So, you’re thinking about moving to Australia and wondering which visa is right for you? There are two main options if you’re a skilled worker: the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas (189, 190, and 491). But they work in very different ways, and choosing the right one depends on your situation.
Option 1: Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – The Employer-Sponsored pathway
Think of this as the “job-first, visa-second” path. This visa is for people who already have a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor them.
What you need to know:
- Your job must be on the Skills in Demand list (basically, jobs Australia really needs workers for). You can have a look at the current list here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/Documents/core-sol.pdf - You need an employer to sponsor you—you can’t apply on your own.
- It’s a temporary visa (up to four years), but there are options to apply for permanent residency later.
- No points test! Unlike other visas, you don’t need to worry about scoring points based on age, qualifications, or experience.
Good for you if:
- You’ve got a job offer from an Aussie company.
- You want to move quickly and don’t mind starting on a temporary visa.
- You’re okay with being tied to one employer for a while.
Option 2: General Skilled Migration (GSM) – The Independent or State-Sponsored pathway
Here are the three main GSM visa types:
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – The No-Strings-Attached PR
- Permanent residency from day on. No need for employer or state sponsorship.
- Competitive because only the highest-scoring applicants get invited.
- Best if your occupation is in high demand and you score well on the points test.
2️. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – State-Sponsored PR
- Also a permanent visa, but you need a state or territory to sponsor you.
- You are expected to live and work in that state for at least 2 years.
- Easier to qualify for than 189, since state sponsorship gives you extra points.
3️. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – The Regional Pathway
- A 5-year temporary visa with a path to PR after 3 years.
- You need sponsorship from a regional state/territory or a family member living in regional Australia.
- Great option if you’re open to living outside the big cities (Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne)
So, which visa should you choose?
Go for the Skills in Demand Visa (482) if:
- You have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- You want to move quickly without worrying about the points system.
- You’re okay with starting on a temporary visa and applying for PR later.
Go for a General Skilled Migration (189, 190, or 491) visa if:
- You don’t have a job offer but your skills are in demand.
- You score high on the points test (189 is best for high scorers).
- You’re willing to live in a state or regional area for extra sponsorship points (190 or 491).
- You want permanent residency from the start (189 or 190).
At the end of the day, both pathways lead to working and living in Australia—it just depends on how you want to get there. If you have an employer willing to sponsor you, 482 is the faster way in. If you qualify for a GSM visa, it can give you more flexibility and permanent residency upfront.
Crystal Migration can assist you in finding out the pathway for you. For booking a consultation with us, please use the following link: https://crystalmigration.com.au/contact/