Immigration

Skilled Migration to Australia

As one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world, Australia continues to attract talented professionals with its world-class education, healthcare, and social welfare systems. The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program remains one of the most mainstream and effective immigration pathways, ideal for applicants with in-demand occupations, strong qualifications, and good English proficiency.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the three major visa subclasses under the GSM program to help you plan your migration journey with clarity and confidence.

 

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa 

Ideal for applicants with high points and occupations in demand, the 189 visa is the most “independent” skilled migration pathway:

•       No need for employer or state government sponsorship;

•       Grants permanent residency (PR) upon approval;

•       Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia;

•       Suited for applicants who rank highly in the points-based system.

 

​Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa 

If your points are slightly lower or you want to increase your chances of receiving an invitation, state nomination is a viable and strategic option:

•       Requires nomination from an Australian state or territory;

•       Also grants permanent residency (PR);

•       Usually requires you to live and work in the sponsoring state for a period;

•       Each state has different nomination criteria based on occupation lists and applicant profiles.​

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Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa 

This pathway is designed for skilled applicants who are willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia:

•       A 5-year provisional visa, with a clear pathway to permanent residency;

•       Can be sponsored by a state government or eligible family member;

•       Often less competitive for certain occupations;

•       Priority processing available for regional applications.

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Employer-Sponsored Migration

Employer-sponsored migration allows Australian businesses to hire and sponsor skilled overseas workers when suitable local candidates are not available. Through pathways such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and labour agreements, eligible employers can bring skilled workers to Australia on a temporary or permanent basis.

Under this program, the sponsoring employer must demonstrate a genuine position, meet salary and compliance requirements, and ensure the role aligns with the relevant skilled occupation list. The visa applicant must meet skill, qualification, English language, and licensing requirements (where applicable).

This pathway is widely used in industries facing workforce shortages—including healthcare, hospitality, engineering, trades, education and community services. For many applicants, employer sponsorship provides a clear, structured route toward permanent residency in Australia.

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School Applications and Transfers

In Australia, educational choices are not only about a child’s growth, but are also closely related to future employment, visa applications, and long-term planning.

 

As a local Australian law firm with deep expertise in immigration law and education matters, VSTAR Lawyers not only assists with smooth school applications and transfers, but also provides professional legal support in complex and high-risk school and visa issues—ensuring that your child’s educational journey is safer and more secure.

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School Applications & Transfers

• Applications for primary and secondary schools (public and private), foundation studies, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

• Assistance with cross-school, interstate, or cross-major transfers and applications.

• Review of course progression and visa requirements, providing compliance advice to avoid future risks.

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Document Witnessing & Legal Support

• Lawyer witnessing of documents (identity, sponsorship, financial capacity, statutory declarations).

• Issuing legally valid documents that meet the requirements of schools, visa applications, and relevant authorities.

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NAATI Translation & Certification

• Providing NAATI-certified translations recognised by both schools and the Department of Home Affairs.

• Covering transcripts, diplomas, household registration, birth certificates, and other education-related documents.

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Complex & High-Risk Case Handling

• Solutions for breaches of visa conditions or potential compliance risks.

• Responses to academic misconduct or serious violations (Show Cause).

• Handling Notices of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC).

• Representation in cases of withdrawal, rejection, or visa refusal.

• Representation in internal school appeals, Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) cases, and Federal Circuit and Family Court (FCFCOA) judicial reviews.

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Visa & Compliance Support

• Student visa and guardian visa applications and extensions.

• Risk assessments of how transfers, deferments, or withdrawals affect visa compliance.

• Legal solutions for unsatisfactory attendance or academic delays.

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