Skilled Migration

The skilled migration is designed to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available. The skilled migration also plays an important role in regional development through providing skills and labour which can't be sourced locally, as well as encouraging investment and promoting local spending in regional areas.
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited skilled workers who meet Australia’s labour market needs. This visa allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia without requiring sponsorship or nomination.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect (Expression of Interest – EOI)
  • Have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
  • Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation
  • Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency
  • Meet the health and character requirements
  • Attain a minimum of 65 points under the 189 Points Table

Source: Department of Home Affairs
Last updated: 1 Mar 2025

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa that requires nomination by a State or Territory Government.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect (Expression of Interest – EOI)
  • Be nominated by a State or Territory Government
  • Have an occupation on both the relevant Skilled Occupation List and the State/Territory Nominated Occupation List
  • Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation
  • Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency
  • Meet the health and character requirements
  • Attain a minimum of 65 points under the 190 Points Table

Source: Department of Home Affairs
Last updated: 1 Mar 2025

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) is a temporary visa valid for five years, designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect (Expression of Interest – EOI)
  • Be nominated by a State or Territory Government
  • Have an occupation on both the relevant Skilled Occupation List and the State/Territory Nominated Occupation List
  • Obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation
  • Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency
  • Meet the health and character requirements
  • Attain a minimum of 65 points under the 491 Points Table

Designated Regional Area Requirement:

All visa holders, including accompanying family members, must live, work, and study in a designated regional area of Australia. If the nomination is withdrawn before visa grant, the application will be refused.

Pathway to Permanent Residence:

Holders of the Subclass 491 visa may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).

Source: Department of Home Affairs
Last updated: 1 Mar 2025