Passport and civil-status records
Skilled immigration
Australia skilled migration
Understand the differences between subclass 189, subclass 190 and the regional provisional subclass 491. The appropriate route depends on your occupation and circumstances.
- Route type
- Permanent and provisional skilled routes
- Destination
- Australia
- Best for
- Skilled workers considering a points-based migration route.
- In this guide
- 3 stages · 6 document groups
START WITH YOUR PROFILE
A useful first conversation starts with the right details.
Tell us about your objective and background. This free initial assessment is an enquiry—not an eligibility decision or confirmed appointment.
02
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Know what the route is—and what it is not.
Australia’s points-tested skilled program includes distinct visas with different status and nomination rules. Subclass 189 and 190 are permanent visas; subclass 491 is a provisional regional visa.
An Expression of Interest in SkillSelect is not a visa application. Occupation eligibility, skills assessment, English, points and any nomination must be established before an invitation can lead to an application.
Official route guidance: Home Affairs — SkillSelect · Home Affairs — skills assessment · Home Affairs — Skilled Work Regional subclass 491
Who it may suit
Skilled workers considering a points-based migration route.
Permanent and provisional skilled routes
ROUTES AND STATUS
Understand the distinction before choosing.
These routes have different legal outcomes and conditions. The right starting point depends on your facts.
| Route | Status | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 · Skilled Independent | Permanent | A points-tested permanent visa without state, territory or family sponsorship, subject to invitation. |
| Subclass 190 · Skilled Nominated | Permanent | A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. |
| Subclass 491 · Skilled Work Regional | Provisional regional | A provisional regional visa requiring qualifying nomination or family sponsorship, with a separate potential pathway to subclass 191 permanent residence after its conditions are met. |
03
ELIGIBILITY
The points we review first.
- 01
For points-tested routes, review age at invitation, eligible occupation, skills assessment and English requirements.
- 02
The minimum points threshold is 65; reaching it does not guarantee an invitation.
- 03
Subclass 190 requires state or territory nomination; subclass 491 requires qualifying nomination or family sponsorship. Health and character requirements apply.
04
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
A route should serve the life you are planning.
- Subclasses 189 and 190 provide permanent residence when granted.
- Subclass 491 provides a provisional regional route with a potential pathway to subclass 191 permanent residence if its conditions are met.
05
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Prepare in stages.
This is an indicative checklist, not a universal filing list. The authority may request additional or updated evidence.
Show document checklist
Approved English-test evidence
Positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
Employment references and qualification records
State or territory nomination evidence for subclass 190 or 491, where applicable
Health and character evidence when requested
06
THE PROCESS
A clear sequence, with responsibilities defined.
Show the full sequence
- 01You + Plan B
Check occupation, skills assessment and English evidence.
- 02Preparation
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and any required nomination application.
- 03Authority decision
After an invitation, lodge the visa application and supporting evidence.
07
HOW PLAN B HELPS
Practical guidance, from profile to preparation.
We help organise your profile, identify information gaps, explain the official requirements and coordinate an agreed preparation checklist. Final eligibility and every decision remain with the relevant authority. Regulated representation and legal advice must come from an appropriately authorised professional; confirm the adviser’s credentials and written scope before proceeding.
Discuss this programme08
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you take the next step.
No. Sixty-five is the current minimum points threshold for relevant points-tested visas, but invitation scores can be higher and depend on the occupation, route and invitation round.
Official sources · Route guidance checked Home Affairs — SkillSelectHome Affairs — skills assessmentHome Affairs — Skilled Work Regional subclass 491
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Turn an ambition into a properly prepared plan.
Related programmes
CanadaCanada Express Entry
Explore permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades Program. Express Entry manages applications; each programme has its own requirements.
Explore programmeAustraliaAustralia work visas
Explore employer-sponsored opportunities, including the Skills in Demand subclass 482 and Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186.
Explore programme