Skilled migration checklist: pass each gate before the next
A safe plan separates federal visa eligibility, points, state selection and application evidence. Use this checklist as a sequence of gates. A “yes” at one gate never compensates for a missing requirement at another.
Key points
- Start with the exact occupation, visa stream and assessing authority—not a points estimate.
- Create an evidence register with issue, expiry and invitation-relevant dates.
- For 190 and 491, audit jurisdiction or family-sponsor rules separately from Home Affairs criteria.
- After invitation, reconcile every EOI claim before lodging within the stated 60-day period.
Gate 1: pathway and occupation
- Choose the exact 189, 190 or 491 stream to investigate.
- Find the occupation on the current Home Affairs combined list for that stream.
- Confirm the ANZSCO code, version and authorised assessing authority.
- Compare actual duties and qualifications with the occupation and authority criteria.
Stop if: the occupation is unavailable or the duties cannot support it.
Gate 2: skills and English evidence
- Apply for the correct migration-purpose skills assessment.
- Check outcome occupation, issue date, expiry and excluded employment.
- Obtain accepted English evidence and record each component score and test date.
- Check post-7 August 2025 PTE thresholds when relevant.
Stop if: the assessment or English evidence will not be valid at the required time.
Gate 3: evidence-backed points
- Calculate age at invitation, not at the start of planning.
- Map each work period to duties, dates, hours and payment evidence.
- Verify education, Australian study, regional study, partner and CCL definitions separately.
- Apply the 20-point combined work-experience cap and avoid stacking exclusive categories.
Use the calculator for arithmetic, then retain the evidence that proves the result.
Gate 4: nomination or sponsorship
- For 190 or state-nominated 491, open the live jurisdiction program.
- Check location, occupation, work, English, experience and registration rules.
- For family-sponsored 491, verify the relationship, sponsor status, age and designated-area residence.
- Add 5 or 15 points only when the valid pathway exists.
Gate 5: EOI maintenance
- Submit only claims supported by the evidence register.
- Save a dated EOI copy and login details.
- Update work, study, English, assessment and family changes before invitation.
- Track birthdays and document expiry dates.
Gate 6: invitation and application
- Compare the invitation score with the evidence as it existed at invitation.
- Prepare identity, family, employment, qualification and nomination documents.
- Complete health and character steps exactly as instructed.
- Lodge within 60 days only after resolving material inconsistencies.
Gate 7: record keeping after lodgement
- Monitor ImmiAccount and respond by the requested deadline.
- Notify material changes through the correct channel.
- Keep the submitted form, uploads, receipts and correspondence.
- Do not make irreversible plans based on an estimated processing time.
Official sources to check before acting
These pages control over any summary on this website. Recheck them when you submit an EOI, accept a nomination or lodge a visa application.
Important Notice: The content on this page is for general information only. Australian visa policies and requirements are subject to change at any time. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current and accurate information.