Occupation assessment, English, and points matter; the 2026-27 permanent program remains skilled-heavy, but competition and state nomination settings need route-by-route checking.
Route overview
189 / 190 / 491 skilled pathways
Typical timeline / duration: 6-18 months
Important notes
Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation for the relevant points-tested route: Skilled Independent 189, Skilled Nominated 190, or Skilled Work Regional 491.
Nominate an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list and obtain a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Meet the points-tested criteria, including the minimum 65-point threshold, competent English, age and skilled work factors; invitation cut-offs can be higher.
For 190 or 491, obtain state/territory or eligible family sponsorship as required; provide identity, health, character, and supporting evidence.
The three routes are not interchangeable: 189 and 190 are permanent visas, while 491 is provisional and regional with its own later permanent-residence pathway.
Applicants generally must be under 45 when invited, subject to listed exceptions; occupation lists, state criteria, invitation rounds, and points settings change frequently.