Skilled Independent and State Nominated visas are popular among skilled individuals who want to live and work in Australia as permanent residents due to its independence from an employer or family sponsorship. These visas are part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The 189 visa is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. Applicants must:

• Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Have skills in an eligible occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Meet the minimum points required (usually 65 points, but this can vary based on demand).
• Have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

The 190 visa is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government to live and work permanently in Australia. Applicants must:

• Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia.
• Have skills in an eligible occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Meet the minimum points score required (usually 65 points, but this can vary based on demand).
• Have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

The 491 visa is a points-based skilled regional visa which allows skilled workers and their families to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years. Applicant must:

• Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.
• Have skills in an eligible occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
• Meet the minimum points score required (usually 65 points, but this can vary based on demand).
• Have a positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation.