Frequently Asked Questions

• Subclass 189 is a permanent resident visa sponsored by the DOHA.

• Subclass 190 is a permanent resident visa sponsored by a state.

• Subclass 491 is a provisional visa (5 years) for regional areas, with a pathway to PR after 3 years.

Points-tested visas are skilled migration visas that use a scoring system to rank applicants based on factors like age, work experience, qualifications, and English ability. The higher your points, the stronger your chance of being invited.

The main points-tested skilled visas are:

• Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

You need a minimum of 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). In practice, higher scores are generally needed for an invitation, depending on your occupation and visa subclass.

Points are awarded for:

• Age

• Skilled work experience (in and outside Australia)

• Education and qualifications

• English language ability

• State/territory nomination or family sponsorship

• Partner skills, professional year, or NAATI accreditation

We can calculate your exact points based on your circumstances.

• 189 (Independent) – No sponsorship required, permanent residency at grant.

• 190 (State Nominated) – Requires state/territory nomination, permanent residency at grant, 5 extra points.

• 491 (Regional Provisional) – Requires state nomination or regional family sponsorship, provisional 5-year visa, 15 extra points, pathway to PR after 3 years.

Points-tested visas do not generally require a job offer, however there are exceptions depending on the visa subclass and state. However, you must have an occupation on the relevant skilled list and meet skills assessment requirements.

Yes. Eligible family members (partner and dependent children) can be included in your application and will usually receive the same visa conditions.

Yes. After 3 years of holding the sc491, you may be eligible for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence visa.

Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass, occupation, and your points score. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

No. Only the 491 visa requires you to live and work in a designated regional area. The 189 and 190 visas allow you to live anywhere in Australia (though 190 applicants are expected to settle in their nominating state for at least 2 years).

Submitting an 'expression of interest' does not guarantee an invitation. Being selected to apply for a visa depends on several factors such as:

• Your occupation

• Your total points score

• Whether you are onshore or offshore

• Which state(s) you’re targeting

• The number of EOIs lodged for your occupation

• The quota available for that state

• The priority processing order (e.g. regional commitment, family sponsorship)