General skilled migration usually involves more than reaching a points score. Occupation eligibility, skills assessment, English, age, EOI claims, state or territory criteria and invitation timing all interact. A claim made in SkillSelect must later be supported by evidence.
Main skilled visa pathways
Skilled Independent visa
A permanent points-tested pathway for invited applicants. The points-tested stream does not require state nomination or an employer sponsor.
Skilled Nominated visa
A permanent points-tested pathway requiring nomination by a state or territory government agency in addition to meeting federal visa criteria.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
A five-year provisional visa for invited applicants nominated by a state or territory government or, in some cases, sponsored by an eligible relative. It carries regional residence, work and study requirements and can lead to subclass 191 permanent residence if eligible.
Core parts of a skilled migration strategy
- occupation selection and the relevant occupation list
- skills assessment requirements
- English language evidence
- age and points position
- EOI accuracy and timing
- state or territory nomination criteria
- employment and qualification evidence
- partner skills and other points claims
- regional obligations for subclass 491
State nomination is separate from the visa
Each state and territory can impose its own nomination criteria, invitation process and priority settings. Meeting the federal requirements for subclass 190 or 491 does not guarantee nomination. State programs can change during a program year, so the strategy should be checked against the current nomination rules before an EOI or ROI is relied on.
Detailed visa guides
Explore the main visa subclasses and pathways in more detail. These guides explain the structure, common eligibility questions and issues that often require closer analysis.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled applicants who do not require state or employer sponsorship.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
A permanent points-tested visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
A five-year provisional visa for invited skilled applicants nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative.