Australian Skilled Visas – Your Pathway to Living and Working in Australia
Australian Skilled Visas are designed for qualified professionals whose skills are in demand across Australia. These visas offer an opportunity to live, work, and in some cases permanently settle in Australia, either independently or through employer or state sponsorship. Moving South Immigration specialises in providing expert guidance and end-to-end support for Australian Skilled Visa applications, helping clients navigate the points-based system, meet strict eligibility requirements, and secure the most suitable visa for their long-term migration goals.
Introduction
Australian Skilled Visas are a popular migration pathway for South Africans looking to live and work abroad while building long-term security for themselves and their families. Australia actively seeks skilled professionals from South Africa to address ongoing skills shortages across key industries, making it an attractive destination for qualified individuals with recognised experience and credentials.
For South African applicants, the process involves skills assessments, English language requirements, and a points-based system that can be complex to navigate without expert support. With the right strategy and guidance, Australian Skilled Visas can offer temporary or permanent residence options, access to world-class healthcare and education, and the opportunity to establish a stable future in Australia.a
Key Requirements to Apply for an Australian Skilled Visa
To apply for an Australian Skilled Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. While requirements may vary depending on the visa subclass, applicants generally need to meet the following:
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Have an occupation listed on Australia’s relevant Skilled Occupation List
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Obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate Australian assessing authority
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Hold the necessary qualifications and proven work experience related to the nominated occupation
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Meet the minimum points requirement under Australia’s points-based system
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Demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency
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Be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation to apply
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Meet Australian health requirements
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Satisfy character requirements, including police clearance certificates
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system
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Receive an invitation to apply for a Skilled Visa
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Obtain state, territory, or employer nomination where applicable
This structured approach aligns with the professional, informative tone used across the Moving South Immigration website and helps applicants clearly understand the pathway ahead.
Australian Skilled Visa Processing Time & What to Expect
Australian Skilled Visa applications follow a multi-stage process, and timeframes can vary depending on the visa subclass, occupation, points score, and whether state or employer nomination is required. While each case is unique, applicants can generally expect the following stages:
1. Skills Assessment
This is the first and often most time-consuming step.
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Timeframe: 8–16 weeks (varies by assessing authority and occupation)
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Applicants must submit qualifications and employment evidence for assessment by the relevant Australian authority.
2. English Language Testing
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Timeframe: 2–4 weeks, including booking and receiving results
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Tests must be completed before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
3. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
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No fixed processing time
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EOIs are ranked based on points, occupation demand, and nomination requirements.
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Higher points scores generally result in faster invitations.
4. Invitation to Apply
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Timeframe: Several weeks to several months
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Dependent on occupation ceilings, points score, and whether state or employer nomination applies.
5. Visa Application Processing
Once an invitation is received and the visa application is lodged:
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Timeframe: 3–12 months, depending on the visa subclass and application complexity
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Applicants may be requested to complete medical examinations and submit police clearance certificates during this stage.
Planning Ahead
Processing times are indicative only and can change based on Australian immigration policy and application volumes.
Incomplete documentation or delays in responding to requests can extend processing times.
Professional guidance helps ensure applications are correctly prepared, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of delays or refusal.
Moving South Immigration provides expert support at every stage of the process, from initial eligibility assessments through to visa approval, ensuring applicants are well-informed and confidently guided throughout their migration journey.
