CGGMET

MIGRATION DIVISION · STREAM 01

Skilled Migration Visas

Permanent and provisional pathways for skilled professionals — points-tested, state-nominated and employer-sponsored.

SKILLED MIGRATION STREAM

Australia Needs Your Skills

Skilled migration is the largest pathway to Australian permanent residence. The federal government allocates the majority of permanent visa places each year to skilled migrants who can fill workforce shortages and contribute to the Australian economy.

Eligibility depends on your nominated occupation appearing on a skilled occupation list, a successful skills assessment, English proficiency, age, and points scored against the GSM points test. Our MARA-registered agents handle every part of the process — from occupation analysis and skills assessment to EOI lodgement and visa application.

What's covered in this stream

Five visa subclasses across the General Skilled Migration and Employer Sponsored programs.

189
Independent
190
State Nominated
491
Regional
186 / 494
Employer Sponsored

Visa Subclasses in Detail

5 subclasses · all MARA-handled

189
Skilled Independent Visa
Points-tested · permanent residence
Validity
Permanent
Processing
5–12 months
Sponsor
Not required

A permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or by a State or Territory government. The most flexible permanent skilled pathway — granted purely on the strength of your profile.

Key Eligibility
190
Skilled Nominated Visa
State-nominated · permanent residence
Validity
Permanent
Processing
6–13 months
Sponsor
State / Territory

A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory government. Each jurisdiction publishes its own occupation list and nomination criteria, and most require you to live and work in that state for two years.

Key Eligibility
491
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
5-year provisional · pathway to 191 PR
Validity
5 years
Processing
6–14 months
Pathway
191 PR

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory government, or sponsored by an eligible relative living in regional Australia. After three years of compliant residence and meeting the income threshold, you can transition to the permanent Subclass 191.

Key Eligibility
186
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Employer-sponsored · permanent residence
Validity
Permanent
Processing
6–15 months
Streams
DE / TRT / LA

A permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Available through three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition (for 482 visa holders), and Labour Agreement.

Key Eligibility
494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
5-year provisional · regional employer-sponsored
Validity
5 years
Processing
6–14 months
Pathway
191 PR

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved employer in regional Australia. Replaced the older Subclass 187 in November 2019. After three years of regional work meeting income thresholds, holders can transition to the permanent Subclass 191.

Key Eligibility

Not sure which Skilled visa fits you?

The right pathway depends on your occupation, points score, age, English, work experience and connection to Australia. Our MARA-registered agents will profile your eligibility across all five subclasses in a single consultation.

Maximise Your Points Score

From skills assessments to state nominations, we know what it takes to secure an invitation.