Skilled Visa
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Purpose of Skilled Visa
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program allows qualified professionals to live and work permanently or temporarily in Australia based on their skills, qualifications, and work experience. These visas are points-tested and designed for skilled individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy.
Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points based on age, education, English ability, work experience, Australian study, and other factors to receive an invitation to apply through the Expression of Interest (EOI) system in SkillSelect.
For all skilled migration subclasses, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory before lodging an EOI. Refer to our Skill Assessment Page for detailed information, and visit our Resources Page for the Points Calculator and Occupation Lists.
Visa Type: Permanent (Class SI, Subclass 189)
Item No/Class: Item 1137, Class SI
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or family member. It allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.
Eligibility Requirements
Occupation List: Medium and Short-term lists (MLTSSL/STSOL) depending on the state
Skill Assessment: Mandatory (sch 1 item 1138(6)(b) & reg 2.26B), valid for 3 years (LIN 19/051)
Work Experience: Not mandatory but can add points
English Requirement: Competent English (sch 2 cl 190.223 & reg 1.15C)
Age: Under 45 at invitation (sch 2 cl 190.215)
Health and Character: Must satisfy PIC 4005 (sch 2 cl 190.216)
Nomination (Family members): Must be nominated by a state or territory (sch 1 item 1138(4)(c))
Location: Inside or outside Australia (sch 1 item 1138(3)(b))
Visa in Effect: Permanent visa (sch 2 cl 190.511)
Benefits of Subclass 190
Permanent residency from the date of grant
5-year travel facility attached to the visa
Additional 5 nomination points toward the points test (Part 6D.3, Reg 2.26AC)
Eligible to live and work in the nominating state
Full access to Medicare, study rights, and pathway to citizenship
Visa Type: Temporary (Class PS/SS, Subclass 491)
Item No/Class: Item 1241, Class PS (Family Sponsored) or Class SS (State Sponsored)
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa valid for 5 years, allowing skilled workers to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. It can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa after three years of regional residence and work.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Occupation List: Medium Short-term, and Regional Occupation Lists
Skill Assessment: Mandatory (sch 1 item 1241(6)(b) & reg 2.26B), valid for 3 years (LIN 19/051)
Work Experience: Not mandatory but can contribute to points
English Requirement: Competent English (sch 2 cl 491.213)
Age: Under 45 at invitation (sch 2 cl 491.214)
Health and Character: Must satisfy PIC 4005 (sch 2 cl 491.221)
Nomination/Sponsorship: State nomination (sch 1 item 1241(4)(c)) or family sponsorship (reg 1.12AA & LIN 22/002)
Location: Inside or outside Australia (sch 1 item 1241(3)(b))
Visa in Effect: Temporary visa for 5 years (sch 2 cl 491.511)
Legal Status: Must hold a substantive visa or Bridging visa A/B/C
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
5 year visa with pathway to permanent residency via Subclass 191
15 additional points for regional or family sponsorship (491.216(2) Part 6D.13, LIN 22/002)
Priority processing for regional occupations
Access to full work rights and study in regional areas
Lower points thresholds for certain occupations
Related Resources
For Points Calculator, Occupation Lists, and Skill Assessment Requirements, please visit our Resources Page or Skill Assessment Page of Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd.
Why Apply Through Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd
At Visa 1 Migration, we provide expert guidance from Skill Assessment to EOI submission and Visa lodgement. Our team ensures every application is accurate, compliant, and strategically presented to maximise your points and success chances.
Based in Merrylands NSW, we serve clients across Australia and overseas.
Contact us today to assess your eligibility for Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.
Visa Type: Permanent (Class PR, Subclass 191)
Item No/Class: Item 1139, Class PR
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa allows eligible holders of a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa to transition to permanent residency after meeting the residence, work, and income requirements in a designated regional area of Australia for at least three years.
This visa is the final step for provisional skilled regional visa holders seeking to settle in Australia permanently.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Visa Held Requirement: Must hold or have held one of the following for at least three years:
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored (Provisional) visa
Certain Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders may also apply after holding specified visas subclass 482 for 3 years
Visa Conditions Compliance: Must have substantially complied with all visa conditions of the previous visa, including:
Condition 8579: Live, work, and study only in designated regional areas.
Condition 8580/8581 (if imposed): Provide requested information to the Department.
Residence Requirement: The applicant must have lived in a designated regional area for at least three years while holding an eligible visa.
Income Requirement: The primary applicant must have earned taxable income at or above the threshold set by the legislative instrument for at least three income years.
Age Requirement: No age limit applies for this visa.
Health & Character: Must meet Public Interest Criterion 4007 (waiver available) and character requirements.
Location: Applicant can be inside or outside Australia when applying.
Nomination/Sponsorship: Not required this visa is based on regional residence and compliance, not on EOI or nomination.
Visa Validity: Grants permanent residence with an initial 5-year travel facility.
Benefits of Subclass 491 Visa
Direct pathway to Permanent Residency after 3 years on a 491 or 494 visa
No EOI or state nomination required
Full work and study rights across Australia
Access to Medicare and social benefits
Eligible to sponsor family members for PR
Eligible for Australian Citizenship after meeting residence criteria
No points test or age limit applies
Related Resources
For details on income threshold instruments, regional area definitions, and compliance evidence, please refer to the Resources Page or contact Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd.
Why Apply Through Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd
At Visa 1 Migration, we guide you through your permanent residency transition with precision ensuring all compliance conditions, ATO income evidence, and residence proofs are correctly prepared.
We verify that you meet all legislative criteria under Schedule 2 clauses 191.211–191.511 before lodgement, maximising your success rate.
Based in Merrylands NSW, we serve clients Australia-wide and internationally.
Contact Visa 1 Migration Pty Ltd to assess your eligibility for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa today.
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