Australia Skilled Worker Visa: 189, 190 & 491

Are you looking to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker? Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers several visa pathways, including the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa), and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa)

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visais a permanent residency (PR) visafor skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member

Key Features of the 189 Visa:

• Permanent residency in Australia
• No state or employer sponsorship required
• Work and live anywhere in Australia
• Invitation-based system (EOI required)

Eligibility Requirements for 189 Visa:

• Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
• Positive Skills Assessmentfrom the relevant authority
• At least 65 points(higher scores increase chances of invitation)
• Age under 45
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

189 Visa Processing Time:

• 75% of applications:8 months
• 90% of applications:11 months

Australia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The Subclass 190 visais a permanent residency visafor skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory

Key Features of the 190 Visa:

• Permanent residencyin Australia
• State or territory nomination required
• Must live in the nominating state for 2 years
• Extra 5 points for nomination

Eligibility Requirements for 190 Visa:

• Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• State nomination approval
• At least 65 points (including 5 extra points for nomination)
• Age under 45
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

190 Visa Processing Time:

• 75% of applications:9 months
• 90% of applications: 12 months

Australia Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

The Subclass 491 visais a provisional visafor skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. After 3 years, you can apply for PR via Subclass 191

Key Features of the 491 Visa:

• 5-year temporary visa (pathway to PR)
• State nomination or family sponsorship required
• Must live and work in a designated regional area
• Extra 15 points for nomination

Eligibility Requirements for 491 Visa:

• Occupation on the Combined Skilled Occupation List
• State nomination or eligible relative sponsorship
• At least 65 points (including 15 extra points for nomination)
• Age under 45
• Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)

491 Visa Processing Time:

• 75% of applications:8 months
• 90% of applications:11 months

Australia Skilled Migration Points

To qualify for 189, 190, or 491 visas, you must score at least 65 points. Higher points increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Factor	Points
Age (25-32 years)	30
Competent English	0
Proficient English	10
Superior English	20
Skilled Employment (3-5 years overseas)	5 - 15
Australian Work Exp (1-5 years)	5 - 20
Education (Bachelor’s or higher)	10 - 20
Regional Study (491/190)	5 - 15
State Nomination (190)	5
Regional Nomination (491)	15
Partner Skills	5 - 10

Which Visa is Best for You? 189 vs 190 vs 491

Visa	Type	Sponsorship Needed?	PR Pathway?	Minimum Points
189	PR	NO	Yes	65+
190	PR	State Nomination	Yes	65+
491	Provisional	State/Family Sponsorship	Yes (after 3 years)	65+ (with 15 extra)