Skilled migration · 189 · 190 · 491 · 191 · 887
Skilled Migration Australia: Visa Options, Points, and Your Real Chances
Most people don't fail skilled migration because they are unqualified. They fail because they misunderstand how the system works. This hub compares the five skilled visas and explains the points test, the EOI and nomination.
What is Skilled Migration?
Skilled migration is Australia's points-based pathway for skilled workers without an employer sponsor. You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and must be invited before you apply. The main visas are the 189, 190 and 491. The 191 and 887 are permanent steps after regional visas. You need at least 65 points to be invited.
Quick Visa Facts
- Visas. 189 and 190 are permanent. The 491 is a five-year regional provisional visa.
- Nomination. None for the 189. A state or territory for the 190. A state, territory or eligible relative for the 491.
- Points test. At least 65 points to be invited, including 5 or 15 nomination points.
- Invitation first. You apply only after an EOI invitation, and you then have 60 days to apply.
- Age. Under 45 at the time of invitation for the 189, 190 and 491.
- Family. Your partner and dependent children can be included in the application.
Compared Skilled Visa Types - 189, 190, 491, 191, 887
General skilled migration is the older name for these visas. Each skilled visa Australia offers without an employer sponsor is compared below. If you want an Australian skilled migration visa, or any Australia immigration skilled visa, start with this table. Each visa name links to its full guide.
| Visa | Status | Nomination | Points test | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Permanent | None | Yes — 65 | Skilled workers invited on points alone |
| Subclass 190 | Permanent | State or territory (adds 5) | Yes — 65 | Skilled workers a state or territory nominates |
| Subclass 491 | Provisional, five years | State, territory or eligible relative (adds 15) | Yes — 65 | Skilled workers who will live in regional Australia |
| Subclass 191 | Permanent | None | No | 491 or 494 holders after three years |
| Subclass 887 | Permanent | None | No | Holders of the older regional provisional visas only |
The 887 is not a direct visa. Only holders of a qualifying older regional provisional visa, such as a 489, 475 or 487, can apply.
Who It's Suitable For
Skilled migration suits skilled workers without an employer sponsor, and people who want to settle in Australia permanently. It also suits graduates and temporary visa holders already in Australia who now meet the points test. If an employer will sponsor you, compare the employer-sponsored visas too.
Pathway Description
The 189 and 190 give permanent residence on grant. The 491 is regional and provisional, with the 191 as its permanent next step. Your partner and dependent children can come with you. The skilled migration visa Australia grants depends on your points, occupation and nomination. Our PR pathway Australia guide compares this route with employer and partner pathways.
Explore Visa Subclasses and Streams
Subclass 189 visaSkilled Independent · permanent · no sponsor Subclass 190 visaSkilled Nominated · permanent · +5 points Subclass 491 visaSkilled Work Regional · five years · +15 points Subclass 191 visaPermanent after a 491 or 494 Subclass 887 visaPermanent for older regional visa holders State nominationAll eight states and territories
Why Apply for Skilled Migration Visa?
- Permanent residency. The 189 and 190 give it on grant; the 491 leads to it through the 191.
- No employer tie. You are not bound to one employer.
- Family included. Your partner and dependent children can apply with you.
- A path to citizenship. Permanent residents can apply once they meet the residence requirement. See the pathway to Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria & Points Test
- Age. Under 45 when invited, for the 189, 190 and 491.
- Points. At least 65 on the points test, scored on the day you are invited.
- Skills assessment. A suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Occupation. On the skilled occupation list for your visa. The 189 uses the narrowest list; state lists apply to the 190 and 491. Find your ANZSCO code first.
- English. At least competent English. See the English test requirements.
- Health and character. You and every family member must meet them.
Score yourself with the PR points calculator before you lodge.
Application Process – Step by Step
- Check eligibility. Confirm your occupation, age and points.
- Get a skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
- Sit an English test. A higher level adds points.
- Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect. Our EOI guide explains how.
- Get nominated if needed. For a 190 or 491, apply to the state, territory or eligible relative.
- Receive an invitation. You then have 60 days from the invitation date to apply.
- Lodge the visa application with evidence for every point, plus health and police checks.
Common Mistakes & Tips
- Claiming points you cannot prove. The application must prove the score you were invited on, or it is refused.
- The wrong occupation code. Your EOI, skills assessment and nomination must all match.
- Letting tests and assessments lapse. English results and skills assessments must still count on the day you are invited.
- Waiting past a birthday. Turning 33 or 40 lowers your age points; turning 45 ends eligibility.
- Tip: cross-check every claim against your evidence before you lodge the EOI.
Required Documents
- Passport for you and each family member.
- English test result that is valid at invitation.
- Skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Employment and qualification evidence for every point you claim.
- Police certificates as Home Affairs requires for the countries you have lived in.
- Health examinations with a Home Affairs panel physician, when requested.
Family Members You Can Include
You can include your spouse or de facto partner and your dependent children, as members of your family unit. Each must meet health and character requirements.
Once Visa Granted
On a permanent visa you can live and work anywhere in Australia and, once eligible, sponsor family members. On a 491 you must live, work and study in a designated regional area until you move to the 191.
Visa Fees & Processing Time
The visa application charge has a base charge for the main applicant, plus a charge per family member. Home Affairs sets the amounts, and they usually change each year. Skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates cost extra.
Processing time depends on the visa and your case. Ministerial Direction sets the order the Department works through skilled visas. A complete, well-evidenced application moves fastest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Subclass 189, 190, 491 and 191 visas?
The subclass 189 is permanent and needs no sponsor. The subclass 190 is permanent and needs a state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points. The subclass 491 is a five-year regional provisional visa that adds 15 points. A state, territory or eligible relative nominates or sponsors you. The subclass 191 is the permanent visa for 491 and 494 holders after three years. The subclass 887 is not a direct visa; only holders of the older regional provisional visas can apply.
What are the core eligibility requirements for Skilled Migration visas in Australia?
For the 189, 190 and 491, your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list for that visa. You need a suitable skills assessment and competent English. You need at least 65 points on the points test, and must be under 45 when invited. Health and character requirements apply to everyone. The 191 and 887 have different criteria built around your earlier regional visa.
Which visas under Skilled Migration lead to Australian Permanent Residency?
The 189 and 190 are permanent residence visas on grant. The 491 is provisional; the 191 is the permanent visa that can follow after three years. The 887 is permanent, for holders of the older regional provisional visas only.
How many points do I need for invitation under Skilled Migration?
You need at least 65 points to be invited, and nomination points count towards it. Reaching 65 does not guarantee an invitation. For the 189, SkillSelect ranks EOIs by points within each occupation, so the score invited changes by occupation and round. Work out yours with the PR points calculator.
Do I need a Skills Assessment for the 189, 190, 491 or 191 visa?
The 189, 190 and 491 need a suitable skills assessment by the time you are invited. The 191 does not need a new one. It rests on your time on a 491 or 494 visa.
Is there any minimum salary requirement for the Subclass 191 visa?
The 191 has no salary figure in its criteria. Instead, your taxable income must meet an amount set by legislative instrument. That applies in three income years on a regional provisional visa. Check the current instrument before relying on any figure. Our subclass 191 guide explains the income years.
How long do I need to live and work in a regional area for the 491 and 191 visa pathway?
On a 491 you must live, work and study only in a designated regional area, under condition 8579. For the 191, you must have held your regional provisional visa for at least three years. You must also have met its conditions and the income test.
Can I move to another state after getting a 190 or 491 nomination?
The 190 has no visa condition that stops you moving. States usually ask you to commit to living there, and breaking that commitment can matter for future applications. The 491 carries condition 8579, so you must stay within designated regional areas. Moving to another regional area can still breach the nominating state's commitment, so get advice first.
How long does it take to process Skilled Migration visas?
It varies by visa and by case. The order the Department works through skilled visas is set by Ministerial Direction. A complete application with health, character and police checks done early moves fastest. Home Affairs publishes current processing times for each visa.
Can I include my partner and children in Skilled Migration visas?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children as members of your family unit. Each must meet health and character requirements. Your partner does not need a skills assessment unless you claim partner points for their skills.
Do state nomination requirements differ between ACT, NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS and NT?
Yes. Each state and territory publishes its own occupation list and criteria for 190 and 491 nomination. Some rank candidates on points, age and English; others focus on onshore work or study in that state. Programs open and close during the year. Start with our state nomination guide.
Need a plan for your case? Talk to a registered migration agent in Sydney, or start with the free eligibility check.
Sources and last checked dates
- Migration Regulations 1994 — Schedule 1 (items 1136, 1137), Schedule 6D (general points test), condition 8579, Compilation No. 288, 1 July 2026 (F2026C00667) read 22 September 2026 open ↗
- Migration Act 1958 — section 96 (the Minister sets the pass mark), Compilation No. 171, 4 June 2026 (C2026C00232) read 22 September 2026 open ↗
- Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect: Expression of interest, page last updated 14 January 2025 (65-point threshold; 60 days to apply after invitation) read 22 September 2026 open ↗
Occupation lists, state programs, charges and processing times change. Confirm the current position before acting on anything on this page.