Skilled Visas are designed for qualified professionals who wish to live and work in Australia based on their occupation, experience, studies, English level, and migration points score, without requiring employer sponsorship.
These visas are intended for applicants who can contribute to the Australian labour market and meet the requirements for an occupation in demand.
The Australian Government selects candidates based on their profile, including age, English level, work experience, studies, and whether their occupation is in demand.
What is a points-based visa?
It is a migration process where your professional profile is assessed based on factors such as:
- Age.
- English level.
- Studies.
- Work experience related to the nominated occupation.
- Skills Assessment.
- State, Territory, or regional nomination
The process requires an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. In addition, each State or Territory may have its own requirements, occupation lists, residence criteria, employment requirements, work experience conditions, or additional registration processes, such as a Registration of Interest (ROI).
Meeting the minimum points score does not guarantee that you will receive a nomination or invitation. The outcome depends on your profile, occupation, demand, and the current criteria of each State or Territory.
Types of Skilled Visa
Subclass 189 - Skilled independent visa
Permanent visa for skilled professionals without the need for sponsorship.
Rights
- Live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Access to permanent residence.
- Bring family.
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship.
Key requirements
- Occupation on the in-demand list.
- Skills assessment.
- Minimum score required.
- English language proficiency.
- Invitation to apply.
Duration
Permanent.
Processing times
Approximately 5 to 12 months after receiving an invitation
Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated visa
A permanent visa with a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Rights
- Live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
- Study in Australia.
- Include your partner and dependent children.
- Access resident benefits, subject to eligibility.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements.
Key requirements
- Have an occupation on an eligible occupation listoccupation list
- Hold a positive Skills Assessment.
- Meet the required minimum points score.
- Have the required English level.
- Be nominated by an Australian State or Territory.
- Meet the specific criteria of the State or Territory granting the nomination.
Duration
Permanent.
Processing times
Approximately 14 to 17 months after applying. Additional time required for state nomination
Subclass 491 - Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for qualified professionals who wish to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia.
This visa may be obtained through nomination by an Australian State or Territory.
Rights
- Live, work, and study in a designated regional area.
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
- Include your partner and dependent children.
- Access a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191, if you meet the requirements.
Key requirements
- Have an occupation on an eligible occupation list.
- Hold a positive Skills Assessment.
- Meet the required minimum points score.
- Have the required English level.
- Be nominated by a State or Territory.
- Meet the specific criteria of the State or Territory.
Duration
Up to 5 years.
Processing times
Approximately 8 to 14 months after applying
Subclass 191 - Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
The Subclass 191 is a permanent visa for people who have held an eligible regional visa, such as the Subclass 491, and have complied with the required conditions during their stay in Australia.
Unlike the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491, this visa does not operate as a points-tested visa and does not require a new State or Territory nomination. It is the stage that may allow applicants to move from a provisional regional visa to permanent residence.
Rights
- Live and work in Australia permanently.
- Study in Australia.
- Include eligible family members.
- Access permanent resident benefits, subject to eligibility.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements.
Key requirements
- Have held an eligible regional visa for at least 3 years.
- Have complied with the conditions of the regional visa.
- Provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office for 3 financial years.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Currently, there is no specific minimum income requirement for the Subclass 191. However, applicants must provide the required tax evidence.
Duration
Permanent.
Processing times
Processing times vary depending on each case, generally around 8 months.
How does the process work?
1. Check whether your occupation is eligible for the Subclass 491 or Subclass 190 visa.
2. Complete the relevant Skills Assessment.
3. Calculate your migration points score.
4. Review the specific requirements of the State or Territory, if applicable.
5. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and, where required, a Registration of Interest (ROI) or additional registration.
6. Wait for the applicable nomination, sponsorship, or invitation.
7. Lodge the visa application within the required timeframe
There is no guarantee of an invitation: it depends on your score and demand.
What you need to bear in mind
- The Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 are competitive processes.
- Each State or Territory may have different requirements.
- Some States may require an EOI, ROI, local employment, residence in the State, specific experience, or priority occupations.
- Meeting the minimum points score does not guarantee a nomination or invitation.
- The Subclass 191 is different: it does not require an EOI or a new State nomination, as it depends on having complied with the conditions of a previous regional visa.