If you’ve ever dreamt about starting a new life in Australia — picture beaches, barbecues, and balanced work-life — then you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of skilled professionals from around the world make the move Down Under, chasing better opportunities and a brighter future. But before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how skilled migration to Australia actually works.
In this guide, we’re breaking down three of the most popular visa options under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program: the subclass 189 visa ,subclass 190 visa, and subclass 491 visa. If your goal is to get Australia PR (permanent residency), then this is where your journey starts.
What is General Skilled Migration?
The General Skilled Migration program is how Australia gets the skills gaps in the labor force filled. If you have skills in a field that’s needed, Australia needs you — and they’ve developed a formal points-based visa system to get you there.
Why the GSM program is so appealing is that you don’t need a job offer. You submit an application based on your skills, education, work history, and other personal information such as age and English language ability. You’ll lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via a system known as SkillSelect and if you’re selected, you may be invited to apply for one of these visas.
Let’s consider the three principal choices.
Subclass 189 Visa: Skilled Independent Visa
The subclass 189 visa is a dream for most skilled migrants. Why? Because it provides you with permanent residence without the need for sponsorship by a state, employer, or family member.
Key Highlights:
- You are able to live and work wherever you like in Australia.
- It’s a points-tested visa — you must have at least 65 points, but the more points you have, the better.
- You don’t require a job offer or nomination.
- Once awarded, it provides you with all PR advantages such as Medicare and ultimately a pathway to citizenship.
Who is it for?
It’s ideal for professionals whose occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It’s ideal if you desire utmost flexibility and qualify without requiring additional assistance.
Subclass 190 Visa: Skilled Nominated Visa
The subclass 190 visa is also a permanent residency visa, but there’s a catch — you’ll need to be nominated by a state or territory government.
What’s Different?
-You still need to score at least 65 points, but state nomination gives you 5 extra points.
-You’ll have to agree to live and work in the nominating state, at least for a couple of years.
-Each state or territory has its own occupation list and may prioritize certain industries.
Why go for 190?
If your occupation isn’t on the MLTSSL but appears on a state-specific list, this could be your ticket in. Plus, some states are more generous with nominations, especially if you’ve studied or worked in that area.
Subclass 491 Visa: Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
If you’re willing to live away from the major cities, the subclass 491 visa could be the way to go. It’s not permanent immediately, but it’s a stepping stone that can take you to Australia PR.
What to Know:
-It’s a 5-year provisional visa that asks you to stay and work in regional Australia.
-You can be nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by a family member residing in a regional area.
-You’ll receive 15 bonus points as a result of just such a nomination or sponsorship.
-After 3 years of residence and work in a regional area and passing income levels, you’re eligible to apply for permanent residency under the subclass 191 visa.
Is 491 Suitable for You?
This is an excellent choice if you are struggling to get picked in the 189 or 190 streams, or if you just prefer not to get settled in a stunning regional town or city.
Side – by side comparison –
| Visa Type | 189 (Independent) | 190 (State-Nominated) | 491 (Regional Provisional) |
| PR Status | Yes (immediate) | Yes (immediate) | No (pathway after 3 years) |
| Sponsorship | None required | Required from a state/territory | Required from a state/territory or family |
| Location | Anywhere in Australia | Nominating state only | Regional areas only |
| Extra Points | None | +5 for nomination | +15 for nomination/sponsorship |
| Best For | High scorers with in-demand jobs | Mid-range scorers willing to settle in a specific state | Those happy to live regionally for PR access |
So… Which Visa Are You Best To Apply For?
It depends quite frankly on your job, points score, and how open you are to where you want to live.
Go for subclass 189 if you’re scoring high and your job is in demand nationwide.
Choose subclass 190 if you’re comfortable living in a specific state that’s willing to nominate you.
Consider subclass 491 if you’re open to regional life and need those extra points to stay competitive.
Keep in mind, of course, that all three routes ultimately conclude in Australia PR and even citizenship, but the journey you undertake might appear different depending on your circumstances.
Skilled migration to Australia is not merely a forms-to-fill-out exercise — it’s the start of something new. Whether you’re a computer professional, a medical professional, an engineer, or a trade professional, there’s probably a route for you.
Be sure to:
- Make sure your job is on the correct list.
- Use the government points calculator to work out your points fairly.
-Have documents such as your skills assessment, English test results, and referees handy.
-Expect waiting times — patience is part of it all.
And if you’re not sure which visa is right for you, it’s a good idea to talk to a registered migration agent to walk you through it.
Australia waits — and with the right visa, your new life is just around the corner!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice or a legal opinion. Australian immigration law is complex and subject to frequent change. We strongly recommend that individuals seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content of this blog.
To receive personalised advice and assistance with your visa options or application, please book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent (RMA).