Skilled Migration

Skilled Visas to Australia – Build Your Pathway to PR

🔍 How Skilled Migration Visas Work

The GSM program allows skilled workers to apply for PR based on their age, education, English ability, and work experience. The journey typically follows:

1. Skills assessment in the nominated occupation

2. Calculate points (min 65 required)

3. Submit EOI to SkillSelect

4. Receive invitation → Apply for a visa

5. Transition to PR (via 189/190/191/887)

💼 Key Skilled Pathways 

Pathway  Description 
🛫 189 – Independent PR  No state nomination needed, direct PR on invite 
🏛️ 190 – State-Sponsored PR  Requires state nomination, permanent residency 
🌄 491 – Regional Provisional  Live/work in regional area, convert to PR (191) 
🔁 887 – Regional PR  For those who held 489 or 491 and met work/stay conditions 
🎯 191 – Final Regional PR  After 491 → 3 years income + residence requirement 

Eligibility Checklist 

Aged under 45 

Competent English (IELTS 6.0+) 

Positive Skills Assessment in the nominated occupation 

Minimum 65 points (EOI score) 

Occupation listed on CSOL 

Meet health and character requirements 

📥 [Download Skilled Visa Checklist] → lead_download_checklist_skilled 

Common Risks & Red Flags 

Submitting incorrect ANZSCO code Expired or invalid skills assessment Applying under wrong stream (190 vs 491) Not meeting 65 points threshold Incorrect state nomination procedure 

📥 [Download Skilled Risk Guide PDF] → risk_warning_skilled Tags: compliance_critical, risk_flag_skilled 

 

FAQ Section 

  1. Can I apply without a job offer?
    Yes, for 189/190/491 visas you do not need a job offer – it’s points-tested.
  2. How do I prove my work experience?
    Via employment references, payslips, contracts, and skills assessment.
  3. What’s the minimum score to be invited?
    Usually 65 points, but higher scores increase chances.
  4. Can I include my family?
    Yes – spouse and dependent children can be added.
  5. Is the 887 visa only for 489 holders?
    No, it also applies to 491 holders who meet regional stay rules.
  6. When can I move to PR from 491?
    After 3 years with an income threshold → Subclass 191.
  7. How long does state nomination take?
    Usually 1–8 weeks, depending on the state and occupation.
  8. Can I apply from offshore?
    Yes – most skilled visas accept offshore EOIs.

🧩 Visa Category Grid (Optional for Hub Pages) 

Visa  Type  PR Pathway  Regional  Nomination Required  Notes 
189  Independent  ✅ Direct PR  ❌  ❌  Points-based, offshore or onshore 
190  State PR  ✅ Direct PR  ❌  ✅  Needs state nomination 
491  Provisional  ➜ PR via 191  ✅  ✅  Regional 5-year visa 
887  Regional PR  ✅ Final PR  ✅  ➜ 489/491  Requires regional work 
191  Regional PR  ✅ Final PR  ✅  ➜ 491  After 3 years + income threshold 

Application Process for Subclass 190 Visa

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Follow these steps to apply for the Subclass 190 Visa: 

Check Eligibility – Ensure your occupation is on the approved lists and check state-specific requirements.  

Get a Skills Assessment – Obtain verification from a relevant assessment authority.  

Take an English Test – Meet language proficiency criteria.  

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.  

Apply for State Nomination – Follow the application rules of your nominating state or territory.  

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect.  

Lodge Your Visa Application within the 60-day deadline.  

Processing Time & Costs

    Stage   Timeframe   Cost  
    Skills Assessment   4–12 weeks   Varies by authority  
    State Nomination   2–8 weeks   AUD $200–$600 (if required)  
    Subclass 190 Visa   4–10 months   From AUD $4,640  

    State Nomination Programs

    Each state and territory has unique nomination criteria. Here are some examples:

    NSW 190 Nomination: Targets high-demand occupations and priority sectors.

    VIC 190 Nomination: Focuses on applicants with STEM skills, health roles, and critical trades.

    QLD 190 Program: Encourages applications for regional and rural jobs.

    SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT: Offer tailored nomination streams based on specific workforce needs.

    FAQs – Subclass 190 Visa 

    Do I need to live in the nominating state?

    Yes, you are expected to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. 

    Can I move to another state after securing PR?

    Once you’ve met your nomination obligations, you are free to live or work anywhere in Australia. 

    Can I include my partner and children in the application?

    Yes, your spouse and dependent children can be included in your application. 

    Can this visa lead to Australian citizenship?

    Absolutely. After meeting specific residency and character requirements, you’re eligible for citizenship. 

    We Are A Professional Advisors

    Why Choose VisaAdvisor?

      Experts in General Skilled Migration (GSM) and state nomination processes.
      Comprehensive assistance with SkillSelect EOIs and documentation.
      Practical strategies to maximise your eligibility and points score.
      Tailored state-specific guidance to meet nomination requirements.

      End-to-end support from the moment you start your application to the successful visa grant.