Home ยป Skilled Migration Australia | Pathways to PR via 189, 190, 491

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๐Ÿงพ Quick Visa Facts

Type: Skilled Migration Visa (Permanent and Temporary options)

Sponsor Requirement: Some subclasses require state/territory sponsorship (e.g., Subclass 190, Subclass 491)

Pathway to PR: Yes, eligible applicants can obtain permanent residency

Common Use: Ideal for skilled professionals looking to work and live in Australia permanently or temporarily

Processing Time: 6-12 months, depending on the subclass

Family Inclusion: Yes, you can include your spouse, children, or other dependents

Points Test Required: Yes, a minimum of 65 points required โ€‹

Visa fees: From AUD 4910

What is Skilled Migration?

sponsor. This pathway enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia, either permanently or temporarily, depending on the visa subclass.

Who Itโ€™s Suitable For:

Pathway Description:

Explore Visa Subclasses and Streams

Explore the different skilled migration visas and discover which one suits your profile and goals.ย 

Subclass 189:
Skilled Independent Visa

PR Status: Permanent Residency
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore and Onshore Applications Accepted
Nomination: No nomination required
Points Test: Yes, minimum 65 points

Learn More

Subclass 190:
Skilled Nominated Visa

PR Status: Permanent Residency
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore and Onshore Applications Accepted
Nomination:Requires state/territory nomination
Points Test: Yes, minimum 65 points
  

Learn More

Subclass 491:
Skilled Work Regional Visa

PR Status:Provisional, Pathway to PR
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore and Onshore Applications Accepted
Nomination: Requires regional nomination
Points Test: Yes, minimum 65 points

Learn More

Subclass 191: Skilled Regional PR Visa

PR Status: Permanent Residency
Onshore/Offshore: Offshore and Onshore Applications Accepted
Nomination: Requires state/territory or employer nomination
Points Test: Yes, minimum 65 points
[Check Regional Options]

Learn More

Subclass 887:
Skilled Regional Visa

PR Status:Permanent Residency
Onshore/Offshore: Onshore Applications Only
Nomination: No nomination required (but must have held a Subclass 489, 495, 496, 475, or 487 visa for at least 2 years)
Points Test: Not required, but the applicant must meet residence and work requirements in a regional area

Learn More

Compared Skilled Visa Types - 189, 190, 491, 191, 887

Easily compare the main features across the different skilled visa subclasses.

Visa SubclassPR StatusNominationProcessing TimeWork RightsPoints Test
Subclass 189Permanent ResidencyโŒ No6-9 monthsFull work rightsYes, 65+ points
Subclass 190Permanent ResidencyYes (State Nominated)5-9 monthsFull work rightsYes, 65+ points
Subclass 491Pathway to PRโœ… Yes (Regional Nominated)9-15 monthsRegional work rightsYes, 65+ points
Subclass 887Permanent ResidencyNo12-18 monthsFull work rights (after stay)No
Subclass 191Permanent ResidencyMust hold Subclass 491 9r Subclass 494 for 3 years2-3 years after 491/494 grantFull work rights in regional AustraliaNo

Why Apply for Skilled Migration Visa?

Permanent Residency (or direct pathway to PR)

Full work and travel rights across Australiaย 

Sponsor your family: Partner and dependent children can be included in the applicationย 

Access to public healthcare (Medicare) after visa grantย 

Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Work anywhere in Australia, no employer restrictionsย 

Eligibility Criteria & Points Test

To qualify for a Skilled Migration Visa, you must meet the following requirements:ย 

Age: Under 45 years

Points: Minimum of 65 points based on age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and more

Skills Assessment: Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

Occupation: On the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or equivalent

English Language: Competent or higher (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

Health & Character: Must meet health and character requirements

๐Ÿ” Application Process โ€“ Step by Step

Follow this 7-step process to apply for your Skilled Migration Visa:
1
Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the age, skills, and points criteria.
2
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
3
English Test
Take an approved English test if required (e.g., IELTS, PTE).
4
Submit EOI
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
5
Receive Invitation
If invited, apply for the visa
6
Health & Police Checks
Complete medical and police checks.
7
Visa Application
Submit your visa application.

Common Mistakes & Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoidโ€‹

Submitting incomplete forms or missing documents

Incorrectly choosing ANZSCO codes

Letting tests or assessments expire

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Lodge a complete and accurate application

Get professional advice to maximize your points

Cross-check evidence with your points claims

Required Documents

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months

English Test Result Recent and valid IELTS/PTE/TOEFL results

Skills assessment: Approved by the relevant assessing authority

Police checks: From all countries youโ€™ve lived in for 12+ months

Health examination: From a registered panel physician

Family Members You Can Include

Spouse / de facto partner

Dependent children under 18

Children over 18( If Dependent)

Adopted or declared dependentsย 

Once Visa Granted

Once visa granted, you and your family can :

Access Medicare & public healthcare

Live and work anywhere in Australia

Pathway to citizenship (after 4 years)

Sponsor eligible family in future

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
๐Ÿชช Primary ApplicantAUD 4,910
๐Ÿ‘ฅ PartnerAUD 2,455
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Child (18+)AUD 2,455
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Child (Under 18)AUD 1230
โณ Processing TimeTypically 6-12 months

๐Ÿงฐ Tools & Downloads

Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidenceย 

Download Subclass 190 Migration Pack
Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack
Discover
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Download EOI Guide
Download EOI Guide

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

The Skilled Migration Visa allows individuals with specific skills to migrate to Australia and live and work there. This can lead to permanent residency, depending on the subclass chosen.

No, not all skilled migration visas require a job offer. For example, the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) does not require a job offer. However, the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) require state or regional sponsorship.

Points are calculated based on factors like age, work experience, education, and English proficiency. You need at least 65 points to be eligible for the Skilled Migration Visa, but higher points may be required depending on occupation demand.

Generally, you must be under 45 at the time of invitation to apply for most skilled migration visas. However, some exceptions exist based on occupation and special cases.

Your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or an equivalent list. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) also serves as a guide for eligible professions.

Yes, you can include family members such as your spouse, children, and dependents in your visa application. Each family member must meet health and character requirements.

Processing time varies depending on the visa subclass. On average, the processing time ranges from 6 to 12 months.

The points test is used to assess your eligibility for skilled migration. Points are awarded based on age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors. You need at least 65 points to qualify.

Application fees vary by visa subclass. For example, the Subclass 189 visa costs around AUD $4,640 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for family members.

Yes, you can apply for a Skilled Migration Visa while on a temporary visa in Australia, such as the Subclass 482 (Skill in Demand Visa), provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You may also choose to reapply if the rejection is due to a correctable issue.

You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Once submitted, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa if you meet the criteria.

You can improve your points by:

  • Taking a higher-level English test to improve your language score.
  • Gaining additional work experience in your occupation.
  • Completing more qualifications or higher education.
  • Applying for state or regional sponsorship.
  • Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): Permanent residency without state/territory nomination or employer sponsorship. Requires meeting the points test.
  • Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): Permanent residency with state/territory nomination. Requires a points test.
  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): Provisional visa for regional areas, leading to permanent residency after meeting conditions.
  • Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa): Permanent residency for individuals who have held a Subclass 491 or 494 visa and have lived and worked in a regional area for at least three years.
  • Subclass 887 (Skilled Regional Visa): Permanent residency for individuals who have held a regional provisional visa (e.g., Subclass 489) and lived and worked in regional areas for at least two years.

Key documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE)
  • Skills assessment report
  • Work experience evidence

๐Ÿ“ž Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert

Speak directly with a MARA-registered migration agent and have your Skilled Visa strategy explained step-by-step โ€” at no cost.

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Choosing the right migration partner can make all the difference.ย 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.