Migration Agent for Skilled Visa (189 & 190)

Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or state government. You need to: - Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) - Score at least 65 points on the points test (competitive scores are typically 85-95+) - Pass a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority - Meet English language, health, and character requirements - Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation

Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated Visa Similar to the 189, but requires state or territory nomination which adds 5 points. Key differences: - You must be nominated by a state or territory government - You commit to living in the nominating state for at least 2 years - Occupation must be on the relevant state's occupation list (each state has different lists) - Lower points threshold in practice because of the 5-point nomination boost

Both visas grant permanent residency, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia (though 190 holders are expected to remain in their nominating state for 2 years).

Skilled migration is one of the most complex visa categories. A specialist agent helps with:

Points Maximisation The difference between 80 and 85 points can mean the difference between receiving an invitation in weeks versus waiting indefinitely. A skilled migration agent knows how to maximise your points through: - Optimising your English test score (advising which test and when to retake) - Identifying the best skills assessment pathway - Strategising around partner points - Advising on Australian study or professional year options

Occupation and List Strategy Your occupation must be on the right list for your chosen visa. An agent can: - Assess which occupation code best matches your qualifications and experience - Advise whether 189, 190, or 491 is the best pathway for your specific occupation - Navigate the differences between state nomination lists for the 190

Skills Assessment Different occupations are assessed by different authorities (Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, ANZSCO, etc.), each with their own requirements. An agent who specialises in skilled migration knows the nuances of each assessing body.

EOI and Invitation Strategy Timing your EOI, understanding invitation rounds, and knowing when to adjust your strategy are critical. Agents who track invitation trends can advise on realistic timelines.

Migration agent fees for skilled worker visas typically range from ,000 to ,000, depending on the scope of service:

• - Assessment and strategy consultation: -,000
• - Full application management (189): ,000-,000
• - Full application management (190): ,500-,000 (includes state nomination application)
• - Skills assessment assistance: Sometimes included, sometimes -,500 extra

Government fees are in addition to agent fees: - 189 visa application: ,640 (primary applicant) - 190 visa application: ,640 (primary applicant) - Skills assessment: -,500 depending on assessing authority - English language test: - (IELTS or PTE)

Use our cost estimator to get a personalised breakdown for your situation.

When evaluating agent fees, remember that the average skilled migration agent fee (,000) is roughly the same as the government application charge (,640). If the agent helps you avoid a refusal, they have already paid for themselves by saving you from losing the government fee.

Not all migration agents handle skilled migration equally well. Here is what to look for:

1. Specialisation in Skilled Visas Ask specifically how many 189/190 applications they have lodged in the past 12 months. An agent who processes dozens of skilled visa applications per year will be far more effective than a generalist.

2. Knowledge of Your Occupation If you are an engineer, find an agent who regularly works with Engineers Australia assessments. If you are in IT, find one familiar with ACS requirements. Occupation-specific experience saves time and reduces errors.

3. State Nomination Experience (for 190) Each state has different nomination criteria, processing times, and occupation lists. An agent experienced with your target state's nomination process is valuable.

4. Track Record with Invitation Rounds Ask about their experience with SkillSelect invitation rounds. Do they track trends? Can they advise on competitive scores and realistic timelines?

5. Transparent Fees Get a written quote that specifies exactly what is included. Ask whether skills assessment assistance, state nomination applications, and post-lodgement follow-up are covered.

Browse agents who specialise in skilled migration in our directory — filter by visa type to find relevant specialists.

A good skilled migration agent will guide you through each stage:

Stage 1: Initial Assessment - Review your qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency - Calculate your points score and identify areas for improvement - Advise on the best visa pathway (189, 190, or 491) - Identify the correct occupation code

Stage 2: Skills Assessment - Prepare your application to the relevant assessing authority - Gather and organise supporting documents (qualifications, employment references, etc.) - Lodge the skills assessment and manage any follow-up

Stage 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) - Submit your EOI through SkillSelect with optimised details - For 190: prepare and submit state nomination applications - Monitor invitation rounds and advise on strategy adjustn Stage 4: Visa Application - Prepare and lodge your visa application within the 60-day window after invitation - Compile all supporting documents - Manage health examinations and police clearances - Respond to any requests for further information from the Department

Stage 5: Grant and Beyond - Communicate with the Department on your behalf - Advise on any issues that arise during processing - Celebrate your visa grant

Based on thousands of skilled visa applications, these are the most common mistakes:

• - Choosing the wrong occupation code — this can invalidate your entire application
• - Not maximising your English score — the difference between Proficient (10 points) and Superior (20 points) is significant
• - Ignoring state nomination pathways — if your 189 score is not competitive, the 190 adds 5 points and may have shorter wait times
• - Submitting a weak skills assessment — incomplete employment references or qualification documentation
• - Waiting too long to lodge after invitation — you have only 60 days
• - Not claiming partner points — if your partner has a skills assessment and English, you can claim up to 10 extra points

A specialist agent will help you avoid all of these.