Hi Laura, welcome to our community 🙂
Great to hear you’re considering skilled migration to Australia! I’ll break down your questions to help you understand your best options.
Visa Options & Chances
As an ICT Project Manager (ANZSCO 135112), your occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), which makes you eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa):
- No state sponsorship required
- Highly competitive, requiring high points (typically 85-95+)
- Invitations are issued based on ranking in the points test
Recommended if you have very strong points (age, experience, English, etc.)
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa):
- Requires nomination from an Australian state/territory
- Each state has different eligibility criteria
- Offers additional 5 points for nomination
- Better chance than 189 if you meet a state’s criteria
If you’re open to regional areas, Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) might be an option too. It offers 15 extra points but leads to PR after 3 years.
Improving Your Chances
You need 65 points to qualify for an Australian Visa provided independently of a sponsor. Points are allocated against a number of criteria. Generally speaking, the more points you have the better your chances.
Tips to maximise your Australia migration points:
- Aim for Superior English (PTE 79+/IELTS 8+) for 20 points.
- Work experience: If you have 8+ years in ICT project management, you can claim up to 15 points.
- State nomination: Research which states are open for ICT Project Managers. Each state has unique requirements.
- Partner points: If your partner has skills in a high-demand occupation and strong English, they could contribute extra points.
EOI Timing (Before or After Marriage?)
If you submit your EOI (Expression of Interest) before marriage, your partner won’t be included. If you wait until after marriage, you can add them to your application (potentially gaining extra points).
If your partner is skilled (and meets criteria), waiting could be beneficial.
If they don’t contribute extra points, submitting earlier won’t hurt. ☺️
Final Thoughts
Your choice between 189 and 190 depends on your points and whether any states are actively nominating ICT Project Managers.
You can check current state nomination trends to see where you have the best chance.
If you need help checking which states might be open for your occupation? Let me know!
All the best
Regards,
Mark