Migrate to Australia based on your skills, qualifications and experience through the points-tested skilled visa program.
Australia's skilled migration program lets qualified workers obtain permanent or provisional visas based on a points test. With the right strategy around your occupation, skills assessment and state nomination, skilled migration can be your pathway to permanent residency.
Official information: see the Skilled visa listing (189, 190 & 491) on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Book a consultation for an honest assessment of whether this visa suits your situation.
A permanent visa for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by a state or employer. Live and work anywhere in Australia.
Learn moreA permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government, with additional points for nomination.
Learn moreA 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative in regional Australia, with a pathway to PR (191).
Learn more| Subclass | Type | Nominated by | Where you can live | Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | PermanentPR | No nomination needed | Anywhere in Australia | Permanent from grant |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | PermanentPR | A state or territory | The nominating state/territory | Permanent from grant |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Provisional5 years | A state, or an eligible relative | A designated regional area | Pathway to PR via subclass 191 |
Not sure which fits? Compare them in our 189 vs 190 vs 491 guide, estimate your score with the points calculator, or check your occupation.
Visa subclasses, criteria and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to you.
Search by occupation name or ANZSCO code to see the assessing authority and which skilled lists it appears on.
Compiled from the official occupation-list instruments (compilations 2025–2026); skill level from ABS ANZSCO First Edition Rev 1 and indicative only. Occupation descriptions, specialisations and typical tasks are from the ABS ANZSCO First Edition. Lists, assessing authorities and skill levels are set by the relevant authorities and change — confirm current details before relying on them, and book a consultation for a full assessment.
Skilled migration is competitive and occupation-driven. You generally need to:
From confirming your occupation to lodging a competitive application — we guide each stage.
We confirm your occupation, the right visa (189/190/491) and the occupation list and assessing authority that apply.
We help you apply to the relevant authority to verify your qualifications and experience for your nominated occupation.
We map your points, identify quick wins (English, partner skills, study) and plan how to lift your score.
We lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and, where relevant, pursue state or territory nomination.
Once invited, we prepare your full visa application with complete, well-organised evidence.
We lodge, respond to any requests for information, and keep you updated through to the decision.
Having these ready early supports a stronger, faster application. We confirm exactly what applies to you.
Occupation lists, points settings and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to you.
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI, but invitation cut-offs are often higher and vary by occupation. We assess your score and advise how to maximise it.
Not for subclasses 189, 190 or 491. These are based on your occupation, skills assessment and points — though state nomination criteria may consider your employment.
It's a formal check by a designated authority that your qualifications and experience match your nominated occupation. Each occupation has a specific assessing body, and it's a prerequisite before you can be invited.
Eligibility depends on the current skilled occupation lists, which are updated by the Government. We check whether your occupation is listed and which visas it opens.
Subclasses 189 and 190 are permanent visas. The 491 is a provisional regional visa with a defined pathway to permanent residence (subclass 191) once you meet the requirements.
Yes — in many cases your partner's age, English and skills assessment can contribute additional points. We assess whether claiming partner points helps your application.
Timeframes vary by visa subclass, occupation demand and your documentation. We give you a realistic estimate based on current processing trends at the time of lodgement.
Book a confidential consultation with a registered migration agent and get clear, honest advice on your best pathway to Australia.