Australia Skilled Migration Visa 2026: Points, Jobs and Salary Guide
Australia’s skilled migration program accepted over 190,000 permanent visa holders in the 2025–2026 intake year. The government is actively targeting shortages in healthcare, technology, engineering, and construction. If you hold qualifications in any of these fields, the Australia skilled migration visa is a direct pathway to permanent residency.
This guide covers the points calculator, top-paying occupations, current salary ranges, and the exact steps you need to take to submit a competitive application in 2026.
How the Points Calculator Works in 2026
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa requires a minimum score of 65 points. Most applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply score between 80 and 95 points. Higher scores move you up the queue faster.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the average points score for Subclass 189 invitations issued in 2026 sits at 85 points, reflecting stronger competition in high-demand occupations.
The points test measures five core areas:
- Age: Applicants aged 25 to 32 earn the maximum 30 points. You score zero points at age 45 or older.
- English proficiency: A score of 8.0 or above on the IELTS earns 20 points. A score between 6.0 and 7.5 earns between 0 and 10 points depending on the band.
- Overseas work experience: Three to four years of skilled work in your nominated occupation earns 10 points. Eight or more years earns 15 points.
- Australian work experience: One to two years earns 5 points. Eight or more years earns 20 points.
- Educational qualifications: A bachelor’s degree earns 10 points. A master’s degree or doctorate earns 15 points.
Some states, including Queensland and South Australia, offer 5 extra points through the Subclass 190 visa stream if they nominate you. You can calculate your personal score using the official points calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Top Paying Occupations on the Skilled Occupation List
Australia’s Skilled Occupation List determines which jobs qualify for a skilled migration visa. In 2026, the following roles are in strong demand with competitive salaries:
- Registered Nurse: AUD 75,000 to AUD 105,000 per year
- Software Engineer: AUD 95,000 to AUD 145,000 per year
- Civil Engineer: AUD 90,000 to AUD 130,000 per year
- General Practitioner (GP): AUD 180,000 to AUD 280,000 per year
- Electrician: AUD 80,000 to AUD 115,000 per year
- Accountant: AUD 75,000 to AUD 110,000 per year
All sponsored roles must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which sits at AUD 73,150 in 2026. Employers cannot offer you less than this amount for a sponsored position.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm your occupation appears on the current Skilled Occupation List. You must also hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your profession, such as Engineers Australia or AHPRA for healthcare workers.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest
You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. This is not a visa application. It places you in the pool of candidates who may receive an Invitation to Apply.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation and Apply
The Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds regularly. If your points score is competitive, you receive an invitation. You then have 60 days to submit your full visa application.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The base application fee for the Subclass 189 visa in 2026 is AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for secondary applicants aged 18 or older.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing times for the Subclass 189 visa currently range from 6 to 14 months depending on your occupation and the completeness of your application. Subclass 190 state-nominated applications can process faster in some states.
Q: Can I apply for an Australia skilled migration visa without a job offer?
A: Yes. The Subclass 189 visa does not require a job offer. You apply based on your points score alone. The Subclass 190 requires state nomination but also does not require a direct employer job offer in most states.
Q: How long does permanent residency last under the Subclass 189 visa?
A: The Subclass 189 grants you permanent residency from the day it is granted. You can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. You can apply for Australian citizenship after four years of lawful residence, including at least one year as a permanent resident.
Q: What English test scores do I need for the Australia skilled migration visa?
A: You need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each band to meet the basic English requirement. Scoring 8.0 or above in each band earns you 20 points, which gives your application a significant advantage in competitive invitation rounds.
Apply through the official portal or speak with a licensed immigration consultant to get started.
Disclaimer: Requirements and deadlines change. Always verify details on official government or employer websites before applying.