Overview of Skilled Migration to Australia
Australia welcomes skilled workers through its General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. This program helps fill job shortages by inviting qualified people from around the world, including Bangladesh.
There are three main skilled visa types:
- Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Each visa has different rules and benefits, depending on your job, qualifications, and location in Australia.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for skilled migration, you must:
- Be under 45 years old
- Have a job listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list
- Pass a skills assessment in your field
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS or equivalent)
- Score at least 65 points on the Points Test
- Be in good health and have no serious criminal history
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
This visa lets you live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer or state.
Benefits:
- Permanent residency from day one
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Apply for citizenship after meeting requirements
Requirements:
- Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Must receive an invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory.
Benefits:
- Permanent residency
- State nomination gives you extra 5 points on the Points Test
- Faster processing in many cases
- Access to public health, education, and more
Requirements:
- Occupation must be on the state’s occupation list
- Must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least 2 years
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This visa is for those who want to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
Benefits:
- Valid for 5 years
- Pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after 3 years
- Earn 15 extra points with a state or family sponsor
- Lower cost of living in regional areas
Requirements:
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Must be nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia
- Must live and work in a regional area
Steps for Skilled Migration from Bangladesh to Australia
- Check your occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List
- Take a skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Complete an English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- Calculate your points (minimum 65 needed)
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Apply for your visa online
- Wait for a decision
- Get your visa and prepare to move to Australia!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply for skilled migration from Bangladesh?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply from Bangladesh.
Q: Do I need a job offer for skilled migration?
Not for subclass 189 and 190. But for 491, you may need a state or family sponsor.
Q: How long does it take?
Processing times vary, but it usually takes 6 to 12 months after you apply.
Q: Can my family come with me?
Yes, you can include your spouse and children in your application.
Q: What if my English score is low?
You may need to improve your score or consider other visa options.