Skilled Independent Visas
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Skilled independent visas allow skilled migrants to live and work in Australia without employer sponsorship, based on their skills, qualifications and points score.
These visas are invitation-based and are commonly used by skilled professionals seeking permanent residence through Australia’s points-tested migration program.
Skilled Independent Visa Options
The main skilled independent visa pathways are:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – permanent residence
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – permanent residence with state or territory nomination
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) – provisional regional visa
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) – permanent residence following eligible regional visas
Each pathway has different nomination, location and residence requirements.
How Skilled Independent Visas Work
Skilled independent visas generally involve:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) – claiming points for age, skills, English and other factors
- Invitation – issued by the Department or a state/territory authority
Visa application – demonstrating eligibility and meeting health and character requirements
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia on a permanent basis.
Who This Visa Is For
- Skilled workers not requiring employer or state sponsorship
- Applicants with competitive points scores
Streams Under the 189 Visa
Points Tested Stream
- Invitation based on points ranking
Hong Kong Stream
- For eligible Hong Kong or BN(O) passport holders meeting residence requirements
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet requirements relating to:
- Age (under 45 at time of invitation – points tested stream)
- Skills assessment in an eligible occupation
- Minimum points threshold
- English language ability
- Health and character
What the 189 Visa Allows
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Include eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Who This Visa Is For
- Skilled workers willing to live and work in a nominating state or territory
- Applicants seeking additional points through nomination
How the 190 Visa Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest
- Obtain state or territory nomination
- Receive an invitation to apply for the visa
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet requirements relating to:
- Age (under 45 at time of invitation)
- Skills assessment in an eligible occupation
- Minimum points threshold
- English language ability
- Health and character
What the 190 Visa Allows
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Obligation to live and work in the nominating state or territory (usually two years)
- Include eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia on a temporary basis.
Who This Visa Is For
- Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative
- Applicants seeking a regional pathway to permanent residence
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet requirements relating to:
- Age (under 45 at time of invitation)
- Skills assessment in an eligible occupation
- Minimum points threshold
- Nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Health and character
What the 491 Visa Allows
- Live and work in regional Australia for up to five years
- Include eligible family members
- Pathway to permanent residence through Subclass 191
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191)
The Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) allows eligible regional visa holders to obtain permanent residence.
Who This Visa Is For
- Holders of eligible regional visas (such as Subclass 491 or 494)
- Applicants who have lived and worked in regional Australia for the required period
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must generally meet requirements relating to:
- Holding an eligible regional visa for at least three years
- Compliance with visa conditions
- Evidence of taxable income over the relevant period
- Health and character
There is no age limit for this visa.
What the 191 Visa Allows
- Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
- Include eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Speak With Us
If you are considering a skilled independent or regional visa, we can assess your points position and advise on the most suitable pathway.
Phone: (02) 9283 0888
Email: info@lewisbollard.com.au
