2026–27 at a glance
- Skilled Independent (189): 21,090 places, up from 16,900.
- State/Territory Nominated (190): 35,500 places, up from 33,000.
- Regional (491/494/191): 14,110 places, down from 33,000.
- The points test pass mark is still 65, and you must be under 45 when invited.
- Application charges: AUD 6,135 (189) and AUD 6,140 (190 and 491).
The government's 2026–27 permanent Migration Program kept the overall total at 185,000 places, but changed the mix inside the skilled stream. If you are planning a points-tested skilled visa, these changes affect which pathway gives you the best chance.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
The 189 is a permanent visa that doesn't need a state or employer sponsor. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation. For 2026–27 the planning level rose by about 25% to 21,090 places.
More places should mean more invitations, but competition is still strong. In the 2025–26 rounds, the Department issued 6,887 invitations in August 2025 and 10,000 in November 2025. Cut-off scores vary by occupation — some construction trades were invited at 65 points, while many professional occupations needed much higher scores.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
The 190 is a permanent visa that requires nomination by a state or territory government, which adds 5 points to your score. Places increased to 35,500. Each state publishes its own occupation lists and criteria (for example, living or working in the state, or job offers in priority sectors), and these change during the year. Nominated applicants are expected to live and work in the nominating state.
Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
The 491 is a five-year provisional visa for living and working in regional Australia, nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative. It adds 15 points and can lead to permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa after three years of living, working and meeting income requirements in a regional area.
The big change: regional places dropped to 14,110 (down about 57%). Expect fewer 491 nominations and tougher state criteria, so don't rely on the 491 as your only plan.
What this means for your strategy
- Maximise your points: a higher English score, a NAATI CCL, a Professional Year or more skilled employment can make a big difference.
- Lodge EOIs for 189 and 190: with more places in both, keep your EOI current for both visas where eligible.
- Watch state programs: 190 and 491 criteria change often — be ready to apply when your state opens.
- Consider employer sponsorship: Employer Sponsored places rose to about 58,040, so the 482 to 186 pathway may suit you. See our 482 guide.
- Keep documents ready: skills assessment, English results and employment evidence must be valid when you are invited.
Current application charges
| Visa | Main applicant | Additional applicant 18+ | Additional applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | AUD 6,135 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,540 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | AUD 6,140 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | AUD 6,140 | AUD 3,070 | AUD 1,535 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs visa pricing table (updated July 2026). Second instalments may apply for applicants with less than functional English.
Frequently asked questions
Is 65 points enough for a 189 visa in 2026?
65 is the minimum to submit an EOI, but most occupations need more to receive an invitation. Your chances depend on your occupation and the invitation rounds.
Should I still apply for the 491 visa?
Yes, if you are eligible — but with far fewer places, treat it as one option alongside 189, 190 and employer sponsorship.
Not sure which pathway suits you? Read the skilled visa requirements guide, see our General Skilled Migration page or book a points assessment with our Registered Migration Agent.
