Australian Working Visa and General Skilled Migration Program

Different Types of General Skilled Visa in Australia

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program includes several visa subclasses. Each subclass has specific eligibility requirements but all are points-tested and designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy and communities.

1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state/territory government, or family member. If your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and you achieve the required points, you can apply independently. A Subclass 189 visa provides permanent residency, allowing you to live, work and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.

  • Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
  • You must hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation.
  • You need to achieve at least 65 points on the points test.
  • You must be under 45 years of age when invited.
  • You must demonstrate competent English language ability.
  • You must receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs.

2. Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government. This subclass also grants permanent residency, with the same benefits as the 189 visa. Nomination by a state or territory gives you additional points, which increases your chances of being invited to apply. It is a good option if your skills are in demand in a particular region.

  • Your occupation must be listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
  • A positive skills assessment is required for the nominated occupation.
  • You must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
  • You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
  • You must demonstrate competent English.
  • You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency and receive an invitation to apply.

3. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This is a provisional visa that lets you live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. To apply, you must be sponsored by an eligible family member living in a regional area or nominated by a state/territory government. After meeting residence and work requirements, you may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

  • Your occupation must appear on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
  • You need a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
  • You must achieve at least 65 points on the points test.
  • You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
  • You must demonstrate competent English language ability.
  • You must be nominated by a state/territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a regional area, and be invited to apply.

4. Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)

This visa is the permanent pathway for holders of the Subclass 491 (and some other provisional skilled regional visas). To be eligible, you must have lived and worked in a designated regional area for at least 3 years while meeting minimum taxable income requirements. The Subclass 191 visa grants you permanent residency, access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor family, and a clear pathway to citizenship.

  • You must have held an eligible regional provisional visa (such as Subclass 491) for at least 3 years.
  • You must have lived and worked in a designated regional area during that period.
  • You must have met the minimum taxable income requirement for at least 3 years.
  • Applicants must continue to meet health and character requirements.
  • Certain passport holders (Hong Kong or British National Overseas) may be eligible under a separate stream.