Skilled Migration

Skilled Migration Lawyer in Melbourne

A clear strategy from skills assessment to permanent residence in Australia.

Australia's skilled migration program offers a pathway to permanent residence for qualified professionals and tradespeople. It is also competitive and constantly changing. Occupation lists, state nomination criteria and invitation rounds shift regularly, and small decisions about your occupation, skills assessment or English test can make a significant difference to your chances.

At Chua Tan Associates, we help skilled applicants from across Asia plan their pathway to Australian PR with confidence. Our immigration team includes two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, and we advise in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Skilled visa options in Australia

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

A permanent, points-tested visa for skilled workers who are invited to apply without needing sponsorship from a state, territory or employer.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

A permanent, points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

A provisional visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative, to live and work in regional Australia. It offers a pathway to permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

For international students who have recently completed eligible study in Australia. It allows graduates to gain work experience, which can strengthen a later skilled or employer-sponsored application.

National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)

For highly accomplished professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs. We can advise on whether your achievements may meet its criteria.

How our skilled migration lawyers can help

Planning your pathway to PR

We review your qualifications, work experience, age, English ability and family circumstances. We then advise on suitable occupations, likely points, and the most realistic visa options. That includes alternatives such as employer sponsorship where the skilled pathway is uncertain.

Skills assessments

Most skilled visas require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, such as ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, TRA or ANMAC. We help you choose the right occupation and prepare evidence of your qualifications and employment that meets the authority's requirements.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

We help you lodge and manage your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, making sure your claims are accurate and supported by evidence. We also identify ways you may be able to increase your points.

State and territory nomination

Each state and territory has its own criteria and priorities. We advise on which nominations may suit your profile and help you prepare your nomination application.

Skilled visa applications

Once you are invited, there is a strict deadline to apply. We prepare a complete application with the evidence needed to support every claim, including employment, qualifications, English, health and character.

Including your partner and children

We advise on including your partner and dependent children in your application, and on how your partner's skills or English may affect your points.

Skilled visa refusals and appeals

If an application is refused or the Department raises concerns, such as claims about points or employment, we advise on your options, including review at the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Avoiding common skilled visa mistakes

Many skilled visa problems come from claims that cannot be fully supported, such as overstated work experience, the wrong occupation, or an expired English test. An incorrect claim can lead to refusal and, in serious cases, an exclusion period from future visas. We review your claims carefully before you lodge, so your application is accurate from the start.

From international student to permanent resident

Many of our clients first came to Australia as international students. We help graduates plan the path from a Student visa to the Temporary Graduate visa (485), and then to skilled or employer-sponsored permanent residence and, ultimately, Australian citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

How many points do I need for a skilled visa?

You must meet the minimum pass mark in the points test, but meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation. In many occupations, invitations go to applicants with scores well above the minimum. Use our PR Points Calculator to estimate your score, and speak with us about your occupation's prospects.

What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?

The 189 is a permanent visa that does not require nomination. The 190 is a permanent visa that requires state or territory nomination. The 491 is a provisional regional visa that requires nomination or family sponsorship and can lead to permanent residence through the 191 visa.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Most points-tested skilled visas require a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation before you can be invited to apply.

Can you advise me in Chinese?

Yes. Our lawyers advise in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Do I need to be in Australia to apply?

No. Many skilled visas can be applied for from outside Australia, and we advise clients overseas through online consultations.

Get started with your skilled visa

Use our PR Points Calculator to estimate your score, then contact us for a consultation. You can also order an Immigration Strategy Report for a clear written plan.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Occupation lists, nomination criteria and invitation rounds change regularly, and every applicant's situation is different.