Australia's skilled migration program offers three main pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residence: the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491). All require a positive skill assessment and meeting the points test. This comprehensive guide covers requirements, processes, and benefits for each visa type in 2025.
Australia Skilled Migration Visa Overview
| Visa Type | Subclass | Nomination Required | Regional Requirement | Permanent/Temporary | Minimum Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent | 189 | No | No | Permanent | 65+ (typically 85+ invited) |
| Skilled Nominated | 190 | State/Territory | 2 years minimum | Permanent | 65+ (typically 75+ invited) |
| Skilled Work Regional | 491 | State/Territory or Family | 3 years minimum | Provisional (5 years) | 65+ (typically 70+ invited) |
Skill Assessment Requirements for All Visa Types
Mandatory Skill Assessment
ALL Australia skilled migration visas require a positive skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation before you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Key Skill Assessment Requirements:
- Occupation on Skilled Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Relevant Qualifications: Degree/diploma relevant to your nominated occupation
- Work Experience: Usually minimum 1-3 years relevant work experience
- English Proficiency: Meet minimum English requirements for assessment authority
- Recency Requirements: Recent work experience in nominated occupation (varies by authority)
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Most Flexible Permanent Visa
The 189 visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently without sponsorship or nomination requirements.
Requirements:
- Skill Assessment: Positive assessment for occupation on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
- English: Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band)
- Points: Minimum 65 points, typically 85+ invited in recent rounds
- Health & Character: Meet health and character requirements
Benefits:
- ✅ Live and work anywhere in Australia
- ✅ Permanent residence from grant
- ✅ Include spouse/children in application
- ✅ Pathway to Australian citizenship
- ✅ Access to Medicare and social services
- ✅ Study in Australia with domestic fees
Processing Information (2025):
Processing Time: 8-12 months from invitation
Application Cost: AUD $4,640 primary + $2,320 spouse + $1,160 child
Recent Invitation Rounds: High points required (85-100+ for most occupations)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
State Nominated Permanent Visa
The 190 visa requires state or territory nomination but provides 5 additional points and more frequent invitations.
Requirements:
- Skill Assessment: Positive assessment for occupation on MLTSSL or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- State Nomination: Nomination from Australian state or territory
- Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
- English: Competent English minimum (higher levels may be required by states)
- Points: Minimum 65 points + 5 nomination points = 70 total
- Commitment: Commit to live and work in nominating state for 2 years
State/Territory Requirements Vary:
Processing Information (2025):
Processing Time: 8-12 months from invitation
Application Cost: Same as 189 visa
Advantage: Lower points thresholds, more regular invitations
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Regional Provisional Visa
The 491 visa is a 5-year provisional visa for designated regional areas, with pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.
Requirements:
- Skill Assessment: Positive assessment for occupation on relevant skilled occupation list
- Sponsorship: State/territory nomination OR eligible relative sponsorship
- Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
- English: Competent English minimum
- Points: Minimum 65 points + 15 nomination/sponsorship points = 80 total
- Regional Commitment: Live, work and study only in designated regional areas
Pathway to Permanent Residence (PR):
- Eligible for 191 PR visa after: 3 years holding 491 visa
- Income Requirement: Minimum taxable income threshold (currently $53,900 annually)
- Regional Requirement: Must remain in regional area throughout 3 years
- Compliance: Meet all 491 visa conditions
Designated Regional Areas Include:
- Entire states: Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory
- Regional areas in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia
- Perth and Adelaide are included as regional for this visa
- Excludes: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast
Processing Information (2025):
Processing Time: 8-11 months from invitation
Application Cost: AUD $4,640 primary + $2,320 spouse + $1,160 child
Advantage: Lowest points threshold, more occupation options
Australia Points Test System
Points Allocation Table:
| Factor | Points Available | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25-32 years = 30 points 33-39 years = 25 points 40-44 years = 15 points |
At time of invitation |
| English | Competent = 0 points Proficient = 10 points Superior = 20 points |
IELTS, PTE, OET, TOEFL |
| Work Experience (overseas) | 3-4 years = 5 points 5-7 years = 10 points 8+ years = 15 points |
In nominated occupation |
| Work Experience (Australia) | 1-2 years = 5 points 3-4 years = 10 points 5-7 years = 15 points 8+ years = 20 points |
In nominated occupation |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor = 15 points Masters/PhD = 20 points |
Recognized qualification |
| Australian Study | 5 points | 2+ years study in Australia |
| Specialist Education | 10 points | Masters by research or PhD in STEM field from Australian institution |
| Partner Skills | 10 points 5 points 10 points |
Partner positive skill assessment Partner competent English No partner or Australian citizen/PR partner |
| State Nomination | 5 points (190) 15 points (491) |
State/territory nomination |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Skills Assessment (3-6 months)
Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- Prepare all required documents
- Write RPL/CDR if required
- Submit assessment application
- Complete any additional requirements
English Test (1-2 months)
Achieve required English proficiency scores through IELTS, PTE, OET, or TOEFL iBT.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit EOI through SkillSelect system with all supporting documents and points claims.
State Nomination (if applicable)
For 190/491 visas, apply for state nomination and wait for approval before invitation rounds.
Invitation to Apply
Receive invitation during monthly invitation rounds if you meet minimum points threshold.
Visa Application (60 days)
Submit complete visa application within 60 days of invitation with all supporting documents.
Health & Character Checks
Complete medical examinations and police clearances as requested by Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Grant
Receive visa grant notification and prepare for migration to Australia.
Tips for Successful Australia Skilled Migration
Maximize Points
- Aim for Superior English (20 points)
- Consider Australian study
- Gain more work experience
- Partner skills assessment
Timing Strategy
- Apply for skill assessment early
- Monitor invitation rounds
- Consider multiple visa options
- Stay under age limit
State Strategy
- Research state requirements
- Consider job offer pathway
- Explore regional options
- Build state connections
Documentation
- Gather documents early
- Professional translations
- Certified copies
- Employment references
Expert Strategy for 2025
With high points requirements for 189 visas, consider applying for both 189 and 190 simultaneously. State nomination (190) provides 5 additional points and more frequent invitations. Regional options (491) offer the lowest points threshold and broader occupation choices. Our Australia immigration specialists can help develop a customized strategy based on your profile and maximize your chances of success.