Visa options
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or family member. You must be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
Key eligibility
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list — check possible occupations with our Skilled Occupation List.
- Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.
- Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
- Score at least the minimum 65 points (invitations are ranked, so a higher score is better) — estimate your score with our PR Points Calculator.
- Have at least competent English; meet health and character requirements.
What you can do
- Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
- Study, and enrol in Medicare.
- Include eligible family members and sponsor relatives.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points, and you commit to living and working in the nominating state.
Key eligibility
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency.
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant list and hold a suitable skills assessment — check possible occupations with our Skilled Occupation List.
- Be under 45 when invited; score at least 65 points (including the +5 nomination) — estimate your score with our PR Points Calculator.
- Meet the nominating state’s specific requirements (these vary and change often).
- Have competent English; meet health and character requirements.
What you can do
- Live and work permanently — generally with a 2-year commitment to the nominating state.
- Study and enrol in Medicare.
- Include eligible family members in your application.
- Apply for citizenship once eligible.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a 5-year points-tested visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative, and is a pathway to the permanent Subclass 191.
Key eligibility
- Be nominated by a state/territory agency or sponsored by an eligible relative in a designated regional area.
- Nominate an occupation on the relevant list and hold a suitable skills assessment — check possible occupations with our Skilled Occupation List.
- Be under 45 when invited; score at least 65 points (including the +15 for the 491) — estimate your score with our PR Points Calculator.
- Have competent English; meet health and character requirements.
Living regionally & the PR pathway
- Live, work and study only in a designated regional area (most of Australia outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane).
- Hold the visa for at least 3 years and meet income requirements to access the permanent Subclass 191.
- Include eligible family members in your application.
General information only — visa charges, streams, eligibility criteria and requirements may change without notice. While we take care to keep our content accurate and up to date, this information is not immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such. Please confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs or speak with one of our registered migration agents.
Common questions
Skilled Migration FAQs
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