Points tested permanent visas for skilled workers. You don't need a job offer: if your occupation is in demand, your skills can be your pathway to permanent residence.
Reviewed by Vineet Sethia, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2217785) · Updated November 2026. General information only, not migration advice.
Skilled migration (the General Skilled Migration program) invites qualified workers from overseas to live in Australia. You need an occupation on the skilled list, a positive skills assessment, at least Competent English, to be under 45 at invitation and at least 65 points. The 189 and 190 give permanent residence straight away; the 491 is a 5 year regional visa that leads to permanent residence through the 191.
Permanent residence with no sponsor or nomination. You are invited on the strength of your points alone.
Permanent residence with nomination from a state or territory government, which adds 5 points.
A 5 year visa to live and work in a designated regional area, nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative. Adds 15 points.
The permanent visa for 491 and 494 holders after 3 years of living and working in regional Australia.
You need at least 65 points to be invited, but invitation scores are often much higher. Main points categories:
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25 to 32 (18 to 24 and 33 to 39: 25 · 40 to 44: 15) | up to 30 |
| English: Proficient 10 · Superior 20 (Competent is the minimum, 0) | up to 20 |
| Skilled work experience outside and in Australia (combined cap) | up to 20 |
| Education: Doctorate 20 · Bachelor or Master 15 · Diploma or trade 10 | up to 20 |
| Partner skills, or single / partner is a citizen or PR | up to 10 |
| Bonus: Australian study, regional study, Professional Year, NAATI, STEM research degree | 5 to 10 each |
| Nomination: 190 state nomination 5 · 491 nomination or family sponsorship 15 | 5 or 15 |
Figures from official sources, checked October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm the latest details before you apply.
All advice and every application is handled by a MARA registered agent, with a fixed fee agreed in writing.
We confirm your occupation, assessing authority and realistic points score before you spend money on tests.
We prepare your skills assessment, set your English target and lodge as many EOIs as your case allows.
We track state programs, apply for nomination and lodge a decision ready visa application.
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The minimum is 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but invitation rounds often require much higher scores depending on your occupation. A registered migration agent can assess your realistic score.
No. The 189 and 190 are points tested visas that do not require an employer. The 190 needs a state or territory nomination instead.
You must be under 45 at the time you are invited. If you turn 45 after the invitation, you can still apply.
Tests approved by the Department of Home Affairs, taken at a test centre, such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT Academic, OET and the Michigan test. At home online tests are not accepted.
After holding the 491 for at least 3 years, living and working in a regional area and meeting the income tax requirements, you can apply for the subclass 191 permanent visa.
Government fees from 1 July 2026 are AUD 6,135 for the 189 and AUD 6,140 for the 190 and 491 for the main applicant, plus fees for family members, English tests, skills assessment, medicals and police certificates. Our professional fees are fixed and quoted in writing.
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