Skilled Worker Visa Australia: Latest Fees, Process & More

The skilled worker visa Australia is one of the most popular immigration programs for professionals who wish to work and settle in the Land Down Under. It is more important than ever to learn about the latest requirements, visa types, and PR channels now that new updates are being introduced in 2025, ranging from Skills in Demand (SID) visas.

There is a need to keep abreast of the rapid changes in Australia's skilled migration program. This guide discusses everything from visa types to eligibility criteria and costs, as well as the step-by-step process of getting a skilled worker visa Australia.

Latest Facts & News about Skilled Worker Visa Australia (2025)

Australia's immigration policies underwent major updates in 2025. Here are the key changes every applicant must know:

• The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) will be introduced in December 2024, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.

• SID visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for up to four years with pathways to permanent residency.

• The Core Skills Occupation List now applies to temporary and permanent skilled visas.

• The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program remains the top permanent visa pathway.

• The updated Skilled Occupation List (SOL) reflects Australia's changing labour market needs.

• For PR eligibility, the 491 visa requires residence and employment in regional areas for 3–5 years.

• Visa application charges for subclasses 189, 190, and 491 start at AUD4,640 for the principal applicant.

• The minimum points requirement for skilled migration remains at 65 points.

What is the Skilled Worker Visa Australia in 2025?

The skilled worker visa Australia is designed for foreign nationals skilled in demand in several industries. These visas offer an opportunity to live, work, and become permanent residents.

The most common visa subclasses include:

• 189: Skilled Independent Visa

• 190: Skilled Nominated Visa

• 491: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

• SID (482): Skills in Demand Visa

Latest Changes to Australia Immigration Skilled Worker Visa (2025)

Australia's immigration scenario is changing very fast, and the Australia immigration skilled worker visa system will see significant changes in 2025. These changes are aimed at making the skilled migration process more straightforward, solving labor shortages, and providing ways for achieving permanent residency more transparent.

You might be an international student, a skilled worker, or a potential nominee; staying aware of the recent policies is essential to increase your chances of a successful application.

New Developments in the Year 2025 for the Skilled Worker Visa Structure:

1. Presentation of Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)

The SID visa, which has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, now permits skilled foreign workers to be in Australia for up to four years while offering better permanent residency (PR) routes for eligible candidates.

2. Updated Skilled Occupation Lists

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL), its component Core Skills Occupation List and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), is now revised annually to align with real-time labor demands.

3. New Core Skills Occupation List

This new list is applied for temporary and permanent skilled visas and makes the nomination process easier, decreasing the number of discrepancies between different subclasses of visas.

4. Points Threshold Remains at 65

The minimum required points score for most skilled worker visas is the same, i.e., 65 points, but more points are usually required for occupations in high demand.

5. Streamlined Nomination Process for States/Territories

Several South Australian regions and territories have updated their nomination requirements to be easier to understand. Eligibility, however, varies by region; some now demand separate registrations of interest.

6. Pathways for International Students Enhanced

The graduates from Australian institutes now have easy access to skilled visas and state/territory nominations, especially in the regional areas.

7. Changes in Processing Times and Priorities

Turnaround times have been revised, and priority has been granted to healthcare, teaching, and technology-based jobs most of the time. Lack of or inaccurate applications may lead to delays of significant length.

8. Regional Visas Still Crucial

The 491 Regional Visa is still a major PR route. Still, it requires staying and working in a specified regional area for up to 5 years before moving on to the 191 Permanent Residency visa.

Also Read: Freshers Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide

Current Types of Skilled Worker Visa Australia in 2025

There are several subclasses for such visas in categories of skilled workers. This is a short description of each:

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

• No sponsor needed

• Points-tested

• Leads to permanent residency

2. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)

• It has to be nominated by a state/territory government

• Points-tested

• Grants PR on approval

3. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)

• Provisional visa for regional Australia

• Needs to be nominated by a state/territory or an eligible family.

• Valid for 5 years; leads to Subclass 191 PR visa

4. Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa)

• Employer-sponsored

• Replace the TSS visa

• Stay up to 4 years; includes PR pathway

Australia Skilled Worker Visa List 2025: Eligible Occupations

The applicants have to select an occupation from the appropriate Skilled Occupation List. The Australia skilled worker visa list is updated annually.

There are three major lists of occupations which are:

• Core Skills Occupation List

• Medium and long-term strategic skills list (MLTSSL)

• Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)

Popular Australia skilled worker visa list in-demand includes:

• IT professionals

• Nurses and healthcare workers

• Engineers

• Accountants

• Electricians and construction workers

Always visit the most updated lists on the Home Affairs website.

Also Read: Best City In Australia For Jobs, Students & Visitors

Latest Skilled Worker Visa Australia Cost: Fees and Expenses in 2025

Understanding the costs involved helps in better planning. The skilled worker visa Australia cost varies based on the subclass and number of applicants.

Additional skilled worker visa Australia cost:

• Skills assessment fees: AUD 300–AUD 1,000

• English test (IELTS/PTE): AUD 350–AUD 400

• Health checks: AUD 150–AUD 300

• Police certificates: Varies by country

EOI submission is free.

Current Eligibility Criteria for Australia Immigration Skilled Worker Visa in 2025

To apply for a skilled worker visa Australia, the applicants need to meet the following essential conditions:

1. Be Under 45 Years of Age

You must be under 45 years old when you receive the invitation to apply for the visa. As a rule, applicants aged 45 and above usually do not qualify for most skilled migration visas.

2. Have Competent English

Demonstrating English proficiency is mandatory. Mainly, it involves getting at least 6.0 in all bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) of IELTS or its equivalent in other approved tests such as PTE or TOEFL.

3. Select an Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

You need to select an occupation that features on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (e.g., MLTSSL, STSOL, or Regional list), which is updated as per the needs of the Australian labour market.

4. Get a Positive Skills Assessment

Your qualifications and work experience need to be reviewed by an acknowledged authority in skills assessment to ascertain that they meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.

5. Score at least 65 Marks on the Points Basis

The points are given depending on age, education, proficiency in the English language, work experience, and other qualifications. At least 65 points are required to qualify, although a higher score gives you more opportunity to be invited.

6. Meet Health and Character Requirements

You and any family members included in your application must undergo health checks and obtain police clearance certificates to prove they are in good health and character.

7. Secure Nomination for Those who are Applying for Subclass 190 or 491

For state-nominated (190) and regional (491) visas, you will need to receive a formal nomination from an Australian state or territory, and the state or territory might also have its requirements and requirements for nomination.

Also Read: What is the Average Salary in Australia per Month?

Latest Step-by-Step Application Process for Skilled Worker Visa Australia in 2025

Applying for a Skilled Worker Visa Australia requires a set of procedures to ascertain your eligibility and requirements. This is a breakdown of the whole process as follows:

1. Check Your Eligibility

Make sure that you meet the basic needs, like:

• Being under 45 years of age

• Reaching the minimum level of English proficiency.

• Being a nominated occupation in the Skilled Occupation List

• Passing 65 points on the points test

2. Complete a Skills Assessment

Have your qualifications and experience assessed by your occupation's relevant skills assessment authority. This is a compulsory requirement for most skilled visa sub-classes.

3. Take an English Language Test

• Sit for an approved English test, such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. You must attain the stipulated scores to demonstrate competent or better English proficiency.

• Make an Expression of Interest (EOI)Synthesis of the post-disaster thematic analysis.

• Apply and submit your EOI via SkilSelect, the online system by the Australian government, as a way of ranking applicants according to their points score. It is a free process to send EOI.

4. Wait for ITA (invitation to apply)

If your EOI meets the given points and occupation demand, you may be invited to apply for the visa. Once you can do that, you may apply for an official visa.

5. State or Territory Nomination (Applicable)

If you are interested in applying for a subclass 190 or 491 visa, you should do a separate application to be nominated by a participating Australian state or territory. There exist different rules and procedures in each region.

6. Gather All Required Documents

Start collecting supporting documents, including:

• Passport and ID proof

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Employment references and working experience evidence

• English test results

• Skills assessment outcome

• Marriage/birth certificates (in case of applying with the family)

7. Lodge Your Visa Application Online

After the invitation, you are supposed to apply for a visa through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Ensure that all files are uploaded correctly to ensure there are no delays.

8. Complete Health and Police Checks

Go through necessary medical tests and procure police clearance from those countries where you have remained for 12 months or more in the last decade.

9. Wait for the Visa Decision

After all the submissions, the Department of Home Affairs will review your application. Times of processing your visa may differ according to the visa category and the completeness of your application.

Also Read: What is COE Australia? A Complete Experts Guide

Latest Points System for Skilled Worker Visa Australia

Australia applies a points system to assess GSM visa applicants (189, 190, 491).

Points are awarded for:

• Age (max 30 points)

• English language ability (max 20 points)

• Work experience (max 20 points)

• Education qualifications (max 20 points)

• Australian study / Work (up to 15 points)

• State nomination/family sponsorship (15 points).

• Partner skills (up to 10 points)

65 points are required to be eligible.

Current State and Territory Nomination for Skilled Worker Visa Australia

State and territory governments are the ones that nominate applicants for both 190 and 491 visas.

Each region has different criteria:

• Occupation list availability

• Work experience requirements

• Residency and registration of interest

States to consider:

• New South Wales

• Victoria

• South Australia

• Queensland

• Western Australia

Do not forget to check state nomination websites for the latest updates.

Latest Pathways to Permanent Residency through Skilled Worker Visa Australia in 2025

Australia's skilled worker visas are not just for meeting labour shortfalls but also for providing a definite path to PR for qualified foreign professionals. Below is how visa subclasses go into PR:

1. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)

This visa awards direct permanent residency without soliciting state, territory, or employer sponsorship. It is points tested and very competitive; in most cases, it requires high scores and popular occupations.

2. Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)

It is also a direct PR visa but requires a nomination by an Australian state or territory. Individuals applying have to agree to stay and work in the nominating region for at least two years.

3. Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional-Provisional Visa)

This is a temporary visa that is valid for five years. To qualify for permanent residency under subclass 191, you have to:

• Live and work in an assigned regional area for at least 3 years.

• Reach the minimum taxable income threshold of AUD 53,900 annually in the 3 years.

• Follow visa requirements during the stay.

4. Part 482 (Skills in Demand or SID Visa)

The employer sponsors this temporary business visa, and one can stay for a maximum of four years. It provides the pathway to PR using the subclass 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) on condition that:

• You've been in the sponsoring employer position for at least a few years.

• The occupation is still on the eligible list.

• The employer recommends you for a permanent residency.

To obtain PR via any stream, there are also conditions that you must meet, including English proficiency, character and health requirements, and financial aspects, where required.

Common Mistakes and Tips for a Successful Application: 

Do not commit such mistakes to increase your chances:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation

• Choosing an ineligible occupation

• Inaccurate points in EOI

• Missing deadlines

• Ignoring state/territory nomination rules

Expert Tips:

• Enter the points calculator to check for eligibility.

• Prepare documents early

• Keep English test results valid

• Track updates on official portals

Conclusion

Despite setbacks, the skilled worker visa Australia remains an essential channel for professionals who want to live in one of the world's most sought-after countries. However, with the 2025 updates, such as the SID visa and smoothed occupation lists, the applicants have more opportunities and more things to remember. This guide gives step-by-step instructions to help you plan your application accurately and reliably.

Contact TerraTern for more information on the skilled worker visa Australia.