Skilled Migration to Australia from Bangladesh

Australia has become one of the top destinations for skilled professionals worldwide, including Bangladesh. Skilled migration allows highly qualified individuals to live, work, and settle permanently in Australia while enjoying a high standard of living, safety, and access to world-class healthcare and education.

Skilled migration is based on a points system, occupation eligibility, and visa subclass criteria. The most popular visas for Bangladeshi professionals are Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa). Each visa has unique requirements and benefits, which can impact your migration journey.

This guide provides detailed information, practical tips, and FAQs to help applicants from Bangladesh navigate the skilled migration process efficiently.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is designed for skilled workers who do not require state nomination or employer sponsorship. This permanent visa allows individuals and their families to live and work anywhere in Australia, providing full rights as permanent residents.

Key benefits include unrestricted work rights, access to Medicare healthcare, children’s education in public schools, and social welfare benefits. Applicants can include their spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in the same application. After fulfilling residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility for Subclass 189

Eligibility requirements for Subclass 189 include:

• Occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority.
• Minimum points score in the points test, considering age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
• Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
• Meeting health and character requirements, including police clearance certificates.
• Demonstrating sufficient funds to settle in Australia.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa for skilled professionals nominated by an Australian state or territory. State nomination increases points, improving the chance of receiving an invitation. Visa holders must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years.

This visa also allows applicants to include their spouse or partner and dependent children. Benefits include permanent residency, work rights, access to healthcare and social services, and the potential to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Eligibility for Subclass 190

• Occupation must be on the state-specific skilled occupation list.
• Applicants must meet points test requirements; state nomination provides extra points.
• Commitment to living in the nominating state for at least two years.
• Receive a state nomination invitation before submitting the visa application.
• Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Meeting health and character requirements.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional five-year visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by a family member residing in a designated regional area. This visa encourages skilled migration to regional areas with high demand for specific occupations.

After three years of regional residence and work experience, Subclass 491 holders can apply for permanent residency under Subclass 191. The visa also allows including a spouse or dependent children.

Eligibility for Subclass 491

• Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• Applicants must receive state/territory nomination or family sponsorship.
• Applicants must live and work in designated regional areas.
• Minimum points score based on age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
• Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
• Health and character requirements must be met.

Differences Between 189, 190, and 491 Visas

• 189 is independent, allowing residence anywhere; 190 requires state nomination; 491 is provisional for regional areas.
• Points advantage: 190 and 491 provide extra points for state nomination.
• 189 and 190 are permanent from grant; 491 is provisional with a pathway to permanent residency.
• Location requirements: 491 – regional areas; 190 – nominated state; 189 – unrestricted.
• Processing times: 189 may take 6–12 months, 190 and 491 may take 8–18 months depending on points and document completeness.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check your occupation eligibility on the Skilled Occupation List.
2. Get a skills assessment from the relevant authority.
3. Take English proficiency tests like IELTS or PTE.
4. Calculate points based on age, education, work experience, and English ability.
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
6. Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
7. Prepare all supporting documents, including identity, skills, and health records.
8. Attend health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
9. Submit the visa application and pay the required fees.
10. Wait for visa processing and respond promptly to any requests.
11. Receive visa grant and prepare for relocation.

Documents Required for Skilled Migration

• Passport copies of the main applicant and family members.
• Skills assessment report.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Employment references and contracts.
• Education certificates and transcripts.
• Health examination reports.
• Police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12 months or more.
• Marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship.
• Birth certificates of dependent children.
• Financial evidence to support settlement in Australia.

Points Calculation Guide

The points system evaluates applicants based on several factors:

• Age: maximum 30 points for 25–32 years old.
• English proficiency: up to 20 points for superior English.
• Work experience: points for skilled employment in or outside Australia.
• Educational qualifications: points for bachelor, master, or PhD degrees.
• State nomination (190, 491) or regional sponsorship (491): 5–15 points.
• Spouse skills and English proficiency: additional 5–10 points.

Example: A 28-year-old applicant with a bachelor’s degree, 5 years of skilled experience, superior English, and state nomination can score 85–90 points, increasing chances of invitation.

Migration Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants

• Start preparing documents early, including education, work experience, and identity proofs.
• Improve English test scores to increase points.
• Ensure all employment references are verifiable and detailed.
• Consider regional migration to improve invitation chances (Subclass 491).
• Consult with professional migration agents to avoid errors.
• Keep records of communication, contracts, and financial statements ready.
• Plan finances for visa fees, English tests, and relocation costs.
• Understand state-specific requirements for Subclass 190 or 491 visas.

Settlement Advice in Australia

After receiving your skilled migration visa, planning settlement in Australia is important. Consider accommodation, employment, schooling for children, banking, healthcare registration, and community networking. Regional areas offer affordable housing, lower living costs, and community support programs. Major cities provide diverse employment options but higher costs.

Engage with local migrant support groups, learn local customs, and explore professional networking to integrate quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to get a skilled migration visa?

Processing times depend on the visa subclass, completeness of documents, and points score. Generally, 6–18 months.

2. Can my family join me?

Yes, spouse or de facto partners and dependent children can be included in the same application.

3. Do I need an English test?

Yes, all skilled migration applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS, PTE, or equivalent tests.

4. What visa should I choose: 189, 190, or 491?

Choice depends on occupation, points, state nomination eligibility, and location preference.

5. Can I work before permanent residency?

Subclass 491 allows work in regional areas; 189 and 190 provide permanent work rights immediately.

6. How can I improve my points score?

Through higher education, superior English, work experience, state nomination, and spouse qualifications.

7. Is there a minimum bank balance required?

No strict requirement, but sufficient funds to settle initially are recommended.

8. Can I switch visas after arriving?

Yes, provisional visas like 491 can lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191.

9. Do regional visas offer extra benefits?

Yes, points advantages, potential state incentives, and access to regional community support.

10. What are common mistakes to avoid?

Submitting incomplete documents, incorrect skills assessment, overstating experience, and missing deadlines.

11. Can I reapply if refused?

Yes, but you must address reasons for refusal and provide new or corrected documents.

12. How do I prove my work experience?

Provide detailed employment letters, contracts, pay slips, and tax records where applicable.

13. What is the cost of skilled migration visas?

Visa fees vary: approximately AUD 4,000–5,000 for the main applicant, additional fees for dependents.

14. Do I need health insurance?

Visa holders have access to Medicare; however, private health insurance is recommended for initial settlement.

15. Can I include extended family?

No, only spouse/partner and dependent children can be included.

16. Is there a limit to points score?

No, but higher points increase chances of invitation.

17. Can I apply if I am over 45?

Generally, 45 is the maximum age for invitation, though exceptions exist for employer-sponsored visas.

18. How long is the visa valid?

Subclass 189 and 190 are permanent; 491 is provisional for five years, leading to PR after three years.

19. Can I study in Australia?

Yes, all skilled visa holders and their family members can study in Australia.

20. Do I need police clearance from all countries?

Yes, from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since age 16.

Need Help Applying for Australia Skilled Migration Visas?

Skilled migration can be complex, and mistakes can lead to delays or refusal. Our expert consultants guide Bangladeshi applicants from skills assessment to document preparation, EOI submission, and visa application, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to Australia.

With professional guidance, applicants can maximize points, avoid common errors, and confidently move with their families to Australia.