Skilled Migration Visas: 190, 491, 189

Skilled Migration Visas

Skilled migration visas in Australia are mainly divided into three categories:

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (State-Sponsored Permanent Residency Visa)

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional State-Sponsored Visa)

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

  
  

190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)This is a permanent residency visa under Australia's skilled migration program. Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government. In addition to meeting the general migration criteria, applicants must also satisfy the nomination requirements of the state they are applying to. Each state sets its own occupation list and nomination criteria based on local economic needs.

491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)The 491 is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a regional state or territory. Applicants must pass a points test and receive an invitation to apply.

After holding the 491 visa for 3 years and living in the nominated regional area, they may apply for the 191 Permanent Residency Visa without the need to redo skills assessments, English tests, or points tests.

State or territory nomination grants 15 points, meaning the applicant only needs to score 50 points on their own to meet the required 65 points.

189 – Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)This is a permanent residency visa that does not require state or family sponsorship. The application is based entirely on the individual's qualifications, work experience, skills, and English language proficiency. Once granted, the applicant can live and work anywhere in Australia.