Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent residency for invited skilled workers, with no sponsor or nomination needed.
Learn moreSkilled migration · Employer sponsorship · Work visas
Skilled migration, employer sponsorship and work visas in one place: from the 189, 190 and 491 points-tested visas to the 482 Skills in Demand visa, employer PR, skills assessments and the 485 Temporary Graduate visa.
32 visas and services across seven areas. Choose the one that fits your goals.
Points-tested and regional permanent residency visas
Permanent residency for invited skilled workers, with no sponsor or nomination needed.
Learn morePermanent residency with a state or territory nomination (+5 points).
Learn more5-year regional visa with a pathway to PR after 3 years (+15 points).
Learn moreThe permanent visa for 491 and 494 holders who have lived and worked regionally.
Learn morePermanent residency for eligible 489 and older regional visa holders.
Learn moreSkillSelect, invitations and state pathways
Submit your EOI in SkillSelect to be considered for an invitation.
Learn moreSee how many 189, 190 and 491 EOIs are submitted and invited by occupation, points and state.
Learn moreSome states ask for an ROI before they consider nominating you.
Learn moreHow state and territory nomination works, with 2025–26 allocations.
Learn moreWork out your points for the 189, 190 and 491 visas in seconds.
Learn moreEstimate your Victorian ROI ranking score for 190 and 491 nomination.
Learn moreAssessing authorities and occupation lists
Get the right skills assessment for your occupation, first time.
Learn moreFind the right assessing authority, from ACS and EA to VETASSESS and TRA.
Learn moreSearch the Core Skills Occupation List and check your ANZSCO code.
Learn moreHow overseas qualifications are compared to Australian standards.
Learn moreWork for an Australian employer
Up to 4 years with an approved sponsor, in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream.
Learn morePermanent residency sponsored by your Australian employer.
Learn more5-year regional employer visa with a pathway to PR through the 191.
Learn moreFor business owners, investors and entrepreneurs
Permanent residency for business and investor visa holders. Open to current 188 holders.
Learn moreFor Australian businesses
Become an approved sponsor for 5 years and hire skilled workers from overseas.
Learn moreNominate a position: salary thresholds, labour market testing and fees.
Learn moreCustom agreements when standard sponsorship doesn't fit your needs.
Learn moreRegional agreements with flexible occupations and concessions.
Learn moreMeet your sponsorship obligations and prepare for monitoring.
Learn moreRenew your sponsorship or vary a labour agreement on time.
Learn moreShort-term work, training and special activities
Short-term, highly specialised work for up to 6 months.
Learn moreGovernment agreements, PALM, MATES for Indian graduates and more.
Learn moreWorkplace-based training and professional development for up to 2 years.
Learn moreApproved short-term activities: events, research, sport, entertainment and more.
Learn moreStay and work after your studies
Live and work in Australia for up to 3 years after graduating.
Learn moreStay, cost and key requirements at a glance.
| Visa | Type | Stay | Visa cost | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD6,135 | Invitation, 65+ points, under 45 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD6,140 | State nomination, 65+ points |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | Provisional | 5 years | From AUD6,140 | Nomination or family sponsor |
| Skills in Demand (482) | Temporary | Up to 4 years | From AUD4,015 | Employer sponsor, CSIT or SSIT |
| Employer Nomination (186) | Permanent | Permanent | From AUD6,140 | Employer nomination, under 45 |
| Employer Regional (494) | Provisional | 5 years | From AUD6,140 | Regional employer, 3 years' experience |
| Temporary Graduate (485) | Temporary | Up to 3 years | From AUD5,750 | Recent Australian study, 35 or under |
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book AppointmentSkilled visas such as the 189, 190 and 491 are points-tested and need an invitation through SkillSelect. Employer-sponsored visas such as the 482, 186 and 494 need an Australian employer to sponsor and nominate you.
Common permanent options include the Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visas, or regional provisional visas (491, 494) that lead to PR through the 191.
At least 65 points for the 189, 190 and 491 visas. Use our points calculator to estimate your score.
Most skilled and many employer-sponsored visas require a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation.
Yes. Through the Employer Nomination Scheme (186), or a regional pathway through the 494 and then the 191.
Yes. We help businesses become approved sponsors, lodge nominations, use labour agreements and DAMAs, and stay compliant.
Get a clear plan for your points, skills assessment, sponsor or nomination with a MARA registered migration agent.
Skilled Migration