Australia skilled visas: subclass 189, 190 and 491
Australia's skilled migration programme uses a points test and the SkillSelect system. You need a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Subclass 189 needs no sponsor, subclass 190 needs state or territory nomination, and subclass 491 is a regional provisional visa with a path to PR.
Who is it for?
- Skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Applicants under the maximum age at the time of invitation.
- People who can reach the minimum points score set by the Department of Home Affairs.
How are points calculated?
- Age, English level and qualifications.
- Skilled work experience in and outside Australia.
- Australian study, specialist education, professional year or community language.
- Partner skills, or being single.
- State nomination (190) or regional nomination (491).
English requirement
At least competent English is needed. Higher scores (proficient or superior) add points. IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and OET are among the accepted tests; check the current list and scores on the Home Affairs website.
Costs and timelines
You pay the skills assessment fee, the visa application charge for each applicant, medicals and police certificates. Home Affairs publishes visa charges and indicative processing times on each visa page.
Step by step
- Choose your nominated occupation and get a positive skills assessment.
- Take an English test and calculate your points.
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and, for 190 or 491, apply for state nomination.
- If invited, lodge the visa application within the deadline.
- Complete health checks and provide police certificates.
Documents checklist
- Skills assessment outcome letter.
- English test results.
- Employment references, payslips and tax records.
- Degree certificates and transcripts.
- Identity, relationship and character documents for all applicants.
Common reasons for refusal
- Points claimed that cannot be proven with documents.
- Work experience not matching the assessed occupation.
- Health or character issues not disclosed.