Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: Skilled migration lets qualified workers apply for Australian permanent residency through the points test. You need an occupation on the relevant list, a positive skills assessment, competent English, to be under 45 when invited and at least 65 points, then an invitation through SkillSelect.
189 vs 190 vs 491: which skilled visa?
| Visa | Type | Nomination | Extra points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Permanent | None | — |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Permanent | State or territory | +5 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | Provisional, 5 years | State, territory or eligible relative in a regional area | +15 |
491 holders who live and work in regional Australia for three years and meet an income requirement can apply for permanent residence through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Official information (Department of Home Affairs): Skilled Independent (189) · Skilled Nominated (190) · Skilled Work Regional (491)
Skilled visa eligibility
You must meet all of these when you are invited to apply.
Eligible occupation
Your occupation must be on the list that applies to the visa (and, for 190 and 491, on the nominating state’s list).
Skills assessment
A positive assessment from the authority for your occupation, such as Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS or TRA.
Under 45
You must be under 45 years of age when you receive the invitation.
Competent English
At least competent English; proficient and superior English add 10 or 20 points.
65 points or more
The pass mark is 65, but invitations often go to higher scores depending on the occupation.
Health & character
Health examinations and police certificates for you and family members included in the application.
Check your PR points
Estimate your score now. Your points are counted again when you are invited, so we plan for changes such as birthdays, new English results or more work experience.
Visa guides: Subclass 189 · Subclass 190 · Subclass 491
Get My Free Profile AssessmentPass mark: 65 points. Combined work experience is capped at 20 points. This is an estimate only, based on the current points test, and is not migration advice. The Government is reviewing the points test, so rules may change.
Skilled visa costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant. Family members pay extra. |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant. |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Budget also for the skills assessment, English test, translations, medical checks and police certificates. Invitation rounds and state nomination programs change through the program year; we track them for your occupation.
How to apply, step by step
- Check your occupationConfirm the right occupation code and the lists it appears on.
- Skills assessment and English testGet a positive assessment and the best English score you can; both affect your points.
- Lodge an Expression of InterestSubmit your EOI in SkillSelect with your claimed points.
- State or regional nominationFor 190 or 491, apply to the state or territory whose criteria you meet.
- Receive an invitationYou then have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application.
- Lodge and complete checksProvide evidence for every point claimed, plus health and police checks.
Points test reform
13 May 2026: the 2026–27 Federal Budget committed to reforming the skilled migration points test, the first major rewrite since 2012, to favour younger, more highly qualified and higher-skilled applicants.
Timing: consultation began in mid-2026, with changes flagged from 1 July 2027, subject to legislation. Until then, the current points test and 65-point pass mark apply.
1 July 2026: the 189 charge rose to AUD 6,000–6,500* and the 190 and 491 charges to AUD 6,000–6,500*.
Other pathways to PR
If the points test does not suit your profile, an employer may be able to sponsor you through the Skills in Demand (482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visas. International graduates often start with the Temporary Graduate visa (485).
Skilled migration questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationHow many points do I need for a 189 invitation?+
What is the difference between the 190 and 491?+
Can I apply if I’m 45 or older?+
Will the points test change?+
How long does an EOI stay valid?+
Your path to permanent residency.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455) about your occupation and points.
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges