Skilled Migration

What are the main visa options in Skilled Migration?

The 3 main visas in this group of skilled migration visas are the following. 

• 189 Skilled – Independent
• 190 Skilled – Nominated
• 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

What are the high-level differences between these Skilled Migration visas?

• Nomination:

The main difference between 189 and 190 is that 190 requires State nomination, and 189 does not.  With State nomination, you should live and work in the State that has nominated you.  For 491 there are State nomination, and Family Sponsored streams.

• Designated Areas:

491 visa is different in that there are requirements in where you can live and work in Australia.  You can only live and work in “designated areas” in Australia.  Certain locations, such as Melbourne and Sydney, are not within the designated areas.  189 and 190 visas do not have this restriction.

• Family Sponsored:

As explained, 491 can either be State nominated, or Family Sponsored.  If you choose the Family Sponsored path, you must have an eligible family member who can sponsor you.  Your eligible family member must also be living in designated areas.

• Validity of Visas:

Both 189 and 190 are permanent visas.  491 is a temporary visa.  If you hold a 491, you may be qualified to transitioned to a 191 permanent visa.

What are the main steps to applying for a Skilled Migration visa?

The main steps involved are:

1. Submit and Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Wait for invitation from the government
3. Once invited, apply for the visa

What is Expression Of Interest?

For Skilled Migration visas, you must be invited by the government to apply for the visa.  To get invited, you first must submit and Expression Of Interest (EOI) telling the government that you wish to apply for a Skilled Migration visa.  You use the SkillSelect system to submit your EOI, and enter your detail.  Your detail will then be entered into a database of other applicants, all waiting for an invitation.

What do I need to submit an EOI?

You will need to do a few things before you should submit your EOI.  The main things include the following:

• Complete a Skills Assessment
• Complete an English Test
• Calculate how many points you have (calculate your points here)

Check out our latest updates

• SkillSelect Invitation Rounds – 6 October 2022
  Invitations Issued this month Visa SubclassNumberSkilled Independent visa (subclass 189)11,714Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored818 Invitation Process and Cut Offs Visa SubclassMinimum Points ScoreLatest Date of EffectSkilled Independent visa (subclass 189)6510/2022Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored)6510/2022 Occupations included in this month’s invitation round * Results could indicate … Read more
• SkillSelect Invitation Rounds – 22 August 2022
  Invitations Issued this month Visa Subclass Number Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 12,200 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored 466 Invitation Process and Cut Offs Visa Subclass Minimum Points Score Latest Date of Effect Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 65 08/2022 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored) … Read more
• SkillSelect Invitation Rounds – 21 April 2022
  Invitations Issued this month Visa Subclass Number Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 1000 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored 500 Invitation Process and Cut Offs Visa Subclass Minimum Points Score Latest Date of Effect Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 85 05/2020 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored) … Read more