General Skilled Visa Australia (Subclasses 189, 190 & 491 Visa)

What are General Skilled Visas (Subclasses 189, 190 & 491)?

General Skilled Visas (Subclasses 189, 190 & 491) are visa options in Australia designed for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria and have skills in high demand in the country. These visas provide opportunities for skilled individuals to live and work in Australia permanently or on a provisional basis.

This is a points-tested visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Requires meeting the points threshold based on age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other relevant criteria.
Provides permanent residency status in Australia.

This is a state-nominated visa for skilled workers who are sponsored by a state or territory government agency in Australia.
Requires meeting the eligibility criteria of the specific state or territory government, which may include the occupation in demand, skills assessment, and commitment to living and working in the nominating state or territory.
Provides an opportunity to live and work in the nominating state or territory in Australia.
Offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

This is a state or territory-nominated provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
Requires meeting the eligibility criteria of the specific state or territory government, including occupation in demand, skills assessment, and commitment to living and working in the designated regional area.
Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Visa after meeting specific residence and employment requirements.
Allows you to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia.

Eligibility for General Skilled Visas (Subclasses 189, 190 & 491)

Age: Must be under a specified age limit. (usually under 45 years old)
Occupation: Must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Points Test: Must meet the required points based on age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
Health and Character: Meet the set requirements.

In addition to the above, nomination by a state or territory government is required. Must meet specific criteria of the nominating state or territory.

Requires state or territory government nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. Must meet specific criteria set by the state or territory government.

Note: Eligibility requirements can vary, and additional criteria may apply. Consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent for detailed information.

Key Features of General Skilled Visas (189, 190 & 491) for Australia

Skill Assessment

Skills assessment required by the relevant assessing authority.

Points Test

Eligibility based on points calculated from factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.

Health and Character Requirements

Must meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Regional Opportunities

Subclass 491 Visa encourages living and working in designated regional areas, promoting regional development and addressing skill shortages.

SC 189

This visa is a points-tested permanent visa that allows you to stay anywhere in Australia indefinitely. It is also known as a Skilled Independent Visa. This stream is designed to attract specific skilled workers needed by the wider Australian community. You will need to have an invitation from the Australian Federation Government in order to apply for this visa. 75% of the applications are processed within 68 days. You may apply for this visa while onshore or offshore, by paying a visa application fee of AUD 4,240.

Must have your occupation listed on the skilled occupation list
Must have received a positive skills assessment from a relevant skill assessing authority.
You must satisfy the minimum 65 points test.
Must be under 45 years of your age
Must have competent English level
Must meet health and character requirement
Must have submitted an EOI through SkilSelect and must have received an invitation to apply

If eligible, you may apply for citizenship
You are allowed to enroll in a public healthcare scheme, such as Medicare
You are allowed to sponsor your relatives to move to Australia
If you are single, you may be subject to condition 8515, under which you must not marry or enter into any de facto relationship before entering Australia

SC 190

This visa is a permanent visa that lets you stay anywhere in Australia indefinitely. This stream is designed to attract specific skilled workers needed by the state government. You will need to have an invitation from a state or territory in order to apply for this visa. 75% of the application are processed in 7 months. You are required to pay AUD 4,240 in order to submit an application. You either be onshore or offshore at the time of applying for this visa.

Must have your occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
Must have received a positive skills assessment from a relevant skill assessing authority.
Must satisfy the minimum 65 points test
Must be under 45 years of your age
Must have competent English level
Must meet health and character requirement
Must have submitted an EOI through SkilSelect and must have an invitation from the state or territory to apply for the visa.

You can choose to become an Australian citizen if eligible.
You are allowed to enroll in public health care scheme such as Medicare.
You are allowed to sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.
If you are single, you may receive condition 8515 which will not allow you to marry or enter into any defector relationship before entering Australia.
You may receive a condition 8504 with initial entry date if you have applied from outside Australia
You are required to stay in the same state for two years from the grant date. You will need to inform the state if you wish to move permanently to any other states in Australia

SC 491

This visa is designed for skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia. With this visa, you can stay in designated regional Australia for 5 years. You may become eligible to apply for permanent residency after three years from the time your visa is granted. You will need to have an invitation form a state or territory in order to apply for this visa. 75% of the application are processed in 9 months. You are required to pay AUD 4115 in order to submit an application. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for this visa.

Must have your occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
Must have received a positive skills assessment from a relevant skill assessing authority.
You must satisfy the minimum 65 points test.
Must be under 45 years of your age
Must have competent English level
Must meet health and character requirement
Must have submitted an EOI through SkilSelect and must have an invitation from the state or territory to apply for the visa.

You can leave and entre Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid
You are allowed to enroll in public health care scheme such as Medicare.
Live work and study in designated regions of Australia in line with your visa conditions
Apply for permanent residency, if eligible, through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Work in any occupation and for any employer in line with the work and residence conditions attached to your visa
You will need to inform the state if you wish to move permanently to any other states in Australia.
On this visa you must comply with conditions 8515, 85781 85791 8580, and 8581

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FAQs

What is the difference between Subclass 189, 190, and 491 Visas?

Subclass 189 Visa is a points-based visa that doesn’t require employer or state/territory sponsorship. Subclass 190 Visa requires nomination by a state or territory government. Subclass 491 Visa is a state/territory-nominated provisional visa for designated regional areas.

What is the points test?

The points test assesses factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria to determine your eligibility for General Skilled Visas.

Do I need a job offer or employer sponsorship?

No, General Skilled Visas are not employer-sponsored visas. However, certain visa subclasses may require nomination by a state or territory government.

Can I include my family members in the visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your visa application.

Can I change my nominated occupation after receiving a General Skilled Visa?

Changing the nominated occupation after a visa grant may have implications. It is advisable to seek professional advice before making any changes.