Skilled Visas, including skilled visa Australia, are points tested and these are either Skill-independent, State / Territory sponsored, or family-sponsored permanent visas. Qualified and Skilled migrants worldwide are in demand in Australia to fill certain skill shortages. The Skilled Occupation Lists (SOL) determine which occupations are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration program. There are many pathways to Australian residency, each suitable for people in slightly different situations. We specialise in assisting those looking for a Skilled visa for Australia, helping them find the right solution for their needs. If you are unsure about the eligibility requirements or application process, we can offer you peace of mind by assisting you throughout your visa application journey till the outcome. Read this article because it unveils the pathways to Australian residency through Skilled Visas, opening doors for skilled migrants worldwide. 
189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The 189 Visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers, allowing them to remain indefinitely in Australia with full work rights. It does not require sponsorship by a State/Territory Government or relative in Australia. Subclass 189 applications (independent skilled) are currently only open to occupations listed in the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL). Once the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa has been granted, the visa holder and accompanying family members can live, work, and study in Australia as permanent residents.
What is a 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows skilled people to migrate to Australia permanently without sponsorship from an Australian employer.
189 Visa holders can:
- be in or outside Australia when making the application
- work and study anywhere in Australia
- sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- apply for Australian Citizenship (If eligible)
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) applicants is a points-tested permanent visa. The applicant must obtain a minimum of 65 points on the points assessment. To apply for this visa, you must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by SkillSelect. Upon receiving an invitation to apply for this visa, you have 60 days to submit your application. Once the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent) Visa has been granted, the visa holder and accompanying family members are able to live, work, and study in Australia as permanent residents.
Applying for a 189 Visa
To be eligible to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must:
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- complete a successful skill assessment for the relevant occupation
- have at least competent English
- score at least 65 points. Calculate your points
- be invited to apply
189 Visa Eligibility
You may be able to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa if you meet the following requirements:
Occupation and Skills
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations. You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.
Points Test & Invitation
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, however, invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 90 points. You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.
English
You can provide evidence of at least competent English. However, additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores
Age
You are under 45 when you receive an invitation to apply.
Health and Character
You must meet the health & character requirements.
Include your family
189 visa applicants may be able to include the below family members in their application
Partner
Your married or de facto partner can be the same or opposite sex. Applicants must prove:
- the relationship is genuine and ongoing
- you are living together, or do not live separately on a permanent basis
- your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged (some exceptions exist)
- you are not related by family, and
- you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life
Children
To be eligible to be included or added to a 189 visa, a child must:
- be your child or a stepchild from a current or a previous relationship (in certain circumstances);
- not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner; and must be:
- under 18 years of age; or
- over 18 years of age but not yet turned 23, and be dependent on you or your partner; or
- over 23 years of age and be unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and be dependent on you or your partner (Note: The child will still need to meet Australia’s health requirement); or
- a dependent child of a child who is eligible under 1, 2, or 3 above.
English
Applicants over 18 must demonstrate Functional English. You can demonstrate Functional English without taking an English test if you:
- hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland have completed all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education in an educational institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
- have completed at least five years of secondary education in an institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
- have completed at least one year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma in an institution in Australia and all instructions were in English.
- have completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate that required at least two years of full-time study or training in an institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
English Exemption
You can choose to pay an additional application fee for family members who have less than functional English.
Health and Character
All family members must meet health and character requirements.
190 – SKILLED NOMINATED VISA
The Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government. Applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment to be eligible to apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and must be nominated by a participating State or Territory government in Australia. To apply for this visa, you must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by SkillSelect. The Skilled Nominated 190 Visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory government.
190 Visa holders can:
- stay in Australia permanently
- work and study in Australia
- travel to and from Australia for five years
Applicants must have:
- Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupations list
- Have a successful skills assessment for the relevant occupation
- Be at least competent in English
- Be nominated by a participating State or Territory government in Australia Secure a minimum of 65 points on a points assessment
Process
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) Visa application requires the applicant to complete their skills assessment and obtain an acceptable score to be eligible to apply for the visa. Once the skills assessment score is received, the next step is to submit an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The SkillSelect program will determine the applicant’s eligibility by asking questions related to their work experience, skills, work background etc. The Skilled Nominated Work Visa (subclass 190) requires the applicant to be nominated by a state or territory government. Once the EOI is submitted, it will be viewable by government authorities looking for prospective skilled migrant workers with that specific skill set. If the government decides to nominate the applicant for a 190 visa, they will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. On receiving the invitation, the applicant has 60 days to apply for the visa.
General
The 190 State Sponsored Visa allows you to:
- stay in Australia permanently
- work and study in Australia
- enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- apply for Australian Citizenship (If eligible)
Applicants must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency before applying for the 190 visa. If you are nominated by a state or territory, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply for the visa. Each state and territory government agency has its own eligibility requirements criteria.
Length of stay
This is a permanent residence visa. Applicants can stay in Australia indefinitely. The 190 visa has a travel component that expires 5 years after the date of the visa grant. After this time, applicants can apply for one of the below:
- Australian Citizenship
- Resident Return Visa
Apply for a Skilled Nominated Subclass Subclass 190 Visa
You may be able to if you meet the following requirements:
State Or Territory Nomination
You must be Nominated by an Australian State or Territory. Each State and Territory Government has its own list of eligible occupations and may have specific requirements for skills and work experience.
Occupation & Skills
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations. You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.
Points Test & Invitation
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply. You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa. The most recent invitation round gives a breakdown of the number of invitations issued by each state.
English
You must provide evidence of competent English, however, additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores
Age
You are under 45 when you receive an invitation to apply
Health & Character
You must meet the health & character requirements You can include your family (partner and/or children) in your Subclass 190 Visa
Partner
You are married or your de facto partner can be the same or opposite sex. Applicants must prove:
- the relationship is genuine and continuing
- your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged (there are some exceptions)
- you are not related by family (if you are in a de facto relationship)
- you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others, and
- you live together or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
Children
To be eligible to be included or added to a 190 visa, a child must:
- be your child or a stepchild from a current or a previous relationship (in certain circumstances);
- not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner;
- and must be: under 18 years of age; or
- over 18 years of age but not yet turned 23, and be dependent on you or your partner; or
- over 23 years of age and be unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and be dependent on you or your partner (Note: The child will still need to meet Australia’s health requirements); or
- a dependent child of a child who is eligible under 1, 2, or 3 above.
English
Applicants over 18 must demonstrate Functional English or pay an additional fee. You can demonstrate Functional English without IELTS if you:
- completed all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education in an educational institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English; or
- completed at least five years of secondary education in an institution in or outside Australia and all instructions were in English.
Age
Children 23 years and over cannot be included in your application. (Unless there are exceptional circumstances)
Health & Character
All family members must meet health and character requirements.
FAQs
What is a skilled nominated visa in Australia?
A skilled nominated visa in Australia allows nominated skilled independent workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
What is the processing time for a Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa?
The processing time for a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is approximately six to twelve months.
What is the difference between 189 Visa and 190 Visa for Australia?
The key difference is that the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) has no sponsorship or nomination requirement, however, the applicant of a Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Do I need a sponsorship from an Australian employer for a 190 Visa?
No, you only need a nomination and invitation from an Australian State or territory government. As long as you meet the 65 points threshold, you are eligible to apply and there is no Employer sponsorship required.
491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa
A Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 491) is a temporary visa through which skilled workers can live and work in specified regional parts of Australia for up to five years. A 491 is a points-tested visa and applicants must be sponsored by an Australian relative who is living in a designated area, or by a State or Territory government.
What is the 491 Visa?
The 491 visa is a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa that allows skilled workers to live in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. The 491 Visa holders can apply for a Permanent Residence visa after three years and become Permanent Residents of Australia. You must be invited to apply for this visa. To do so, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Opportunities for 491 Visa Holders
- Live, work, and study in Australia for up to five years
- Include immediate family
- Study in Australia
- Transition to permanent residency (if eligible)
Nomination or Sponsorship
You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or be sponsored by an eligible relative.
Score 65 points
You must score 65 points in order to receive an invitation to apply for this visa.
Age
You are required to be below 45 to be eligible to be invited to apply for the visa (you can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation for visa) However, if you turn 45 after submitting your EOI and you haven’t received an invitation, your application would be eligible and considered for the visa.
Skill Assessment
Unless you have received an exemption, you must have a positive Skill Assessment from the relevant assessing authority in your nominated occupation.
English
You must have at least Competent English to apply for this visa.
Health & Character
You must meet the health and character requirements.
Applying for a 491 Visa
491 Visa Requirements
Occupation & Skills
Your occupation must be on the relevant occupation list of eligible skilled occupations. You must have a positive skill assessment and prove that you have the skills, qualifications, and relevant work experience to work in your chosen occupation.
Points Test & Invitation
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa In order to be eligible for an invitation to apply, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points. You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.
English
To be considered for the visa, you must provide evidence of at least competent English. Additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores.
Age
To be eligible for the visa, you must be aged under 45 at the time of submitting your application. You can still apply if you turn 45 after receiving the invitation
Health & Character
You must meet the health & character requirements.
Include your family
Who You Can Include in Your 491 Visa Application
Partners
Your married or de facto partner can be the same or opposite sex. Applicants must prove:
- the relationship is genuine and ongoing
- you live together or do not live separately on a permanent basis.
- your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged (some exceptions exist)
- you are not related by family
- you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life
Children
To be eligible to be included or added to this visa, a child must:
- be your child or a stepchild from a current or a previous relationship (in certain circumstances);
- not be married, engaged to be married, or have a de facto partner; and must be:
- under 18 years of age; or
- over 18 years of age but not yet turned 23, and be dependent on you or your partner; or
- over 23 years of age and be unable to earn a living to support themselves due to physical or cognitive limitations and be dependent on you or your partner (Note: The child will still need to meet Australia’s health requirement); or
- a dependent child of a child who is eligible under 1, 2, or 3 above.
Health & Character
All family members are required to meet the health and character requirements to be eligible for the 491 visa.
FAQs
How long does it take to approve a 491 visa?
The approximate processing time and approval for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa is around 12 to 14 months. 75% of the visas are processed within 9 months of application. 90% of the applications are processed within 22 months of Application.
How long we can stay overseas on a 491 visa?
The subclass 491 visa allows the visa holders along with their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years. During these 5 years, they are allowed to travel in and out of Australia as often as they like without any restrictions.
What are the minimum points for a 491 visa?
The subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a points-tested visa. To be eligible to receive an invitation to apply for a 491 visa, the applicant is required to score at least 65 points. On submission of the EOI in SkillSelect, the applicant is given an indicative points score based on their claims.
Can I apply for a 491 visa without a skill assessment?
No, to be eligible for a subclass 491 visa you are required to get a skills assessment done. When you submit your visa application, you will need to provide evidence that you have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation for which you are applying. You must have obtained a skills assessment by the time you are invited to apply. Your skills assessment must be valid at the time you are invited to apply for a points-tested visa.
- If there is no validity period shown on a skills assessment, the assessment is valid for 3 years from the date it was issued.
- If the validity period shown on a skills assessment is less than 3 years, the assessment remains valid for that length of time.
- If the validity period shown on a skills Assessment is more than three years, then the Assessment will be considered valid for three years from the date of issuance or until its expiration date whichever comes first.
It is advisable to plan your skills assessment well in advance so that you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) as quickly and efficiently as possible.
191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
The subclass 191 skilled regional visa will be open to new applications in November 2022.
Opportunities for 191 Visa Holders
- Live and work in Australia indefinitely
- Include immediate family on their 191 Visa
- Live, work, and study only in regional areas
- Sponsor eligible family members
The Permanent Skilled Regional Visa (subclass 191) will allow Subclass 494 and 491 visa holders to transition to permanent residency. If you would like to apply for a permanent visa sooner, you may be eligible to apply for one of the below permanent visas instead:
- 186 Visa (ENS)
- 189 Visa
- 190 Visa
KEY Points
- opening to applications in 2022
- valid for five years
- visa holders live, work, and study only in regional areas
- if employer-sponsored, only in the nominated position
- applicants must be inside Australia to apply
More information about this new visa will be available in November 2022. The subclass 191 skilled regional visa will be open to new applications in November 2022. To be eligible to apply, you must have:
- Held a 491 or 494 visa for at least three years
- Complied with the conditions of the regional provisional visas
- Be onshore (inside Australia) to apply
- Applicants are required to have a taxable income of at least the minimum amount specified in the legislative instrument (Currently $53,900).
Important: Applicants who earn $53,900 and claim deductions through their tax return will no longer be eligible to apply , as their taxable income will fall before the threshold. The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa will be open to applications in November 2022. If you would like to apply for a permanent visa sooner, you may be eligible to apply for one of the following permanent visas as an alternative:
- 186 Visa (ENS)
- 189 Visa
- 190 Visa
You will be able to sponsor eligible family members. Further relevant information will be available closer to the application commencement date. Ready to embark on your journey to Australian residency through Skilled Visas? Contact us today for expert guidance and support throughout your visa application process. Let’s make your Australian dream a reality!
