Skilled visas for Australia
Visas for people with skills and experience Australia needs, and how the points system works in general.
Last reviewed on 6 October 2026 by MigrateMark.
Skilled visas are for people whose occupation is in demand in Australia. Most use a points test. You get points for things like age, English, work experience and qualifications.
The main types
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189). A permanent visa. You do not need a sponsor or a state nomination.
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190). A permanent visa. A state or territory government nominates you.
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491). A temporary visa for living and working in regional Australia, which can lead to permanent residence.
How it usually works
- Your occupation must be on the relevant list.
- You get a skills assessment for that occupation.
- You submit an Expression of Interest. For subclass 190 and 491, you also need a state or territory nomination (or, for 491, sponsorship by an eligible relative).
- If invited, you apply for the visa.
Good to know. The Australian Government has announced changes to the points test. They have not started yet, and no start date has been published. An agent can tell you how your situation looks under the current rules.
What to have ready: passport, qualifications, work references, English test result if you have one.