Skilled Migration Visas in Australia: Subclass 189, 190, and 491
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program provides clear pathways for qualified professionals to live and work in Australia, either permanently or provisionally. It is designed to address skill shortages in key industries and, in some cases, promote regional development.
The three main points-tested skilled visas are:
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Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent) : Does not require state or territory nomination or employer/family sponsorship.
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Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent) : Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
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Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) : Requires nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
All three visas require lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and achieving at least 65 points on the points test, which assesses factors such as
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Age
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English
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Language ability
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Skilled Work Experience
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Qualifications
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Australian Study, and
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Partner Skills
While the Subclass 189 offers the most independence, the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 can boost your points through nomination or sponsorship, but come with location or commitment requirements. Choosing the right visa depends on your skills, points score, and where you plan to live and work in Australia.
1. Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent)
Key features
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No state, territory, or family sponsorship required
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Permanent residency from the start
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Can live and work anywhere in Australia
Eligibility
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Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
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Meet minimum 65 points requirement
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Receive an invitation via SkillSelect
2. Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent)
Key features
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Permanent residency from the start
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Requires nomination by an Australian State or Territory
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Commitment to live and work in nominating state for at least 2 years (varies by state policy)
Eligibility
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Occupation must be on the state’s skilled occupation list (may include MLTSSL and STSOL occupations)
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Meet state nomination criteria (work experience, residency, or job offer requirements)
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Minimum 65 points (plus 5 points awarded for state nomination)
3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
Key Features
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Temporary visa (5 years) leading to permanent residency via Subclass 191
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Requires living, working, and studying in designated regional areas
Eligibility
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Occupation must be on the state’s skilled occupation list (may include MLTSSL and STSOL occupations)
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Meet state nomination criteria (work experience, residency, or job offer requirements)
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Minimum 65 points (plus 15 points awarded for state nomination
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) has two main streams:
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State/Territory Nominated (Points-Tested Stream)
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Family Sponsored Stream
Points advantage
Both streams award 15 additional points for nomination/sponsorship, making it easier to meet the points threshold.
3.1 State/Territory Nominated Stream (Points-Tested Stream)
Eligibility:
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Nominated by a State or Territory government
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Occupation on the state’s skilled occupation list
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Meet additional state criteria (often residency, job offer, or work experience in that state)
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
Pros:
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Wider occupation list in some states
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Potential for faster nomination if skills are in demand locally
3.2 Family Sponsored Stream
Eligibility:
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Sponsored by an eligible relative who is:
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An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
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Aged 18 or over and living in a designated regional area
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Occupation must be on the MLTSSL only
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Submit an EOI and receive an invitation to apply
Pros:
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No state nomination process
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Good for applicants whose relatives already live in regional areas
Pathway to Permanent Residency for 491 Holders
491 visa holders can apply for Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional) if they:
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Live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
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Earn at least $53,900 taxable income per year for 3 consecutive years
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Meet all visa conditions
Post-Visa Pathway: Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional)
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491 visa holders can apply for Subclass 191 (Permanent Residence - Skilled Regional) if they:
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Live and work in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
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Earn at least $53,900 taxable income per year for 3 consecutive years
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Meet all visa conditions
Points-Tested System for Skilled Migration
To qualify for 189, 190, or 491 visas, applicants must score at least 65 points based on the following:
Factor / Maximum Points
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Age : Less than 25 : 25 points I (25-32): 30 points I 32-39 : 25 points
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Superior English: 20 points I Competent English: 10 points
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Skilled employment (Australia): Up to 20 points
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Skilled employment (Australia): 1 Year : 5 points I 3 Years : 10 points
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Skilled employment (Overseas): 3 Years : 5 points I 5 Years: 10 points
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Partner skills: Up to 10 points
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Australian study requirement: 5 points
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Credentialed community language: 5 points
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Study in regional Australia: 5 points
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Nomination/Sponsorship 190: +5 points I 491: +15 points
Click here to calculate your points using the Department of Home Affairs Points Calculator.
Application Process: Expression of Interest & Invitation Rounds
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EOI Submission via SkillSelect is mandatory for all three subclasses.Immigration and citizenship Website
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Upon invitation, 60 days are available to lodge a visa application through ImmiAccount.Immigration and citizenship Website.
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Invitation Rounds vary by visa and stream; state nominations aren’t affected by departmental invitation quotas.Immigration and citizenship Website
This article is for general guidance only and reflects Australian migration policy as of August 2025. For personalised, legal advice, consult our registered migration agent or refer to the Department of Home Affairs official site.
We at Newsted acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
