Skilled Independent · Nominated · Regional
Australia's points-based skilled migration program invites qualified professionals to live and work permanently. CMG specialists guide you from skills assessment to visa grant.
Overview
Understanding Your Pathway
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visas form Australia's core points-based migration pathway. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to the highest-scoring candidates in periodic rounds. A passing score of 65 points is required to submit an EOI, but invitation scores are typically 85–105 points depending on the visa subclass and occupation. The pathway concludes with Subclass 191 Permanent Residence for those who have held a 491 visa and met regional living and working requirements for three years.
Minimum Points
65 (EOI threshold)
Typical Invitation Score
85–105 points
Processing Time
75% in 12–24 months
Visa Type
Permanent (189/190) / Provisional (491)
Government Fee (primary)
AUD $4,770 (189/190)
Work Rights
Unrestricted (all states)
Eligibility
Key Requirements
Meet these criteria to be eligible for a skilled migration visa invitation.
Age Under 45
RequiredYou must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. Maximum points (30) are awarded to applicants aged 25–32.
Skills Assessment
RequiredYou must hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS).
English Proficiency
RequiredAt minimum, Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band). Superior English (IELTS 8.0) earns 20 bonus points, Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) earns 10 points.
Nominated Occupation
RequiredYour occupation must appear on the Medium Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for subclass 189/190, or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for some 190/491 streams.
Work Experience
Earns PointsOverseas experience (3–8 years) earns 5–15 points. Australian experience (1–8 years) earns 5–20 points. Experience must be in your nominated occupation.
Health & Character
RequiredAll applicants must meet Australian health standards (medical examination) and provide police clearances from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
Visa Options
Choose Your Subclass
Three pathways. Each suited to a different points score, occupation, and lifestyle preference.
Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
Permanent residency without state sponsorship or employer. The most sought-after skilled visa — you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Key Points
- No employer or state sponsor required
- Permanent residency from day one
- Typical invitation score: 85–105 points
- Processing: 6–18 months (75th percentile)
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
Permanent residency with state or territory nomination. Nomination adds 5 points to your score and opens doors when your 189 score isn't quite there.
Key Points
- 5 bonus points for nomination
- Must live and work in nominating state
- Typical invitation score: 75–90 points
- Processing: 12–20 months
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
5-year provisional visa for regional Australia with a clear pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years.
Key Points
- 15 bonus points for regional nomination
- Must live and work in a designated regional area
- Pathway to 191 PR after 3 years
- Family members may be included
How It Works
Your Step-by-Step Journey
From assessment to visa grant — here's how the process works.
Costs & Documents
What You Need
Primary applicant (189/190)
AUD $4,770
2025–26 rate
Secondary applicant (18+)
AUD $2,385
Per adult family member
Secondary applicant (under 18)
AUD $1,195
Per child
Skills assessment
AUD $500–$900
Varies by assessing authority
English test (IELTS Academic)
AUD $385
Per sitting
Health examination
AUD $300–$600
Per applicant
Police clearance
AUD $40–$100
Per country
CMG professional service fee
POA
Based on visa type and complexity
Estimated Total · family of 3
Government fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are subject to annual indexation on 1 July. Fees shown are 2025–26 rates. CMG service fees are provided on assessment.
AUD $7,000–$12,000+ (family of 3)
Documents Required
FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about the skilled migration process.
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