apply for the relevant assessment authority for your profession.
3. Submit EOI (SkillSet) - Choose a visa type ( Subclass 189,190, or 491 ). Once you do, wait for your invitation to apply, also known as an ITA.
4. State Nomination ( if required ) - Apply if you're going for Subclass 190 or 491. 
5. Apply for a Visa - Submit your application within 60 days of the ITA, including documents and fees.
6. Medical and Police Checks - Complete health and character checks well in advance. 
7. Visa Outcome - If approved, move to Australia within the given time frame. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them? 

Making mistakes is human nature. But the best thing is to avoid them as much as possible. For this purpose, we've created some pointers for you as a reminder to avoid them at all costs.

Skilled Labour Visa Australia Fees in 2025

Skilled Labour Visa Australia Processing Time in 2025

The Skilled Labour Visa Australia has a different processing time depending on the Subclass of Visa you apply for. 

Here is a short guide on the different subclasses under the Skilled Labour Visa Australia and the average processing time. 

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Approximately 24 to 35 months.

2. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Around 9 to 19 months.

3. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa):

• State/Territory Nominated stream: 9 to 18 months 

• Family Sponsored stream: 7 to 14 months.

4. Subclass 476 (Skilled—Recognised Graduate Visa): Up to 35 months.

5. Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visa): 

• Graduate Work stream: 11 to 17 months

• Post-Study Work stream: 11 to 12 months.

Life After Obtaining Your Skilled Labour Visa: What To Expect in Australia? 

A beautiful life awaits you if you end up going to Australia. From beaches to wildlife, food to lifestyle, diverse work culture to fast-paced life, you'll have it all. 

Job Prospects for your career boost -

• High demand in sectors like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction.

• Strong opportunities for skilled workers in major cities and regional areas.

The lifestyle of Australia you'll get to enjoy - 

• High-quality healthcare, education, and cultural diversity.

• Vibrant urban life in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

• Quieter, more affordable living in smaller cities and rural areas.

This is what you will get nestled into - 

• Adapting to local culture and building social connections.

• Access to support services for newcomers.

• Navigating housing and financial systems.

Also Read: Doctor Salary in Australia Revealed: Experts' Insights

Transitioning from Temporary to Permanent Residency 

These are the steps you need to keep in mind once you wish to transition from temporary to permanent residency through the Skilled Labour visa Australia. 

• Check for eligibility 

• Go through the Skills assessment

• Submit a good Expression of Interest 

• State/Territory nomination ( if applicable )

• Invitation to Apply

• Submit a Visa application

• Await permanent residency confirmation 

This process roughly takes anywhere from 12 to 24 months. 

Conclusion 

Australia is a place filled with ample opportunities. If you have the skills, then why wait to turn your life around for the better? Even though it can be challenging to follow these rules rigorously to obtain a Skilled Labour Visa Australia, it's necessary. So go ahead and live your dream life down under now! 

With Terratern, you do not have to worry about the paperwork and laws; you can just sit tight. Our dedicated team will make sure your whole process is smooth without hurdles. Working with us hand in hand gives you time to worry about what to pack rather than what to submit. More than 50,000 clients have been happily settled, and Terratern is proud to be a part of their significant milestone. Start yours today!