About Skilled Migration Visas (189, 190, 491)
1. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- Overview: The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. It allows successful applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Eligibility: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. They must also meet the points test and have a relevant occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Benefits: This visa provides full access to Medicare, the ability to apply for Australian citizenship, and the freedom to live and work in any part of Australia.
2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
- Overview: The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. It allows holders to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government and must meet the points test. They must also have a relevant occupation on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) and submit an EOI.
- Benefits: In addition to the benefits of the Subclass 189 visa, this visa may provide additional points for the nomination, which can enhance the chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
3. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Overview: The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. It is designed to encourage migration to regional areas.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. They must also meet the points test and have a relevant occupation on the CSOL.
- Benefits: This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after meeting specific criteria, including living and working in a regional area for a certain period.
Short Summary
- Subclass 491 is a provisional visa for regional areas, leading to potential permanent residency.
- Subclass 189 is for independent skilled workers with no sponsorship.
- Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination.
Points Table
To qualify for these visas, applicants must demonstrate their skills, qualifications, and experience through a points-based system. This system evaluates various factors, including age, English proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and more. Each factor contributes to the total points score, which determines eligibility for an invitation to apply for a visa.
The following table outlines the specific factors considered in the points test, along with the corresponding points awarded for each category. Understanding these factors is crucial for prospective applicants aiming to maximize their chances of success in the Australian skilled migration process.
1. Age
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
Explanation: Points are awarded based on the applicant’s age at the time of application. Younger applicants tend to receive more points, reflecting the Australian government’s preference for younger skilled migrants.
2. English Proficiency
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Explanation: English language proficiency is crucial for successful integration into Australian society and the workforce. Higher proficiency levels yield more points.
3. Overseas Skilled Employment (Outside Australia)
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Explanation: Points are awarded for relevant work experience gained outside Australia. This factor recognizes the skills and experience that applicants bring from their home countries.
4. Australian Skilled Employment (In Australia)
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Explanation: Similar to overseas employment, points are awarded for work experience gained in Australia, which is highly valued as it demonstrates familiarity with the local job market.
5. Educational Qualifications
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Doctorate from an Australian institution or a recognized standard | 20 |
| Bachelor’s degree from an Australian institution or a recognized standard | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Qualification recognized by the assessing authority for the nominated occupation | 10 |
Explanation: Higher educational qualifications yield more points, reflecting the importance of education in the skilled migration process.
6. Specialist Education Qualification
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree by research or Doctorate from an Australian institution with relevant study | 10 |
Explanation: This factor rewards advanced degrees that include significant study in relevant fields, enhancing the applicant’s qualifications.
7. Australian Study Requirement
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| At least 1 degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 5 |
Explanation: Points are awarded for completing qualifications in Australia, which indicates a commitment to living and studying in the country.
8. Professional Year in Australia
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Explanation: Completing a Professional Year in a relevant field demonstrates practical experience and integration into the Australian workforce.
9. Credentialled Community Language
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Hold a recognized qualification in a credentialled community language | 5 |
Explanation: This factor rewards applicants who can contribute to Australia’s multicultural society through language skills.
10. Study in Regional Australia
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Qualification obtained while living and studying in an eligible area of regional Australia | 5 |
Explanation: Points are awarded for studying in regional areas, encouraging migration to less populated regions.
11. Partner Skills
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Partner meets age, English, and skill criteria | 10 |
| Partner has competent English | 5 |
| You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 |
Explanation: This factor recognizes the skills and qualifications of the applicant’s partner, which can enhance the overall application.
12. Nomination
| DESCRIPTION | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Invited to apply for a Subclass 190 visa and nomination not withdrawn | 5 |
| Invited to apply for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) | 15 |
Explanation: Points are awarded for receiving a nomination from a state or territory, which indicates support for the applicant’s migration.
Notes:
- You can only claim points for employment in your nominated skilled occupation or closely related to it. You can claim a maximum of 20 points for the combined employment from overseas and in Australia.
- Relevant fields include science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or specified information and communication technology (ICT).
- Your professional year must have been in Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering, and completed in Australia within the last four years.
- Accredited at the paraprofessional level or above, certified at the certified provisional level or above, or credentialed by the NAATI.
