Australia doesn’t just offer stunning coastlines and world-class cities. It offers real career opportunities for skilled workers. But if you’ve ever tried to decode the migration process, you’ll know the hardest part isn’t qualifying. It’s figuring out the exact steps you’re supposed to take.

With multiple visa subclasses, strict documentation rules and a points system that can shift without warning, many applicants waste months simply because they didn’t start correctly. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, practical roadmap on how to apply for a Skilled Visa in Australia.

In summary, you’ll need to choose an occupation from the Skilled Occupation List, complete a recognised skills assessment, prove your English ability and submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. If invited, you can then lodge your visa application, complete health and character checks and wait for the final outcome.

Keep reading for a step-by-step breakdown that shows you what each stage involves and what you’ll need to prepare from the beginning.

How to Apply for a Skilled Visa in Australia — A Brief Guide

Applying for a Skilled Visa in Australia follows a structured process. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Check your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and confirm you meet the qualifications.
• Complete a skills assessment through the approved authority for your role.
• Prove your English ability with an accepted test like IELTS, PTE or OET.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
• Receive an invitation if your points and occupation are competitive.
• Lodge your visa application with all required documents.
• Complete health and character checks.
• Wait for the decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

This streamlined approach helps you move through each stage confidently and correctly.

Let Lewis & Bollard Guide Your Skilled Visa Application in Sydney

If you’re in Sydney and ready to start your skilled visa journey, Lewis & Bollard is here to make it simple, accurate and stress-free. 

Our team of skilled immigration lawyers ensures every step of your application meets government standards so you avoid costly mistakes or delays. We’ve helped hundreds of professionals secure their Australian visas with confidence and clarity. Whether you need support with your skills assessment, EOI submission or visa lodgement, our experts guide you personally through every requirement. 

We proudly serve clients across Australia, including NSW, VIC and QLD, offering trusted advice tailored to your goals. Call us today on +612 9283 0888 or visit our Contact Us page to get started on your skilled visa application.

Requirements for a Skilled Visa in Australia

Here are the basic requirements you must meet to be eligible for a skilled visa. Each one plays a key role in your application.

• Occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List — Your nominated job must appear on one of Australia’s official lists of skilled occupations.
• Skills assessment — You must have your skills assessed by the appropriate authority to show you meet the required standards for your occupation. 
• At least competent English — You must show you meet the English language requirement (for example, via IELTS, PTE or other approved test).
• Meet health and character requirements — You must satisfy Australia’s health and character standards to ensure you can move and settle safely.
• Points test score — You need to achieve at least the minimum points in the points test to be eligible for a visa. 
• Under age limit when invited (usually under 45) — Many skilled visas require that you are under age 45 when you receive the invitation to apply. 

How to Check Eligibility for Skilled Visa

Before you begin your application process, you should verify whether you qualify. Here are the main criteria you must check:

Age Requirement

Most skilled visa subclasses demand that you be under 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply. That means if you’re older, you may face significant barriers.

Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Your chosen profession must feature on one of the official skilled occupation lists. This helps ensure Australian employers genuinely need your skills.

Relevant Work Experience and Qualifications

You will need credible evidence of work experience in your nominated skilled occupation, plus recognised qualifications. Skills assessment authorities will verify your claim. 

English Language Proficiency

At a minimum, you must show competent English (often IELTS band 6 or equivalent), but higher scores may give you stronger points.

Health and Character Requirements

You must pass medical checks and satisfy character tests. This helps protect both you and the Australian community.

Use the ‘Points Test’ as an Early Step

Australia’s general skilled migration program requires you to meet a minimum points requirement, at least 65 points under many visa subclasses.

It’s wise to calculate your points early, so you know whether to proceed and what areas you may need to improve (for example, gaining more work experience or improving your English).

Steps to Apply for a Skilled Visa in Australia

Here are the detailed steps you will follow from preparation to submission.

Step 1: Get Your Skills Assessed

First, you identify your nominated occupation and then arrange for a skills assessment by the relevant assessing body. This validates your qualifications and experience relative to Australian standards. Being ready early helps avoid delays.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Through SkillSelect

Once your skills assessment is positive, you lodge an EOI via Australia’s online system. This is not the visa application itself, but a way of showing you wish to apply and you meet the initial criteria. The higher your points and the stronger your profile, the better your chances of being invited.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

After you submit your EOI and are in the selection pool, you may receive an invitation from the Australian government (or a state/territory government in nominated cases). Only after you receive this ITA can you formally apply for the visa.

Step 4: Lodge Your Visa Application

After you receive an invitation, you prepare your full visa application. This includes gathering detailed documentation: identity evidence, skills assessment results, English test results, work references and employment history, qualification certificates, health and character checks. You pay the visa fee and submit.

Step 5: Complete Health and Character Checks

Your application must include results from medical examinations and police or character clearances. These checks ensure you are medically fit and meet character standards.

Step 6: Wait for the Decision

Once your application is lodged, you wait for the Department of Home Affairs to decide. Processing times vary by visa subclass, occupation and current backlog. During this time, you may need to provide additional information if requested.

Step 7: Visa Grant and Arrival

If your visa is granted, you will obtain your visa grant letter with conditions, a validity period and travel rights. Then you plan your move to Australia, make your first entry and start living, working and settling there under the visa’s terms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you apply, there are common pitfalls that many applicants face. Being aware of these will help you avoid wasted time and effort.

• Submitting incorrect or incomplete documentation, such as missing credentials or incomplete employment history.
• Misunderstanding the points system, e.g., overestimating your point score or forgetting to include partner or language points.
• Claiming work experience in a non-nominated occupation (or without the correct skill level).
• Ignoring deadlines for submitting supplementary evidence when requested.
• Expecting an invitation with minimal points, having just the minimum may put you at a disadvantage, given the competition.
• Not keeping your information up to date after submitting your EOI (for example, if your circumstances change).
• Overlooking state or territory nomination criteria, if you apply under subclass 190 or 491, each state may have specialised requirements.

Wrapping Up

Securing a skilled visa in Australia can open doors to a life filled with opportunity and stability. It’s more than just paperwork. It’s your pathway to a thriving career and a fresh start in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. By understanding each step, from eligibility to final approval, you remove uncertainty and move closer to your goal. 

Staying informed, patient and organised makes the process far smoother and gives you the best chance of success. With the right guidance, your Australian dream can turn into reality.