Australia is a land of great jobs, beautiful cities, and a high standard of living. Many people from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore want to move there, but do not know where to start. This is where DM Consultants comes in. We act as your trusted advisor, helping you understand every part of the Australia skilled visa journey.
What Is an Australian Skilled Visa?
An Australian state or territory government agency often looks for talented people from overseas to cover skill shortages in its workforce. For Australia, skilled professional migration from India with good education and work experience, this visa type is a ticket to living and working in Australia for the long term. It is not just a work permit, but a way to settle and build a bright future.
To be eligible, you generally need to meet a few basic rules. Anyone with an occupation on the relevant list of jobs, under 45 years of age, and have passed a points test can apply. It is a fair system that rewards those who have the skills to help the Australian economy grow.
Skilled Visa Pathways
There are three main ways to apply under the general skilled migration program. Each one is a different visa subclass with its own rules.
Skilled Independent Subclass 189
The skilled independent visa subclass 189 is often called the Golden Ticket. It is a points-tested visa that does not include contacting employers or require you to have a sponsor. Once you get this, you can live and work anywhere in the country. It is very popular among Indian IT pros and engineers. However, the points score you need to get an invitation is usually much higher than for other visas.
Skilled Nominated Subclass 190
The skilled nominated visa is for people who are nominated by an Australian state or territory. Each state has its own criteria. For example, Victoria may want healthcare workers, while Western Australia usually looks for construction experts. Getting this nomination gives you 5 extra points. This is a permanent visa, meaning you can stay forever, but you usually have to live in the state that nominated you for the first two years.
Skilled Work Regional Visa Subclass 491
The skilled work regional visa is a great option for those who have slightly lower points. In this program, a state or territory government or an eligible relative must nominate you. It is a 5-year visa that lets you live in regional areas. In 2026, regional areas include almost everywhere except the very centers of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. This skilled regional visa is a stepping stone because it leads to PR. It also gives you a massive 15 extra points, which helps many Indian applicants meet the target.
Skilled Visa Cost
Moving to another country is a big investment. It is important to know the visa application costs early so you can plan your budget. Here is a clear breakdown of the main costs in 2026.
| Category | Estimated Cost AUD | Estimated Cost INR |
| Primary Applicant Fee | $4,910 | ₹2,75,000 |
| Spouse / Partner Fee | $2,455 | ₹1,37,000 |
| Dependent Child (per child) | $1,230 | ₹69,000 |
| Skills Assessment | $500 – $1,500 | ₹28,000 – ₹84,000 |
| English Test (PTE/IELTS) | $300 – $400 | ₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
You must pay the main visa fee to the Australian government online using a credit or debit card when you lodge your application. Remember that there are also hidden costs. For example, you will need to pay for a medical exam and a Police Clearance Certificate from the Indian authorities. If you are seeking nomination from a specific state, some states might charge a small fee for the nomination application process as well.
Points Test Requirement
The heart of the skilled migration program is the points system. You need to know how many points you can get before you spend money on the process. The minimum to even apply is 65 points, but in reality, Indian applicants often need 85 or 90 points to be competitive.
Here is how points are usually given:
- Age: You get the most points if you are between 25 and 32.
- English: If you get a high score in PTE or IELTS, like 8 bands, you can earn 20 points. For many Indians, this is the best way to jump ahead.
- Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the same program year from a good Indian university usually gives you 15 points.
- Work Experience: The more years you have worked in your nominated occupation, the more points you get.
- Partner Skills: If your spouse has good English and skills assessment, you can get 5 to 10 extra points.
Required Documents
Along with a complete application, you also need to provide evidence and all the documents required by the Office of Home Affairs.
The list of relevant documentation includes:
- Your current passport and a valid driver’s licence for ID.
- Degree certificates and transcripts from your college in India.
- An employment contract and salary slips for every job you claim points for.
- Recent bank statements showing your salary being deposited.
- A detailed list of the duties performed in your past jobs, written on company letterhead.
- English test results (less than 3 years old).
- Your skills assessment result letter.
- Character certificates (PCC) and medical reports.
Be very careful because providing false or misleading information can result in delays or your visa will be refused.
Application Process
The application process involves the following steps
Get Your Skills Assessed
Before anything else, you need a skills assessment. An official body in Australia will check your Indian degree and work history. They want to make sure you are as qualified as an Australian worker. This step usually takes 2 to 3 months.
Submit an Expression of Interest or EOI
Once you have your assessment and English scores, you go to the SkillSelect website. Here, you tell the Department of Home Affairs that you want to move. You enter your points and wait. There is no fee for this step, but it is very important.
Apply for State Nomination
If you are going for a visa subclass 190 or 491, you must apply to a territory government or state. They will look at your profile. If they like your skills, they will invite you. This is a separate step that requires its own set of documents.
Receive an Invitation
If you have high points or a state nomination, you will be invited to apply for the visa. This is the moment everyone waits for! You now have 60 days to submit your final application and pay the fees.
Lodge the Final Application
In this step, you provide documents to prove every claim you made in your EOI. A case officer will review your file. Sometimes they might ask for further evidence, so keep your contact details updated. Once everything is checked, you will receive your visa grant.
Settle Permanently in Australia
Once you arrive as an Australian permanent resident, a new world opens up. Having permanent residency means you can stay as long as you want. You can work for any boss and live in any city.
After living there for a few years and meeting the rules, you can apply for Australian citizenship. As an Australian citizen, you can get an Australian passport and vote in elections. You can even sponsor a family member from India to come and join you. If you ever need to travel back to India to visit family, your permanent residence status lets you re-enter Australia easily for the first five years.
Role of Professional Consultants
Trying to do all this alone is hard. One small mistake or false and misleading information on a form can ruin your chances. DM Consultants is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. We help skilled migrants in finding the best visa options.
We can help you calculate your points claimed correctly so you don’t get a rejection later. Our team knows which Australian state or territory is looking for your job right now. Whether it is helping with the independent visa subclass 189 or finding a path for nominated skilled workers, we guide you through the heavy paperwork. Our registered migration agent or a legal practitioner follows the latest laws of the migration program.
You can call us for further information about the skilled migration visa.
Conclusion
The Australia skilled visa is a life-changing opportunity for Indians. It is the best way to secure a bright future for you and your children. While the how many points question and the paperwork can be stressful, having the right help makes it much easier.
Contact DM Consultants today to start your journey. We will help you navigate the skilled migration program with ease, ensuring your visa application is strong and accurate.
