Australia continues to be one of the top destinations for skilled professionals looking to build a permanent residency in Australia. With its strong economy, high standard of living, and welcoming immigration system, it offers some of the best opportunities for talented individuals. One of the biggest goals for many migrants is to get permanent residency in Australia.
Having PR means you can live, work, and study anywhere in the country, enjoy public healthcare, access quality education, and even apply for citizenship later on. To achieve this goal, the Australian government offers several skilled migration pathways. In this blog, we will explain the top 3 skilled migration pathways to permanent residency in Australia Subclass 189, 190, and 491. These options are designed to attract skilled workers and help them settle permanently in Australia.
Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. This visa is best for individuals who have experience in an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
To apply, you need to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. You’ll be ranked based on a points system that considers your age, English language skills, education, work experience, and other factors. The minimum score is 65, but a higher score increases your chance of receiving an invitation to apply.
Once granted, this visa lets you live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. It’s one of the most flexible ways to get permanent residency in Australia, especially for highly skilled individuals who meet the eligibility requirements without needing state or employer support.
Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
The Subclass 190 visa is another pathway to permanent residency in Australia, but with one major difference it requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Each state and territory publishes its own skilled occupation list based on local labor needs. If your occupation is listed and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for state nomination. Once nominated, you receive additional points, which improve your chances of getting invited to apply for the visa.
Like Subclass 189, Subclass 190 is also a permanent visa. However, after getting this visa, you are usually required to live and work in the nominating state for at least two years. This helps the states fill important skill shortages and gives migrants a stable entry point into the workforce.
Subclass 190 is a great way to obtain permanent residency in Australia if you are willing to live in a specific state and meet its requirements.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
The Subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa designed to attract skilled workers to regional areas of Australia. It is valid for up to five years, and it can lead to permanent residency in Australia through the Subclass 191 visa.
To qualify, you must be either nominated by a regional state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. Like the other visas, you must also submit an Expression of Interest and meet the required points threshold.
Once granted, you must live, work, and study in a regional area for at least three years. You also need to meet a minimum income requirement during that time. After fulfilling these conditions, you can apply for a permanent visa.
Subclass 491 is a smart choice for those who are open to settling in smaller cities or rural regions. It offers a clear path to permanent residency in Australia, often with lower competition and faster processing times compared to metro areas.
Why These Pathways Matter
Each of these skilled migration pathways Subclass 189, 190, and 491 plays a key role in helping Australia meet its workforce needs. Whether you’re an IT professional, nurse, engineer, or teacher, there’s likely a demand for your skills in Australia. These visa options not only allow you to work but also provide a secure and long-term future through permanent residency in Australia.
All three visas use a points-based system to assess eligibility, ensuring that migrants bring valuable skills and experience. With the right preparation, documents, and understanding of the system, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Getting permanent residency in Australia is a life-changing opportunity. It gives you the right to live freely, work in any job, and enjoy the benefits of a stable and prosperous country. The skilled migration system through Subclass 189, 190, and 491 offers some of the best pathways for qualified professionals to make this dream a reality.
Whether you prefer the independence of Subclass 189, the support of state nomination under Subclass 190, or the regional lifestyle encouraged by Subclass 491, each route leads to the same goal permanent residency in Australia.
Before you apply, it’s important to understand the requirements of each visa, check the latest skilled occupation lists, and assess your points score. You may also want to take guidance from an immigration consultant to ensure your application is strong and complete.
No matter where you are in your journey, these three skilled pathways provide a clear and achievable way to build your future in Australia. Start today, and take one step closer to permanent residency in Australia.
