Skilled Visas

Skilled visas provide a pathway for talented professionals to live and work in Australia permanently or temporarily. These visas are designed for individuals with in-demand skills that contribute to the country's economy. Popular options include the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), which does not require employer sponsorship, and the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), which requires nomination by an Australian state or territory. There’s also the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) for those willing to live and work in regional areas. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria such as occupation requirements, skills assessments, and points-based evaluations. Skilled visas offer a pathway to permanent residency and, eventually, Australian citizenship.

Sydney Opera House with tourists walking along the waterfront promenade on a sunny day.

  • The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is designed for highly skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. This visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia.

    Points-Tested Stream

    To apply under the Points-Tested Stream, you must:

    • Have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

    • Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply

    • Meet the points test requirement (minimum 65 points)

    • Be 18 to 44 years old

    • Have Competent English

    • Meet health and character requirements

  • The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent, points-based visa for highly skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory government. This visa allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

    Eligibility Criteria

    To apply for a 190 Visa, you must:

    • Have an occupation listed on the 190 Visa occupation list

    • Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

    • Achieve at least 65 points on the points test

    • Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency

    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply

    • Be between 18 and 44 years old

    • Have Competent English

    • Meet health and character requirements

    Benefits of the 190 Visa

    With a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), you can:
    ✔ Live in Australia permanently
    ✔ Work and study anywhere in Australia
    ✔ Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
    ✔ Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
    ✔ Travel to and from Australia freely for five years from the visa grant date
    ✔ Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible

  • The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for five years. After holding this visa for three years, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

    Eligibility & Requirements

    To apply for a 491 Visa, you must:

    • Be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency or sponsored by an eligible family member residing in a designated regional area

    • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply

    • Have a positive skills assessment in a relevant occupation

    • Meet the points test requirement

    • Be under 45 years of age

    • Have Competent English

    • Meet health and character requirements

    Key Conditions & Benefits

    • The 491 Visa is valid for five years

    • Holders must live, work, and study only in regional areas (excluding Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane)

    • Visa holders can move between regional areas but must comply with visa conditions

    • After three years, applicants can apply for permanent residency (Subclass 191)

    • Visa holders are restricted from applying for most other skilled visas during the provisional period, except in exceptional circumstances