Commonwealth Migration Group

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.

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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.

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Key Facts

Essential details about this visa pathway

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)

Know Before You Apply

Everything you need before you apply — eligibility, documents, and costs in one place.

Eligibility Requirements

Check the key criteria you must meet for this visa pathway.

Document Checklist

Review all required and supporting documents needed for your visa application.

Investment Overview

Understand the full cost breakdown including government fees and professional charges.

Your Step-by-Step Journey

From assessment to visa grant — here's how the process works.

Use CMG's points calculator to estimate your SkillSelect score across all categories: age, English, work experience, education, and additional factors.

Apply to the assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, ANMAC, IML). This typically takes 3–6 months and must be completed before lodging an EOI.

Sit IELTS Academic, PTE Academic or OET. You need at least IELTS 6.0 across all four bands (Competent English). Higher scores earn more points.

Submit your EOI through SkillSelect with your points claim. You can update your EOI at any time. Invitations are issued in rounds, typically every 2–4 weeks.

Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge a formal visa application with supporting documents. Documents must be certified and translated if not in English.

Submit all required documents including skills assessment, English test results, employment evidence, police clearances and health examination results.

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and issue a decision. Processing takes 6–24 months depending on queue and subclass.

Available Subclasses

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.

  • No employer sponsorship required
  • No state or territory nomination required
  • Permanent residency from visa grant
  • Points-tested visa pathway through SkillSelect
  • Invitation required based on occupation, points score, and government invitation rounds
  • Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and Department of Home Affairs processing priorities
Learn More

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.

  • 5 bonus points for nomination
  • Must live and work in nominating state
  • Processing: 12–20 months
Learn More

Subclass 491

Skilled Regional Nomination

5-year provisional visa for regional Australia with a clear pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191 after 3 years.

  • 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
Learn More

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about the skilled migration process.

Skilled Migration

What is the minimum points score to submit an EOI?

You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. However, simply reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation — invitation rounds are competitive and current cut-off scores for the 189 visa are typically 85–105 points depending on the occupation and state.

Not the right visa? Find your pathway.

Skilled Independent 189Skilled Nominated 190Skilled Work Regional 491State Nominations 🏛Permanent Residence 191Employer Sponsored 482

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