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General Skilled Migration · Points-Tested Program
General Skilled
Migration (189 · 190 · 491)
Australia's points-tested skilled migration program rewards qualifications, English ability, and work experience. Build your profile, submit your EOI, and secure an invitation to apply.
Min. 65 points required
+15 pts for regional (491)
+5 pts for state nomination (190)
MARN: 2619317
Four Pathways
Which Subclass Is Right for You?
Your points score, occupation, and willingness to live regionally determine which pathway you qualify for and how quickly you can receive an invitation.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Permanent residency — no state or employer sponsorship required
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It is one of Australia's most sought-after visa pathways — granting unrestricted live and work rights anywhere in Australia from day one.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency from grant — live and work anywhere in Australia
- No employer or state nomination required
- Full access to Medicare and social services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Dependent family members can be included
Basic Requirements
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Positive skills assessment by the relevant authority
- Minimum 65 points on the points test
- Age under 45 at time of invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted via SkillSelect
- Health and character requirements
📋 You can lodge an EOI for subclass 189 once you meet the minimum threshold and eligibility requirements, but invitation timing still depends on occupation ceilings and current invitation rounds.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
Permanent residency with state or territory nomination (+5 points)
The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is a permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points to your total and comes with a commitment to live and work in the nominating state — usually for the first two years.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency from grant
- +5 points bonus for state or territory nomination
- More occupations available compared to the 189 pathway
- Live and work in Australia with full rights
- Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Basic Requirements
- Nomination by an Australian state or territory government
- Occupation listed on the nominating state's skilled occupation list
- EOI or ROI can generally be lodged at 60 base points, with the 5 nomination points added once state nomination is approved
- Positive skills assessment
- Age under 45
- Competent English
- Commitment to live in the nominating state or territory
📋 Each state and territory has its own occupation list, eligibility criteria, and nomination rounds. Requirements vary significantly — we help identify which state nomination gives you the best pathway based on your occupation and profile.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Provisional 5-year regional visa — +15 points, direct PR pathway
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a provisional 5-year visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It awards a significant +15 points bonus and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after meeting income and residence conditions.
Key Benefits
- +15 points bonus for state or family-sponsored regional nomination
- Live and work in designated regional Australia for 5 years
- Clear PR pathway via subclass 191 after meeting requirements
- Pathway to citizenship after becoming a permanent resident
- Access to an extended occupation list compared to the 189
Basic Requirements
- Nomination by an eligible state/territory or sponsorship by an eligible relative
- Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- EOI or ROI can generally be lodged at 50 base points, with the 15 nomination points added once state nomination or eligible family sponsorship is in place
- Live and work in a designated regional area
- Positive skills assessment
- Age under 45
- Competent English
📋 Regional living requirements must be maintained throughout the 491 visa period. Meeting the minimum taxable income threshold each year is also required before you can apply for subclass 191 permanent residency.
Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
Permanent residency for eligible 491 and 494 holders
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) grants permanent residency to holders of the subclass 491 or 494 provisional visas who have met required income thresholds and regional residence conditions. It is the natural next step after completing your provisional regional visa period.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency granted after meeting regional provisional requirements
- No new skills assessment or points test required
- Unrestricted live and work rights anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare and government services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Basic Requirements
- Hold a subclass 491 or subclass 494 provisional visa
- Have complied with all regional work and residence conditions
- Meet the minimum taxable income threshold for each year of the provisional visa
- Hold the provisional visa for the required period before applying
- Health and character requirements
You must have genuinely lived and worked in a designated regional area throughout your provisional visa period. Failing to meet residence or income threshold requirements will prevent you from applying for the 191.
Points Guide
Calculate My Points Key Points Categories
A snapshot of the main factors that contribute to your points total. Minimum 65 points is the core threshold, but invitation competitiveness still depends on occupation demand, nomination settings, and current invitation rounds.
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
Points allocations are indicative and subject to change. Full points assessment should be completed with a registered migration agent.
Related Services
Supporting Your GSM Application
Skilled migration success depends on the right nomination strategy, a solid skills assessment, and a clear pathway plan.
Ready to Build Your Points Profile?
Book a migration assessment to review your points, identify your best subclass pathway, and map out a clear strategy from EOI to grant.