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PERMANENT
189 - Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who can qualify through Australia's migration points system; without needing an employer, family member, or state government to sponsor them. It operates through distinct streams tailored to points-tested skilled individuals, eligible Hong Kong passport holders or a British National (Overseas) passport holders. This remains one of the most independent pathways to Australian permanent residency.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must satisfy the specific stream criteria under which the invitation or pathway is processed.
REQUIREMENTS - POINTS-TESTED STREAM
Must have a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL).
Must possess a valid and positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Must score at least 65 points on the migration points test at the time of invitation.
Must be under 45 years of age when the invitation to apply is issued.
Must have at least Competent English (such as IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
Must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
REQUIREMENTS - HONG KONG STREAM
Must hold a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport or a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.
Must have held an eligible temporary skilled or graduate visa (such as Subclass 457, 482, or 485) for at least 4 years.
Must have been usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years before applying.
BENEFIT
Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently without geographic restrictions.
Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare scheme.
Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
Apply for Australian citizenship once residency timelines are met.
190 - Skilled Nomination Visa
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government. Note that while historical framework references or other general visas may mention family pathways, the Subclass 190 operates strictly via the State or Territory Nominated pathway; family-sponsored points-tested options are routed under the regional Subclass 491 framework. If you have the qualifications and your occupation is in demand in your chosen state, this visa lets you live and work in Australia permanently without needing an employer sponsor.
PERMANENT
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Must score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test inclusive of the 5 bonus points awarded for state nomination.
Must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and hold a valid, positive skills assessment.
Must have at least Competent English.
Must submit an EOI via SkillSelect and be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
🛈 State Requirements:
Requirements vary by state. Click your state below to see specific nomination criteria and how to apply.
491 - Skilled Work Regional Visa
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. It's valid for up to 5 years and includes a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa. To qualify, you need either a nomination from a state or territory government, or sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a regional area.
PROVISIONAL
REQUIREMENTS
Nominated by a state or territory government OR sponsored by an eligible relative.
Occupation on the relevant eligible skilled occupation list.
Valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Score at least 65 points on the points test.
Under 45 at time of invitation.
Competent English or higher.
Meet health and character requirements.
🛈 State Requirements: Click your state below to see specific nomination criteria and how to apply.
BENEFIT
Live and work in a designated regional area for up to 5 years.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 191) after 3 years and meeting minimum income requirements.
485 - Temporary Graduate Visa
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa lets you stay, work, and gain valuable experience after graduating; giving you time to build the skills and experience you need to take your next step toward permanent residency.
The visa is available in two streams: the Graduate Work stream (for graduates with an occupation in shortage) and the Post-Study Work stream (for those who completed a degree-level qualification). Depending on your situation and where you studied, the visa can last from 18 months to 4 years.
TEMPORARY
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Have completed at least 2 years of study in Australia
Apply within 6 months of receiving your final results
Be under 50 years of age (Graduate Work stream) or under 35 (Post-Study Work stream, some exemptions apply)
Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Hold or have held a student visa for the required period
Meet health and character requirements
REQUIREMENTS - POST-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION WORK STREAM
Completed an eligible diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification that satisfies the Australian study requirement
Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Hold, or be applying for, a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
REQUIREMENTS - POST-HIGHER EDUCATION WORK STREAM
Completed a bachelor's degree, coursework or research master's degree, or a doctorate at an Australian institution
No nominated occupation or skills assessment required
BENEFIT
More time to improve your English, gain work experience, and prepare for a permanent or provisional skilled visa
Full work rights; live, study and work in Australia
Bring your family members with you
Multiple-entry visa; travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid