If you are planning your move through Australia skilled migration 2027, understanding the points system, the updated occupation list, and state sponsorship options will give you a clear path forward. Australia continues to accept tens of thousands of skilled migrants each year through its General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme, and the 2027 intake remains open to applicants from every country.
How the Points Test Works in 2027
Australia’s skilled migration system uses a points-based model. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. However, most invitations go to applicants who score 80 points or higher, based on current invitation rounds.
Points are awarded across several categories:
- Age: 25 to 32 years earns the maximum 30 points
- English language: Superior English (IELTS 8 overall) earns 20 points
- Skilled employment: Up to 20 points for overseas work experience in your nominated occupation
- Australian work experience: Up to 20 points for work completed in Australia
- Educational qualifications: A doctorate earns 20 points, a bachelor degree earns 15 points
- State or territory nomination: Adds 5 points to your total score
- Partner skills or single status: Up to 10 points
You can check and calculate your score on the Australian Department of Home Affairs points calculator.
The 2027 Skilled Occupation List
Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) guide which jobs qualify for a skilled worker visa. High-demand occupations in 2027 include registered nurses, civil engineers, software engineers, construction project managers, and aged care workers.
Visa application fees for the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa are approximately AUD 4,770 for the primary applicant in 2027. The Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas have similar base fees. Processing times typically range from 9 to 18 months depending on your occupation and the completeness of your application.
Employer Sponsored Pathways
If you have a job offer, you can apply for an employer sponsored visa through the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa. Many applicants use this as a bridge to permanent residency. Salaries for sponsored roles vary widely. IT professionals commonly earn between AUD 90,000 and AUD 130,000 per year. Healthcare workers earn between AUD 70,000 and AUD 110,000. You can use salary negotiation tips when reviewing your contract to ensure your package reflects the market rate. Roles with a jobs with relocation package benefit can also offset your initial moving costs significantly.
State Sponsorship: The Subclass 190 and 491 Pathways
State nomination through the Subclass 190 visa adds 5 points to your EOI and leads directly to permanent residency. Each state and territory runs its own nomination programme with its own occupation list and eligibility criteria.
Key requirements most states apply in 2027:
- Your occupation must appear on the relevant state list
- You often need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Some states require you to live or work in that state for a set period
- Your EOI score must meet the state’s minimum threshold, often 65 to 75 points
The Subclass 491 is a regional visa that grants 10 bonus points. It requires you to live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years before you apply for the Subclass 191 permanent residency visa.
For the full state nomination schedule and current lists, visit the Home Affairs state and territory nomination page.
Should You Work With an Immigration Lawyer?
An immigration lawyer or immigration attorney registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) can review your points, identify the correct occupation code, and lodge your application correctly. Errors in your permanent residency application can cause delays or refusals. Agent fees typically range from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 for a full GSM application.
Can I apply for Australia skilled migration without a job offer in 2027?
Yes. The Subclass 189 visa requires no job offer. You submit an EOI through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation based on your points score. Many applicants receive invitations with scores between 80 and 90 points.
How long does a skills assessment take before I submit my EOI?
Skills assessment timelines depend on the assessing body. Engineers Australia typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) takes around 4 to 8 weeks. You should complete your assessment before submitting your EOI so your profile is active immediately.
Does Australia have a programme similar to express entry Canada or a provincial nominee program?
Australia’s SkillSelect system works similarly to Canada’s express entry Canada model. Both use a points-based pool and issue invitations in rounds. Australia’s state nomination is comparable to Canada’s provincial nominee program in that states target specific occupations based on local labour needs.
Visit the official government or programme website to apply, and consult a licensed immigration adviser if you need personalised help.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees, and scholarship deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official government or institution websites before applying.
