Skilled visas – Subclasses 189, 190, 491 (Overview)

The key differences between these three visas lie in permanency, occupation lists, and location commitments:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa:
  A permanent residence visa based on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). If granted, you can live and work anywhere in Australia without sponsorship or nomination.

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa:
  A permanent residence visa that requires a state or territory government nomination. Each state has its own occupation list or priority sectors. If successful, you must commit to living and working in the nominating state for at least two years.

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa: A temporary visa (5 years) that requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the subclass 191 visa after 3 years of living and working in the regional area.

It is technically possible to submit multiple Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for different Skilled Migration visas if your occupation appears on the MLTSSL (for 189) and also on one or more state or territory occupation lists (for 190 or 491). However, there are important considerations:

• State Nomination Rules Vary: Each state and territory has its own eligibility criteria. Many give priority to applicants who are already living, working, or studying in that state.

• EOI Strategy Matters: Some states may view multiple EOIs less favourably and prefer candidates who are committed only to their state nomination option.

Submitting multiple EOIs can broaden your chances, but it’s important to plan carefully and check each state’s nomination requirements to avoid weakening your application.

Yes. It is possible to apply for subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas from outside Australia. However, there are important factors to consider:

• 189 Visa: Offshore applications are common and fully valid, but invitations are highly competitive.

• 190 and 491 Visas: While offshore applications are technically possible, state and territory governments often prioritise candidates already living, working, or studying in their region. This means offshore invitations may be limited or only issued for critical occupations.

• EOI Ranking: Whether onshore or offshore, you must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation. Offshore candidates may face longer wait times if places are capped or reserved for onshore applicants.

ll Skilled Migration visas are points-tested through SkillSelect. You must score at least 65 points to be eligible and lodge an EOI (Expression of Interest) through Skills Select, though higher scores improve your chance of receiving an invitation. Points are awarded in the following categories:

• Age – maximum points go to applicants between 25–32 years.

• English Language Ability – higher points for Proficient or Superior English.

• Skilled Employment – points for overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated occupation.

• Qualifications – points for trade qualifications, diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees

• Australian Study – extra points for completing a degree, diploma, or trade qualification in Australia.

• Regional Study – additional points if your Australian study was in a regional area.

• Partner Skills – if your partner meets age, English, and skills assessment requirements, you can claim extra points.

• Single Applicants – single applicants receive extra points.

• Specialist Points – NAATI accreditation (languages) provides bonus points.

• State nomination for 190 or 491 visas adds extra points

Example: State nomination for subclass 190 adds 5 points, while subclass 491 nomination or sponsorship adds 15 points. These extra points can be crucial for candidates who fall short of the 65-point threshold, often making the difference between being eligible to lodge an EOI or not.

• Subclass 189: No job offer is required.

• Subclass 190 and 491: A job offer is not always mandatory, but some states require evidence of current employment in your nominated occupation before they will nominate you.

Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your Skilled Migration visa application. They will receive the same visa status as the primary applicant (permanent for 189/190, provisional for 491).

There is no fixed timeframe for receiving an invitation after lodging an EOI through SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application — it’s simply a way to express your interest and enter the pool of candidates.

The time it takes to receive an invitation depends on several factors:

• Your points score – higher scores are more competitive.

• Nominated occupation – some occupations are in higher demand than others.

• Subclass type – invitations for 189 visas are very competitive, while 190 and 491 visas depend on the nomination priorities of states and territories.

• Number of places available – allocations change each program year.

• Invitation rounds – timing of the government’s invitation rounds also affects processing.

Important: Lodging an EOI does not guarantee an invitation, even if you meet the minimum 65 points. You must remain in the pool until selected.

No. Lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect does not give you a Bridging Visa. An EOI is not a visa application — it is only a registration of interest to be considered for a skilled visa invitation.

A Bridging Visa is only granted once you:

• Lodge a valid visa application while you are in Australia, and

• Already hold a substantive visa (or in some cases, another bridging visa).

This means that if you are onshore and your current visa is expiring, you must apply for a valid visa to remain lawful in Australia. An EOI alone does not allow you to stay.

Once you are invited and submit a full application for a subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa while in Australia, a Bridging Visa will usually be granted to keep you lawful while your application is processed.

Holders of the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, provided they meet the following requirements:

•  You must have held the 491 visa for at least 3 years.

• You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area of Australia for at least 3 years.

•  You must have complied with all conditions of your 491 visa, including the obligation to live and work in regional Australia.

Once granted, the 191 visa provides permanent residency in Australia, and after meeting residence requirements, it can also lead to Australian citizenship.