Your path to Australian permanent residence starts with the right first step
From skills assessment and points optimisation to employer nomination and family reunification, every pathway is different, and the details matter. We manage the application from start to finish.
Pathways to Permanent Residence
Skilled Migration (self-sponsored)
Subclass 189 · 190 · 491
Best for: Skilled workers and professionals with relevant work experience and a required qualification approaching the points threshold.
Points-based system assessing age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience.
- Skills assessment
- EOI preparation
- State nomination
- Points optimisation
If your points are too low, our experts can guide you through your next steps.
Note: applicants generally cannot be over 45 years of age at the time of invitation. See DAMA pathways for possible alternatives.
Employer Sponsored
Subclass 482 · 186
Best for: Sponsored skilled hire with an approved nomination by an Australian business who is an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
Your employer nominates you for permanent or temporary residence. We manage the full process.
- Nomination application
- Labour market testing
- Sponsorship compliance
The 482 visa has no fixed age limit, but permanent visas you may aim for afterwards (including 186 pathways) often have a threshold around 45. We assess the 482 as part of a broader strategy, not in isolation.
Family & Partner Visas
Best for: Anyone with an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident family member or partner.
Partner, parent, and family reunification pathways, including representation if an application requires review.
- Relationship evidence
- Financial sponsorship
- Health & character
How It Works
The following steps apply to self-sponsored skilled visas (subclasses 189, 190, 491). Employer-sponsored and family/partner pathways follow a different process.
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1
Skills assessment
For most points-tested skilled visas, you will need a suitable skills assessment in your nominated occupation before you can be invited to apply. We help identify the correct assessing authority for your field and guide you through the skills assessment process so it fits into your overall migration strategy.
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2
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once your skills and background are aligned with an eligible occupation, you submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. EOIs are ranked and invitations are issued in selection rounds based on current programme settings and your points score. We work with you to strengthen your points profile where possible and explain state or territory nomination pathways that may increase your total points or improve your prospects.
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3
Visa application
If you receive an invitation, you have a limited time (often around 60 days under current settings) to lodge a complete application. We help you prepare and submit the visa application, including documentation, health and character requirements, and compliance checks, so your case is presented clearly and in line with current requirements.
When It's More Complex
Not every application is straightforward. If you've previously had a visa refused or cancelled, or if your situation involves complex employer arrangements, an appeal, or Administrative Appeals Tribunal proceedings, we work alongside experienced immigration lawyers who specialise in exactly these matters.
Talk to us about your situation →What Comes Next?
Permanent residence changes what is possible, from how long you can stay to the types of work and study you can take on. Once your status is confirmed, you can focus on building the life and career you want in Australia.
Explore career and job-ready support →
Career counselling, resume and interview preparation, job search strategies, internships and work opportunities, tailored for new graduates and new migrants.
Talk to a migration agent →
Get a clear, honest view of your longer-term visa options, timelines and obligations, so you know how permanent residence fits into your wider study, work and family plans.
DAMA Pathways
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It allows local employers to sponsor overseas workers in occupations or under conditions that fall outside the standard skilled visa programmes. DAMA is not the first option for every graduate or employer, but for the right occupation and location it can open doors that standard skilled visas do not.
When is it worth considering a DAMA pathway?
A DAMA pathway is usually worth exploring when:
- Your occupation is not available, or is very limited, under the standard skilled migration or employer-sponsored visa programmes.
- An employer wants to sponsor you but is struggling to meet standard requirements for things like English, age, work experience or salary, and your role may be covered by an approved DAMA occupation list.
- You are working in a regional or designated area where local employers are using DAMA to fill long-term skills shortages.
- You and your employer are both looking at a medium-to-long-term pathway (not just a short job), and are prepared for the extra endorsement and compliance steps that come with a labour agreement.
We look at DAMA only after checking whether simpler, standard pathways are available first.
Why Western Australia is a strong option now
Western Australia is currently one of the most active states for DAMA use, with a state-wide WA DAMA designed to give both metropolitan and regional employers more options to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled workers where standard visas are too restrictive.
For people already living and working in WA, this can create additional employer-sponsored and permanent residence pathways that are not available in other states or under standard programmes alone.
Key advantages of the WA DAMA
Eligible for PR?
We assess your qualifications, work history, and visa status, and tell you which pathways apply, and which don't. Straight answer, no speculation.