Australian Visa Comparison Charts

Australian Visa Comparison Charts

This information is for comparison purposes only and does not provide a comprehensive list of visas or their requirements.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Categories Comparison Chart

Visa Type	Visa Duration	SkillSelect EOI Required	Sponsorship Required	Required to Work in Regional Australia	Points Tested Visa	Skill/Qualification Requirements	Other Eligibility Requirements
Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)	From one day up to four years	Not required	Yes, by an employer	No, unless your occupation is on the Regional TSS occupation list	No	Occupation must be on the TSS Occupations List (Medium, Short, Regional). Applicant must have the skills necessary to perform the occupation and must possess necessary English language skills unless exempted.	After three years of employment in the same position, an employer may sponsor the visa holder for permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream under the ENS or RSMS.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186)	Permanent	Not required	Yes, by an employer	No	No	Requires a skills assessment by the relevant Australian authority and three years’ work experience unless exempted. Relevant registration or licensing must be held if required.	Occupation must be on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List. Employee must be paid at least the same as an Australian in the same occupation and location. Must be under 45 years old unless exempted, and have at least competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), unless exempted.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187) – Direct Entry Stream	Permanent	Not required	Yes, by a regional employer	Yes	No	Must have a related Australian or overseas equivalent qualification or be exempt. Overseas-qualified trades workers need their skills assessed by Trades Recognition Australia. Relevant registration or licensing must be held if required.	Occupation must be at an ANZSCO skill level 1-3. Employee must be paid at least the same as an Australian in the same occupation and location. Must be under 45 years old unless exempted, and have at least competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent), unless exempted.

Points-Tested Skilled Migration Comparison Chart

Visa Type	Visa Duration	SkillSelect EOI Required	Sponsorship Required	Required to Work in Regional Australia	Points Tested Visa	Skill/Qualification Requirements	Other Eligibility Requirements
Skilled – Independent Visa (subclass 189)	Permanent	SkillSelect EOI is mandatory	No	No	Yes	Nominated occupation must be on the applicable Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and skills must be assessed by the relevant authority.	Must be invited to apply, under 45 years old, and have at least competent English.
Skilled – Nominated Visa (subclass 190)	Permanent	SkillSelect EOI is mandatory	Yes, applicant must be nominated by a state/territory government	No	Yes	Nominated occupation must be on the applicable 190 Occupation List and skills must be assessed by the relevant authority.	Must be invited to apply, under 45 years old, and have at least competent English.
Skilled – Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489) – Sponsored	Up to four years	SkillSelect EOI is mandatory unless renewing a provisional visa	Yes, applicant must be sponsored by an eligible relative	Yes	Yes	Nominated occupation must be on the applicable Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and skills must be assessed by the relevant authority.	Must be invited to apply, under 45 years old, and have at least competent English.
Skilled – Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489) – State or Territory Nominated	Up to four years	SkillSelect EOI is mandatory unless renewing a provisional visa	Yes, applicant must be nominated by a state/territory government	Yes	Yes	Nominated occupation must be on the applicable Skilled Occupation List and skills must be assessed by the relevant authority.	Must be invited to apply, under 45 years old, and have at least competent English.