Skilled Migration Visas: 189, 190, 491 Explained

Introduction

Australia's skilled migration program is a points-based system designed to attract workers whose skills are in demand. It is the most common route to permanent residency for professionals. This guide covers the three main skilled migration visa subclasses.

The Points Test

All three visas use the same points test. You need at least 65 points to be eligible, but realistically you need 85 — 100+ to be invited (especially for the 189). Points are awarded for:

• Age (max 30 points): 25 — 32 years = 30 points; 33 — 39 = 25; 40 — 44 = 15; 45 — 49 = 0
• English ability (max 20 points): Proficient (IELTS 7.0) = 10; Superior (IELTS 8.0) = 20
• Skilled employment (max 20 points): Outside Australia: 3 — 5 years = 5; 5 — 7 years = 10; 8+ years = 15. In Australia: 1 — 3 years = 5; 3 — 5 years = 10; 5 — 7 years = 15; 8+ years = 20
• Qualifications (max 20 points): PhD = 20; Bachelor's degree = 15; Diploma/trade = 10
• Australian study (max 5 points): At least two years of study in Australia
• Specialist education (max 10 points): STEM qualifications (Master's by research or PhD)
• State nomination (max 15 points): 5 points for a 190 state nomination, 15 points for a 491 regional nomination
• Partner skills (max 10 points): Partner with competent English = 5; Partner with skills assessment + competent English = 10
• Regional study (5 points): Living and studying in a regional area

Visa Comparison Table

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Before applying, you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, VETASSESS for various professionals. This can take 2 — 6 months.

Step 2: English Language Test

Take an approved test: IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, Cambridge, or TOEFL iBT. You need at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band) to apply, but Superior English (8.0) gives you maximum points.

Step 3: Submit an EOI via SkillSelect

Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Home Affairs SkillSelect system. You'll enter your points claim, preferred visa, and occupation. This is not a visa application: it's an expression of interest. Your EOI stays active for two years.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply

Invitations are issued in rounds (usually monthly). The highest-scoring EOIs are invited first. Invitation cutoffs vary: for the 189, you typically need 85+ points for most occupations. State-nominated visas (190 and 491) may have lower cutoff scores.

Step 5: Lodge the Visa Application

You have 60 days from invitation to lodge your visa application. You'll need to submit all supporting documents: skills assessment, English test results, police checks, health examinations, birth certificate, employment evidence, and more.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary: 189 typically takes 6 — 12 months, 190 takes 6 — 14 months, 491 takes 6 — 12 months. You can track processing times on the Home Affairs website.

Which State Should You Nominate? (190/491)

Each state has its own skilled occupation list and criteria. Popular states include:

• NSW (Sydney): Competitive, high points often needed. Prioritises health and IT.
• Victoria (Melbourne): Focuses on health, engineering, and digital sectors.
• Queensland (Brisbane): Good for trades, health, tourism, and agriculture.
• Western Australia (Perth): Strong for engineering, mining, and construction.
• South Australia (Adelaide): More accessible; offers offshore and onshore pathways.
• Tasmania: Excellent regional opportunities and lower points requirements.
• ACT (Canberra): Has its own Critical Skills List and matrix system.

Common Occupations in Demand (2025 — 26)

• Registered Nurses (all specialisations)
• Software Engineers and Developers
• ICT Business and Systems Analysts
• Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers
• Teachers (Early Childhood, Secondary, Special Needs)
• Social Workers
• Construction Project Managers
• Chefs and Cooks
• Electricians and Plumbers
• Medical Practitioners (GPs, Surgeons, Psychiatrists)

Key Tips

• Get your skills assessment before submitting your EOI: it adds weight to your profile.
• Improve your English score: going from 7.0 to 8.0 gives you 10 extra points.
• If you're borderline on points, consider a 491 (regional) visa: 15 bonus points make a big difference.
• Use a MARA-registered migration agent if your case is complex.
• Check state nomination requirements directly on each state's website: they change frequently.