Points-tested visa
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
A permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who receive an invitation to apply. State or territory nomination and employer sponsorship are not required.
Explore Visa 189EMC Australia / Skilled migration
Skilled Migration to Australia
Australia offers skilled migration opportunities for eligible professionals and skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia. Explore your occupation, understand the eligibility requirements and discover potential visa pathways, including subclasses 189, 190 and 491.
How Skilled Migration Works
Explore Your Skilled Migration Options
01
Find Your Occupation
Identify the occupation that best matches your qualifications, skills and actual work experience. Your job title alone may not determine the correct occupation.
02
Explore Visa Pathways
Check whether your occupation may be eligible for skilled migration visas such as 189, 190 or 491, or whether employer sponsorship may be an alternative.
03
Check Your Eligibility
Review the relevant skills assessment, English language, points and nomination requirements. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the visa pathway.
04
Understand Your Next Steps
Your next steps may include obtaining a skills assessment, meeting English language requirements, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) or seeking state nomination.
Popular Occupations
Explore Popular Skilled Occupations
Explore some of Australia's commonly searched skilled occupations. Each occupation page provides information about relevant visa pathways, skills assessment requirements and other important eligibility considerations.
Browse the full listPoints-Tested Visas
Skilled Migration Visa Options
Australia offers several points-tested skilled migration pathways. The main options are the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Skilled Work Regional (491) visas. Each has different eligibility, nomination and residence requirements.
Points-tested visa
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
A permanent visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Applicants must also receive an invitation to apply.
Explore Visa 190Points-tested visa
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491)
A five-year provisional visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member. Regional residence conditions apply.
Explore Visa 491| Feature | Visa 189 | Visa 190 | Visa 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional – 5 years |
| Points-tested | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Nomination or sponsorship | Not required | State or territory nomination | State or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship |
| Regional requirement | No | No visa-wide regional residence condition | Yes |
States and Territories
State and Territory Nomination
Australian states and territories nominate eligible skilled workers for subclass 190 and 491 visas. Each jurisdiction has its own occupation priorities, eligibility criteria and nomination requirements, which can change throughout the program year.
Victoria Skilled Migration
Victoria offers nomination pathways for eligible applicants under subclasses 190 and 491. Eligibility depends on your occupation, circumstances and the current Victorian Government nomination criteria.
Points
Understand Your Skilled Migration Points
Visas 189, 190 and 491 use a points-based system. Applicants must meet the minimum 65-point threshold to be considered for an invitation, but achieving 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment, qualifications and other eligible circumstances. State nomination or eligible family sponsorship may provide additional points.
Points Calculator- Age
- English
- Skilled employment
- Qualifications
- Australian study
- Partner factors
- Nomination
- Other
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment for Skilled Migration
For points-tested skilled migration, applicants generally need a suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation. Assessing authorities and requirements vary between occupations. Identifying the correct occupation and assessing authority is an important step in preparing your migration application.
Skills AssessmentIf Points-Tested Migration Is Not Suitable
Explore Employer-Sponsored Visa Options
Employer sponsorship may provide an alternative pathway for skilled workers who do not qualify for a points-tested visa or prefer an employer-sponsored option. Depending on your circumstances, subclasses 482, 186 and 494 may be worth exploring.
Work and SponsorshipProfessional Migration Assistance
How EMC Australia Can Help
Skilled migration requirements can be complex, and choosing the right pathway depends on your individual circumstances. At EMC Australia, we assist with assessing your visa options, identifying suitable occupations, understanding skills assessment requirements, preparing Expressions of Interest (EOIs), state nomination applications and skilled visa applications. Whether you are exploring your options or preparing to apply, our registered migration agent can help you understand the requirements and make informed decisions.
Book a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Skilled Migration FAQs
Find answers to common questions about skilled migration visas, eligibility requirements and the application process.