Visa

Pathways

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Australia’s migration system is structured into a number of visa pathways, each designed to address different workforce needs and individual circumstances.

For most skilled applicants, the two primary pathways are independent skilled migration and employer-sponsored migration. Both pathways may provide either temporary or permanent residency outcomes depending on the visa type and allow you to live and work in Australia. However, they differ in how you qualify, how applications are assessed, and the level of flexibility in employment and location they provide.

This page provides a high-level overview of these pathways and links through to official government resources for further detail. Visa options, eligibility requirements, and processing criteria are managed by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and should always be confirmed directly on their website.

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Independent Skilled Migration
Employer Sponsored
Beyond Common Pathways
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Independent Skilled Migration

Independent skilled migration (also known as “General Skilled Migration” or “GSM”) is a points-tested pathway designed for individuals whose qualifications, experience, and skills align with Australia’s workforce needs.
 
Unlike employer-sponsored visas, this pathway does not require a job offer. Instead, applicants are assessed based on a range of factors including occupation, work experience, English language ability, and qualifications. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest and may be invited to apply based on their points score and the demand for their occupation.
 
Successful applicants may be granted permanent residence, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Australia without being tied to a specific employer.

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Five Steps to Your Visa

This is a typical journey, yours may differ. Speak to one of our specialists for advice specific to your situation.

SKILLED INDEPENDENT

No state or employer sponsorship required 

Permanent residency granted upon approval 

Live and work anywhere in Australia 

CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE

Review more information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website

SKILLED NOMINATED

Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory 

May result in different processing considerations depending on state/territory priorities

Permanent residency granted upon approval

CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE

Review more information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website

SKILLED WORK REGIONAL (PROVISIONAL)

Requires nomination by a state, territory or eligible family member
 
Temporary visa (provisional) allowing you to live and work in regional Australia
 
Must live and work in a designated regional area
 
Provides a pathway to permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements
 
CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE
 

Review more information on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website

These visas form part of Australia’s skilled migration program, which is designed to attract workers who can contribute to the economy and address identified skill shortages.
 
The examples above represent some of the more common pathways within this category. However, eligibility, requirements, and outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances.
 
If your situation is more complex or you require clarity on which pathway may be appropriate, further guidance or a consultation may be required.

Employer sponsored Migration

The employer-sponsored migration involves an approved Australian employer nominating a skilled worker for a position that cannot be filled locally.
 
In this pathway, the employer plays a central role in the application process. The position must be genuine, meet market salary requirements, and align with an approved occupation list. The visa applicant must demonstrate that they have the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role.
 
Depending on the visa type, employer-sponsored pathways may provide temporary work rights with a pathway to permanent residency, or direct access to permanent residency from the outset.

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Five Steps to Sponsorship

This is a typical journey, yours may differ. Speak to one of our specialists for advice specific to your situation.

Common visa pathways

SKILLS IN DEMAND

Requires employer sponsorship
 
Temporary work visa linked to a sponsoring employer and approved role
 
Allows you to live and work in Australia while employed
 
May provide a pathway to permanent residency
 
CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE
 
EMPLOYER NOMINATION SCHEME
 
Requires employer nomination
 
Permanent residency visa
 
Must meet skills, experience, and role requirements
 
May follow a period of temporary employer sponsorship or be accessed directly in some cases
 
CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE
 

EMPLOYER SPONSORED REGIONAL

Requires employment with an approved regional employer and residence in a designated regional area
 
Temporary visa (up to 5 years)
 
Must live and work in designated regional locations
 
Provides a pathway to permanent residency
 
CHECK THE OFFICIAL SOURCE
 
Employer-sponsored visas are designed to address labour shortages by allowing businesses to recruit skilled workers from overseas when suitably qualified Australian workers are not available.
 
The examples above represent some of the more common pathways within this category. However, eligibility, requirements, and outcomes can vary depending on individual circumstances.
 
If your situation is more complex or you require clarity on which pathway may be appropriate, further guidance or a consultation may be required.

Beyond the Common Pathways

Independent skilled migration and employer-sponsored migration are among the most common options for skilled applicants planning a move to Australia.

However, they are not the only routes available. In practice, many individuals apply through alternative visa options depending on their circumstances, including those already in Australia, students transitioning to work, or applicants with more complex immigration situations.

Identifying the most suitable option requires careful consideration of your current position, long-term objectives, and eligibility across different visa categories.

Where your circumstances do not clearly align with the options outlined above, further assessment or tailored guidance may be required to determine an appropriate approach.

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Submit your details and upload any relevant documents. We will contact you to discuss your options and next steps.

contact us Directly

Australia

  • Melbourne (Head Office)
    Collins Square
    Level 23, Tower 5, 727 Collins St
    Docklands VIC 3008
  • Sunshine
    Level 5, 12 Clarke St
    Sunshine VIC 3020
  • +61 1300 779 462

South Africa

  • Willowbridge Village
    39 Carl Cronje Dr
    Bellville, Cape Town 7530
  • +27 21 110 5412

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is general in nature and does not consider your individual situation. Visa eligibility, requirements, and outcomes vary depending on your specific circumstances.

This content should not be relied upon as migration advice. For advice tailored to your situation, you can book a consultation with our team.