Express Entry is a streamlined and competitive pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled candidates. The goal of the Australian government is to process 80% of applications within six months after submission. Compared to other non-Express provincial programs, which can take over two years, Express Entry offers a faster option.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is not a stand-alone immigration program but an online system managed by Australia’s immigration authorities to prioritize skilled immigration candidates. To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must first qualify under one of three specific programs.
Qualifying for Express Entry Programs
To begin, applicants need to meet the criteria for one of three federal immigration programs:
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
Eligibility Criteria
| Program | Language Ability | Work Experience | Length of Work | Job Offer | Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (subclass 189) | English (IELTS: 7+) | Experience in any skilled occupation listed by Australia | 12 months within the past 3 years | Not required | Not required |
| Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) | English (IELTS: 6+) | Experience in an occupation listed by your state/territory | 12 months of full-time work experience | Not required (but boosts points) | Points awarded for post-secondary education |
| Skilled Regional (subclass 491) | English (IELTS: 6+) | Experience in a regional area occupation | 2 years of full-time work in a regional area | Required: Valid job offer or sponsorship | Not required |
Note: Ensure you understand the points system, as candidates for the Skilled Independent Visa need at least 65 points. Additionally, candidates without a job offer must prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families.
Learn More About These Programs:
- [Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)]
- [Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)]
- [Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)]
Determining Your Express Entry Score
Once you qualify for one of these programs, you will calculate your Express Entry score using Australia’s points system. This score will determine your likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The government selects candidates in rounds, often twice a month, based on their ranking.
Submitting Your Express Entry Profile
Candidates who meet the criteria can create and submit an Express Entry profile online. This profile expresses your interest in applying for permanent residency but is not a formal application. Only candidates selected in the invitation rounds will be able to submit their final application.
Receiving an Invitation and Submitting Your Permanent Residency Application
Top-ranking candidates will receive an invitation to apply and will have 60 days to complete their application and submit supporting documents. Since some documents can take time to gather, it’s important to prepare them in advance.
Preparing for Express Entry
Before submitting your profile, ensure you have the following:
- Language test results
Approved English Tests:- IELTS: General Training
- PTE: Pearson Test of English
- Educational Assessment
If you are applying as a skilled worker and want points for education completed outside Australia, have your foreign qualifications assessed by a designated organization. - Police Certificates
Start the process early as it may take time. Police certificates are required for you and all family members aged 18 or older who have lived in any country for six months or more over the past 10 years.
Designated Assessment Organizations
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
- Skills Assessment Authority
