Skill Migration

Quick answer

EMI International helps skilled workers apply for Australia's points-tested skilled visas: the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional provisional visa (subclass 491). Each requires a positive skills assessment, an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and an invitation to apply.

• Visas covered: Subclass 189, 190 and 491 (with the 191 permanent pathway)
• Best for: Skilled workers with an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Key steps: Skills assessment → points calculation → EOI → nomination/invitation → visa application
• First step with EMI: Free 45-minute in-person consultation in Sydney CBD

Last reviewed: September 2026, against current Department of Home Affairs policy. General information only, not legal advice.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent residence visa for invited skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or family member. Selection is based on the points test.

Key Requirements

• Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL for the 189)
• Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• At least 65 points on the points test (the pass mark; invitation scores are usually higher)
• Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and an invitation to apply
• Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• At least Competent English (for example IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent)
• Health and character requirements

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

A permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Nomination adds 5 points.

Key Requirements

• Occupation on the nominating state or territory's list
• Positive skills assessment and at least 65 points (including the 5 nomination points)
• Meet the nominating state or territory's own criteria (these differ by state and change each program year)
• Under 45 at invitation, Competent English, health and character

Application Process

1. Obtain a skills assessment and English test result
2. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect (and a registration of interest where the state requires one)
3. Receive state or territory nomination and an invitation
4. Lodge the visa application within 60 days of the invitation

Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) — Provisional

A 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers who live and work in designated regional Australia, with a pathway to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.

Two Pathways

• State/Territory nominated: nominated by a state or territory government
• Family sponsored: sponsored by an eligible relative living in designated regional Australia

Key Requirements

• Occupation on the relevant list, positive skills assessment and at least 65 points (nomination or sponsorship adds 15)
• Under 45 at invitation, Competent English, health and character
• Live, work and study only in designated regional areas (condition 8579)

Selected Points Factors

Factor	Points
State/territory nomination or family sponsorship (491)	+15
State/territory nomination (190)	+5
Australian doctorate or research master's in a STEM field	+10
Single, or partner is an Australian citizen/PR	+10
Partner with skills assessment and Competent English	+10
Partner with Competent English only	+5
Study in regional Australia	+5

Pathway to Permanent Residence

After holding a 491 (or 494) visa for at least 3 years, living and working in regional Australia and earning taxable income of at least AUD 53,900 in each of 3 income years (shown in ATO notices of assessment), you may apply for the Subclass 191 permanent visa.

Visa	Main applicant charge (from 1 July 2026)
Subclass 189	AUD 6,135
Subclass 190 / 491	AUD 6,140
Subclass 191	AUD 630

Government charges shown are base application charges for the main applicant from 1 July 2026 and change regularly. Confirm current amounts with the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?

The 189 is a permanent visa that needs no sponsor. The 190 is a permanent visa that requires nomination by a state or territory government. The 491 is a five-year provisional visa for people nominated by a state or territory, or sponsored by an eligible relative, who live and work in regional Australia; it can lead to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.

What points score do I need for skilled migration?

The points test pass mark is 65, but meeting the pass mark does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation scores vary by occupation, state and program year, so EMI assesses your score and strategy during the consultation.

Do I need a skills assessment before applying?

Yes. You need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority before you can be invited to apply.

How can EMI International help with skilled migration?

EMI assesses your eligibility and points, advises on occupation and state nomination strategy, prepares your EOI and documents, and lodges your application. Start with a free 45-minute consultation with a senior immigration consultant with 20 years' experience.

---