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General Skilled Migration · Points-Tested Program
General Skilled
Migration (189 · 190 · 491)
Australia's points-tested skilled migration pathways can involve points, occupation eligibility, skills assessment, SkillSelect and, for some subclasses, state or territory nomination. Requirements and invitation settings can change.
Points-tested pathways
+15 pts for eligible 491 nomination/sponsorship
+5 pts for 190 state/territory nomination
MARN 2619317
Four Pathways
Compare the Main Skilled Pathways
The pathway available to you depends on the criteria applying to your occupation, points profile, invitation, nomination or sponsorship circumstances and the rules in force at the time.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Permanent visa pathway without state or employer nomination
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa pathway for eligible skilled workers who receive an invitation to apply and meet the requirements applying to their occupation and circumstances.
Key Features
- Permanent visa if granted
- No state or employer nomination requirement for this subclass
- Ability to live and work in Australia subject to visa conditions and law
- Potential pathway to Australian citizenship if later eligible
- Eligible family members may be included in some circumstances
General Requirements
- Eligible skilled occupation for the relevant pathway
- Suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- Meet the applicable points-test threshold and invitation requirements
- Meet the applicable age requirement at invitation
- Meet the English-language requirement for the subclass
- Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Health, character and other applicable requirements
📋 Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation settings, occupation demand and program settings can change.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
Permanent visa pathway requiring state or territory nomination
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent visa pathway that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government as well as an invitation to apply. Nomination contributes 5 points to the federal points test.
Key Features
- Permanent visa if granted
- 5 points for state or territory nomination under the federal points test
- State and territory programs may consider different occupations and criteria
- Ability to live and work in Australia subject to visa conditions and law
- Potential pathway to citizenship if later eligible
General Requirements
- Nomination by an Australian state or territory government
- Eligible skilled occupation for the relevant federal and state or territory pathway
- EOI, ROI and nomination requirements as applicable to the relevant jurisdiction and stream
- Suitable skills assessment
- Meet the applicable age requirement
- Meet the English-language requirement for the subclass
- Meet federal visa criteria and the nominating jurisdiction’s current requirements
📋 Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, occupation settings and application process. These can change and nomination is discretionary.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Provisional regional visa with nomination or eligible family sponsorship
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for eligible skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member. Eligible nomination or family sponsorship contributes 15 points to the federal points test.
Key Features
- 15 points for eligible 491 nomination or family sponsorship under the federal points test
- Ability to live and work in designated regional Australia subject to visa conditions
- Potential pathway to subclass 191 permanent residence after meeting applicable requirements
- Potential pathway to citizenship if permanent residence is later obtained and requirements are met
- Occupation and nomination settings depend on the relevant pathway
General Requirements
- Nomination by an eligible state or territory or sponsorship by an eligible family member
- Eligible skilled occupation for the relevant pathway
- EOI, ROI and nomination requirements as applicable to the relevant jurisdiction and stream
- Comply with designated regional requirements and visa conditions
- Suitable skills assessment
- Meet the applicable age requirement
- Meet the English-language requirement for the subclass
📋 The 15 points for subclass 491 relate to eligible nomination or family sponsorship. Regional-study points are a separate points-test category with their own requirements.
Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
Permanent residence pathway for eligible regional provisional visa holders
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) is a permanent residence pathway for eligible holders of prescribed regional provisional visas who meet the visa-holding, compliance and other criteria applying at the time of application.
Key Features
- Permanent residence if the visa is granted
- Designed as a permanent residence pathway for eligible regional provisional visa holders
- Ability to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident
- Access to services subject to normal eligibility rules
- Potential pathway to Australian citizenship if later eligible
General Requirements
- Hold an eligible prescribed regional provisional visa
- Meet the required visa-holding period and applicable compliance requirements
- Provide notices of assessment or other tax evidence where required by the current criteria
- Meet health, character and any other applicable requirements
- Satisfy the legislative criteria applying at the date of application
📋 Subclass 191 criteria should be checked against the legislation and Department of Home Affairs information current at the time of application.
Do not rely on an old income-threshold figure or earlier program summary. The applicable subclass 191 requirements can change and should be checked before applying.
Points Guide
Calculate My Points Key Points Categories
This is a general snapshot only. Points and eligibility must be checked against the rules applying to your circumstances and the relevant pathway at the time.
Age 25–32+30
Age 33–39+25
Superior English+20
Proficient English+10
Skilled employment (8+ yrs, overseas)+15
Skilled employment (8+ yrs, Australia)+20
Australian qualification (Bachelor+)+15
Specialist education qualification+10
State/Territory nomination (190)+5
Regional nomination/sponsorship (491)+15
Partner skills — competent English+5
Partner skills — skilled employment + assessment+10
General information only. Points allocations and program settings may change. Check current official criteria before relying on this guide.
Related Services
Supporting Your GSM Matter
Skilled migration matters can involve nomination settings, skills assessment, points and invitation requirements that should be checked for your circumstances.
General information only. This page is not a substitute for advice about your individual circumstances.
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Reviewed by Aftab Ali Khan – MARN 2619317.
Official sources: Department of Home Affairs – SkillSelect and Australian visa list.
Want to Review Your Skilled Migration Options?
Book a migration consultation to discuss your points profile, occupation, nomination or sponsorship circumstances and the current requirements that may apply.