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Skilled visa lawyers in Melbourne
Many of our skilled migration clients already live in Melbourne: graduates of its universities, people working here on temporary visas, and families planning their move to permanent residence. We work out the pathway with you, test your points claims and prepare the application.
Book a consultation
Or call (03) 9958 5854
Skilled migration in brief
The points-tested skilled visas are for people whose occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and who have a suitable skills assessment. The Subclass 189 is permanent and needs no sponsor. The Subclass 190 is permanent and needs nomination by a state or territory. The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for living and working in a designated regional area, nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.
You first lodge an expression of interest in SkillSelect. You can apply only after you are invited, and the points you claimed must be true at the time of invitation.
Victorian nomination and the Melbourne cohort
Victoria's nomination program runs through Live in Melbourne. Its priorities are set each program year and can differ from the national lists, so a Melbourne resident's plan often has to work with what Victoria is nominating now rather than last year. Our pages on Victorian 190 nomination and Victorian 491 nomination set out the current state criteria.
A large part of our Melbourne skilled work starts with international graduates. Timing matters: the graduate visa window, the skills assessment and the points for Australian study all interact, and a plan made in the final semester has more room to move than one made after the course ends.
For the full rules, subclasses and current processing information, see our national skilled visas page.
Meeting us in Melbourne
Skilled clients often book their first meeting at Level 13, 257 Collins Street during a lunch break or between classes, and bring their skills assessment, English results and employment records. If you would rather not travel into the CBD, the same meeting works by video, and you can share documents securely beforehand.
After that, most of the work runs remotely. We keep you updated as invitation rounds and Victorian program settings change, because those changes can affect which pathway is open to you. If you want to check figures yourself first, the points test guide and the 485 deadline calculator are a good start.
Our Melbourne office
Visa Plan LawyersLevel 13, 257 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm, closed on Victorian public holidays
- Phone
- (03) 9958 5854
Government charges
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Subclass 189 Skilled Independent, main applicant | $6,135 |
| Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated, main applicant | $6,140 |
| Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional, main applicant | $6,140 |
| Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate, main applicant | $5,750 |
Skills assessment fees, English test fees and health examination costs are paid to other bodies and are not included.
Checked on 25-09-2026. Source: Department of Home Affairs: current visa pricing. Our professional fees are separate and are quoted in writing before you instruct us.
How the matter runs
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Profile and points check
We map your occupation, skills assessment, English, study and work history against the points test and the occupation lists.
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Pathway choice
We compare the Subclass 189, Victorian or other state nomination for the 190, and regional options under the 491, and agree a plan with you.
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Expression of interest
We prepare your SkillSelect expression of interest and any state nomination application, claiming only points you can prove.
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Invitation and lodgement
When an invitation arrives, the application must be lodged within the time it allows. We have the evidence ready so it can go in promptly.
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Assessment
We answer the Department's requests and arrange health and character checks for you and any family members included.
Questions from Melbourne clients
I live in Melbourne. Should I aim for Victorian nomination or the Subclass 189?
It depends on your occupation, your points score and what Victoria is nominating in the current program year. The Subclass 189 needs no nomination but is invitation-only on points. Victorian nomination for the Subclass 190 is administered through Live in Melbourne and is sector-specific. We usually look at both side by side, and at other states where Victoria is unlikely to nominate.
Does living in Melbourne count for the regional Subclass 491?
The Subclass 491 requires the holder to live and work in a designated regional area. Whether a particular Victorian location qualifies is checked against the Department of Home Affairs list of designated regional areas by postcode. We confirm this before you rely on a 491 plan.
I finished my degree at a Melbourne university. When do I need to act on a graduate visa?
A Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa application must be made within six months after you complete your course, counted from the date you met the academic requirements, not the date of the graduation ceremony. Our 485 deadline calculator works out the last day from your completion date.
Can you check my points before I lodge an expression of interest?
Yes. A points check is a common first meeting for Melbourne clients. We go through each claim and the evidence behind it, such as skills assessment, English results, study in Australia and work experience, because a claim the Department cannot verify on invitation puts the application at risk.
What does the Department charge for a skilled visa?
The main applicant charges for the Subclass 189, 190, 491 and 485 visas are in the government charges table on this page, with the date we last checked them. Additional applicants pay their own charges, which our visa cost estimator adds up for you.
Permanent residence, in their own words
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Reviewed by James Bae, Managing Director and Principal Immigration Lawyer. This page is general information about Australian migration law and is not legal advice for your circumstances.