Skilled Visas
(Subclass 189, 190 and 491)
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program offers qualified professionals the opportunity to live and work in Australia permanently or with a clear pathway to permanent residency. Whether you apply independently, through state nomination, or by choosing a regional pathway, skilled visas are designed to attract talent that supports Australia’s workforce and economy.
Popular options include the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) visas, each with different requirements, benefits, and pathways to permanent residency. In some cases, applicants may also qualify under the Skills in Demand Visa, which focuses on occupations experiencing genuine shortages across Australia.
At My Immigration Options, we guide skilled workers through every stage of the process — from skills assessments and points testing to visa lodgement and permanent residency planning — helping you choose the pathway that best suits your skills, goals, and future in Australia.
Introduction
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program is designed to attract qualified professionals who can contribute to the country’s workforce and economy. Skilled visas are one of the most popular pathways for people who want to migrate permanently to Australia without needing an employer sponsor.
The most common skilled visas are:
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa – for highly skilled applicants who do not require state nomination or sponsorship.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa – for applicants nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – for applicants willing to live and work in regional Australia with state or family sponsorship.
At My Immigration Options, we assist skilled workers through the entire application process, from skills assessments and Expression of Interest (EOI) lodgements to permanent residency applications. With careful preparation, these visas can open the door to a new life in Australia.
The Application Process
Applying for a Skilled Visa involves several important steps:
Step 1
Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive assessment from the relevant authority for your nominated occupation.
Step 2
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your details through SkillSelect, including your points score.
Step 3
Invitation to Apply
If your EOI is competitive, you may receive an invitation during an invitation round.
Step 4
Visa Application
Once invited, you can lodge your visa application through ImmiAccount with all supporting documents.
Step 5
Health and Character Checks
Complete medical examinations and police clearances.
Step 6
Visa Decision
The Department assesses your application and notifies you of the outcome.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is one of the most attractive skilled migration pathways, as it does not require sponsorship from a state, territory, or employer. Successful applicants are granted permanent residency upon approval, with full work rights, study rights, and access to Medicare.
This visa is particularly popular among applicants who score highly on the points test, have strong English skills, and work in occupations that are in national demand.
Processing times vary but can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months depending on invitation rounds and demand for specific occupations.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
The Subclass 190 visa also grants permanent residency but requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each state publishes its own list of in-demand occupations and eligibility criteria, which can change regularly.
Nomination adds five extra points to your EOI score, often making the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely. In exchange, applicants must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years after arrival.
This pathway is well-suited for applicants who are open to living in specific locations and whose occupations are in high demand in certain states.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It requires either state nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member living in a regional area.
Key features of the 491 visa include:
Applicants receive an additional 15 points for regional nomination
After three years of living and working in a regional area, visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa
Regional areas include most of Australia outside the major cities, offering excellent opportunities for those willing to contribute to regional communities
Common questions
Do I need a consultation?
A short consultation quickly clarifies eligibility and the required documents — it often prevents costly mistakes later.
How long does processing take?
Processing varies by visa type and season; we estimate typical student visas at 3–8 weeks and provide tailored timing during consultation.
Can you help with dependants?
Yes — we advise on dependant eligibility, evidence and combined applications where students bring family.
Points Test Explained
Since the Skilled Visa program is points-based, understanding how points are awarded is critical. For example:
Age: 25–32 years old = 30 points
English Proficiency: Superior English = 20 points
Work Experience: Up to 20 points for overseas and Australian experience combined
Education: Bachelor’s degree = 15 points; PhD = 20 points
State Nomination (190): +5 points
Regional Nomination (491): +15 points
Applicants with higher points scores are more competitive and more likely to receive invitations during SkillSelect rounds.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and the Department’s priorities. As of 2025, the average timelines are:
Subclass 189: 12 to 24 months
Subclass 190: 10 to 20 months
Subclass 491: 8 to 18 months
These estimates depend heavily on the occupation lists, the quality of the application, and the number of EOIs in the system.
Benefits of Skilled Visas
The Skilled Visa program is one of the most sought-after migration pathways because it offers:
Direct permanent residency (189 and 190)
A clear pathway to permanent residency (491 to 191)
Full work and study rights in Australia
Access to Medicare
The ability to include family members in your application
The chance to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Common Challenges
While skilled visas are attractive, they can also be complex. Applicants often face challenges such as:
Achieving a competitive points score
Meeting English language test requirements
Receiving a positive skills assessment, which can be strict
Waiting long periods for an invitation in popular occupations
Navigating state nomination requirements, which change frequently
Professional advice can make the difference between success and years of waiting.
What to Expect Under the New Migration Strategy
Australia’s skilled migration program continues to play a key role in supporting economic growth and meeting workforce needs. The Government’s Migration Strategy aims to modernise the system, with several changes expected in the coming years, particularly around the points test and how skilled applicants are assessed.
A major focus of the Strategy is redesigning the points test to better identify migrants who can contribute over the long term. Proposed changes include placing more value on the skills and qualifications of secondary applicants, such as partners and dependants. There is also discussion around awarding points for broader contributions, including volunteer work and participation in regional communities, recognising the wider social value migrants bring.
While these reforms are still being developed and have not yet taken effect, Australia is currently in a transition period. The Government aims to create a fairer, clearer, and more predictable skilled visa system, supported by regular reviews to keep pace with labour market needs.
Skilled visas remain essential to Australia’s future, attracting talent that supports innovation and productivity. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed, apply under the current system, and prepare for gradual changes ahead. Our team can help you understand upcoming reforms and plan your skilled visa pathway with confidence.
Alternate Option, Skills in Demand Visa & What You Need to Know
Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa continues to be a key pathway for skilled migrants, with visa grants increasing in 2025. Central to this pathway is the 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), which identifies roles facing genuine workforce shortages across Australia. The OSL plays an important role in determining visa eligibility, state and territory nominations, and regional migration opportunities.
Key insights from the 2025 findings include:
Workforce shortages: Identifying high-demand roles can help applicants target stronger visa pathways.
Emerging occupations: Growth areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing are creating new migration opportunities.
Regional demand: Some occupations are mainly in shortage in regional areas, making visas such as the Subclass 491 Regional Skilled Visa a strong option.
Long-term planning: The OSL helps applicants assess short-, medium-, and long-term career prospects in Australia.
The Occupation Shortage List directly impacts visas including the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, 491 Regional Skilled, and employer-sponsored visas such as Subclass 482 and 186. Occupations listed may benefit from increased nomination opportunities, employer sponsorship, and, in some cases, priority processing.
Skilled Visa vs Skills in Demand Visa: Key Differences
Skilled Visa (Points-Tested Visas – 189, 190, 491)
Pros:
Does not always require employer sponsorship
Offers permanent residency pathways
Greater flexibility to change employers
Suitable for long-term settlement planning
Cons:
Highly competitive points test
Longer processing times
Occupation ceilings and nomination limits apply
Skills in Demand Visa (Employer-Led Pathways)
Pros:
Strong alignment with current workforce shortages
Higher chances if your occupation is in demand
Employer sponsorship can speed up pathways
Clear links to priority occupations
Cons:
Requires employer support
Less flexibility if employment changes
Pathway depends on labour market needs
Choosing the Right Pathway
For many applicants, understanding whether a Skilled Visa or a Skills in Demand Visa is the better option depends on occupation, work experience, points score, and willingness to work in regional Australia. Staying up to date with the Occupation Shortage List and state nomination priorities is essential.
Professional guidance can help match your skills to the most suitable visa pathway and strengthen your application for success.
Skilled Visa Places and What They Mean for Applicants
The Australian Government has confirmed the Migration Planning Levels for 2025–26, maintaining a total of 185,000 migration places, the same as the previous year. These planning levels outline how many visas Australia will grant and how places are divided between skilled migration, family visas, and special eligibility categories.
For skilled visa applicants, the 2025–26 planning levels confirm that skilled migration remains Australia’s top priority, supporting economic growth and addressing long-term workforce shortages.
Skill Stream – 132,200 Places (71%)
The Skill Stream remains the largest component of Australia’s migration program, with 132,200 places allocated to skilled migrants. This stream focuses on attracting professionals with qualifications and experience in high-demand industries.
Including:
Healthcare
Engineering
Information Technology
Construction and trades
Key visas under the Skill Stream include:
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
This strong allocation highlights the Government’s ongoing focus on skilled workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy and regional development.
Family Stream – 52,500 Places (28%)
The Family Stream includes 52,500 migration places, supporting family reunification and social stability.
This stream primarily covers:
Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801 and 309/100)
Parent visas
Child visas
Family migration allows loved ones to live together in Australia while contributing to the community and workforce.
Special Eligibility Stream – 300 Places
The Special Eligibility Stream provides 300 places for individuals in exceptional circumstances, such as returning permanent residents and other special cases defined under migration law.
What the 2025–26 Migration Planning Levels Mean for Skilled Visa Applicants
The 2025–26 planning levels confirm a balanced migration approach, with a strong emphasis on skilled visas while continuing to support family unity.
For skilled visa applicants, this means:
Continued opportunities under points-tested and employer-sponsored visas
Ongoing demand for skilled professionals in priority industries
Strong pathways to permanent residency through skilled migration
Staying informed about migration planning levels, occupation lists, and state nomination priorities is essential when planning a skilled visa application.
Professional guidance can help you understand how these planning levels affect your visa options and ensure your application is aligned with Australia’s migration priorities.
Why Apply with My Immigration Options?
At My Immigration Options, we provide personalised guidance to skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.
By working with us, you benefit from:
Step-by-step guidance tailored to your situation
Assistance with compiling documents and evidence
Assessing your eligibility and points score
Recommending the best visa pathway (189, 190, or 491)
Ongoing updates and communication so you’re never left in the dark
Preparing and lodging skills assessments
Drafting and submitting your Expression of Interest
Guiding you through the state nomination process
Preparing and lodging your visa application with all required evidence
By working with us, you can approach the process with confidence and clarity, knowing that your application is prepared to the highest standard.
Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible, so you can focus on preparing for your studies and new life in Australia.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The Skilled Visa program offers highly qualified professionals the opportunity to build a future in Australia with a clear pathway to permanent residency. Whether you qualify for the independent 189 visa, the state-nominated 190 visa, or the regional 491 visa, each pathway provides unique benefits and opportunities.
At My Immigration Options, we’ve helped skilled workers from diverse industries secure visas and start new lives in Australia. If you’re considering applying for a Skilled Visa, now is the time to explore your options and take the first step towards your future.
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