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Guide to Australian PR (189/190/491)

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Base Requirements

  1. Under 45 years of age
    You should be less than 45 years of age to be eligible for the subclass 491, 190 and 189 visas. Please note that you may still be eligible for other types of visas if you are over 45 years of age.
  2. Competent English
    Competent English means a score of at least 6 for each of the 4 components for IELTS, or a score of at least 50 for each of the 4 components of PTE.

    You do not need a English test if you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, with your application.
    Read more →
  3. Occupation on Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
    You need to ensure that your nominated occupation is listed on the SOL.
    Check if your occupation is on SOL →
  4. Minimum 65 Points
    Subclass 491, 190 and 189 visas are points based. The minimum requirement to apply is 65 points. If you choose subclass 190 or 491 - you automatically get 5 extra points for state nomination under subclass 190 and 15 extra points for state nomination under subclass 491.

    Please note that these visas are competitive, so having a higher points score can improve your chances of securing a visa.
    Use points calculator to check your points →
You will also need to meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

Steps for candidates meeting base requirements

  1. 1
    Get a Skill Assessment
    The most important step in your skilled visa application is getting a skill assessment for your chosen occupation and any relevant work experience.

    The skill assessment authority and its requirements will depend on your nominated occupation and its best to understand the latest requirements as listed on the skill assessment authority's website. You may also be required to meet specific English language requirements.
    Find out your skill assessment body →
  2. 2
    English Language Testing
    Competent English (as mentioned in base requirements above) is the minimum requirement to be eligible for subclass 491, 190 and 189 visas. However, these visas are points based. You get 0 points added to your total points score for Competent English. With a higher score in the English Language Test (PTE or IELTS), you can get 10 extra points for a Proficient result and 20 extra points for a Superior result.

    Moreover, you may also need a specific score in either PTE or IELTS to meet the requirements of the Skill Assessment Authority for your occupation (step 1 above).
    Know more about Proficient and Superior English →
  3. 3
    Find out which visa you can apply for
    Assuming you have a positive skill assessment, you can move on the next step - working out which visa (491, 190 or 189) you can/should apply for.

    🚨 Not all occupations are eligible for subclass 491, 190 and 189 visas. There are 2 key criteria:
    • Check whether your occupation is eligible for a particular visa. You can check the table here to work out which visa options are available to you.
    • Check whether you have enough points to be competitive for the visa subclass you have chosen for your nominated occupation. You can check our database for recent visa grants for your chosen occupation and visa subclass, and work out if you have enough points to be able to submit a competitive application.
    Check recent grants for your occupation and visa subclass →
  4. 4
    Expression of Interest (EOI)
    Once your documentation is ready, your next step is to submit an EOI in the SkillSelect system.

    Skillselect ranks each EOI based on multiple criteria (total points, priority or non-priority occupation, offshore or onshore etc.), and regularly sends out Invitation to Apply (ITA) visa to successful candidates. If you receive an ITA, it means your EOI has been selected and you can proceed to lodge your visa. For subclass 491 and 190 applicants, there is an extra step as described next.
    Check many EOIs do you need to submit? →
  5. 5
    Registration of Interest (ROI)
    If you are planning to apply for subclass 491 or subclass 190 visa, you will need to be sponsored by an Australian state (or an eligible relative living in a designated regional area for subclass 491). The process and requirements for each state can be complex and change frequently. States also maintain their own occupation lists, so even if your occupation is listed on the SOL, it may or may not be listed on the state's SOL.

    ROI: You need to have a valid EOI in the SkillSelect system before applying for state nomination. But some states may require you to submit a state specific ROI (in addition to an EOI).

    States usually send out a preinvite to successful applicants. Then you are required to submit documentation to the state to substantiate your claims. If your state nomination application is successful, the sponsoring state will nominate you in SkillSelect and you will automatically receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) visa.
    Check which states need an ROI →
  6. 6
    Get your documents ready
    Assuming you have received an ITA in either step 4 or 5 above, the next step is to get your documentation ready.

    The nature and scope of required documentation varies based on your chosen occupation, visa subclass and specifics related to your case. Key documentation includes:
    • English Test Results
    • Skill Assessment Approval
    • Proof of Educational Attainment
    • Proof of Work Experience (if applicable)
    • Proof of Identification and Residence
    • Proof of Relationship (if applicable)
    • National and International Police Checks
    • Medical Clearance
    • Other documents (depends on specifics of case)
  7. 7
    Lodge your visa
    You can now proceed to lodge your visa. Once visa is lodged, the time it takes for a visa grant varies based on chosen occupation, subclass, applicant location (offshore/onshore) and some other factors.
    Book an appointment to explore your skilled visa options →