The seven building blocks
- An eligible occupation on the right list
- A positive skills assessment
- At least 65 points on the points test (for 189, 190 and 491)
- Competent English or better
- Under 45 when invited
- An invitation (and nomination for 190/491)
- Health and character requirements
Australia's skilled visas are designed for people whose skills are needed in the Australian economy. Whether you are applying for a Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491) visa, the same core requirements apply. Here they are, explained simply.
1. Choose the right occupation
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the visa you want. Points-tested visas use the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL). Employer-sponsored visas such as the 482 use the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The occupation you nominate must genuinely match your qualifications and duties — not just the job title.
2. Get a positive skills assessment
Each occupation has an assessing authority — for example ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineers, ANMAC for nurses, VETASSESS for many general professions and TRA for trades. They check your qualifications and, often, your work experience. Assessments can take weeks or months, so start early and make sure your employment references describe your actual duties.
3. Score at least 65 points
The points test rewards factors such as:
| Factor | Points available |
|---|---|
| Age (highest for 25–32) | Up to 30 |
| English (Proficient 10, Superior 20) | Up to 20 |
| Skilled employment outside Australia | Up to 15 |
| Skilled employment in Australia | Up to 20 |
| Qualifications (doctorate 20, bachelor/master's 15, diploma or trade 10) | Up to 20 |
| Australian study, specialist education, regional study | 5–10 each |
| Professional Year, NAATI CCL (community language) | 5 each |
| Partner skills, or single applicant | Up to 10 |
| State nomination (190) / regional nomination (491) | 5 / 15 |
Combined points for employment are capped at 20. The pass mark is 65, but most occupations need higher scores to receive an invitation.
4. Meet the English requirement
You need at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6.0 in each band, or the equivalent in another accepted test). Higher scores earn more points and are often the fastest way to improve your ranking.
5. Be under 45 when invited
You must be under 45 at the time you receive the invitation. Age points drop at 33 and 40, so timing matters.
6. Lodge an EOI and get invited
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. For the 189, the Department invites the highest-ranking candidates in each occupation during invitation rounds. For the 190 and 491, a state or territory (or eligible relative for the 491) must nominate you. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with all documents.
7. Health and character
All applicants, including family members, must meet health requirements (medical exams) and character requirements (police certificates from countries where you have lived).
Ways to boost your points
- Retake your English test to reach Proficient or Superior.
- Pass the NAATI CCL test in Gujarati, Hindi or another community language (5 points).
- Complete a Professional Year in accounting, IT or engineering (5 points).
- Gain more skilled employment in your nominated occupation.
- Include your partner's skills if they are eligible.
For the latest numbers and strategy, read 189, 190 and 491 in 2026–27. Our Registered Migration Agent can calculate your points and plan your pathway — see our General Skilled Migration page, NAATI CCL and PTE pages, or book a consultation.
