Skilled
Skilled visas for Australia
Points-tested and talent pathways for skilled workers — permanent (189, 190, 858), provisional (491) and post-study (485) — plus skills assessment support.
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Permanent residence
Skilled Independent 189
Skilled workers with an eligible occupation, not sponsored
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Permanent residence
Skilled Nominated 190
Skilled workers nominated by a state or territory
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Pathway to PR
Skilled Work Regional 491
Skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia
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Temporary stay
Graduate 485
Recent graduates of eligible Australian qualifications
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Permanent residence
National Innovation 858
Globally recognised high achievers and exceptional talent
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Required first step
Skills assessment
Anyone applying for a skilled visa — a required first step
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Permanent residence
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)
Subclass 491 or 494 holders who have lived and worked regionally for at least three years
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Permanent residence
Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)
Nationals of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste, selected in the annual ballot, with an Australian job offer
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Skilled visas compared: cost, processing time and outcome
| Visa | Leads to | Base fee | 75% processed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Permanent residence | A$6,135 | 8 months (Points-Tested) |
| Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Permanent residence | A$6,140 | 15 months |
| Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) | Permanent residence | A$630 | 9 months (Regional Provisional Visa) |
| Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192) | Permanent residence | A$345 | — |
| Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) | Temporary stay | A$5,750 | 13 days (Post-Higher Education Work) |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Pathway to PR | A$6,140 | 16 months (State/Territory Government Nominated Regional) |
| National Innovation visa (Subclass 858) | Permanent residence | A$6,235 | — |
Fees: Home Affairs current visa pricing, checked 29 October 2026. Processing times: Home Affairs global visa processing times as at 29 September 2026. Main applicant only; see each visa for streams and family members. General information, not migration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which skilled visas lead to permanent residence?
Permanent visas in this group: subclass 189, subclass 190, subclass 191, subclass 192, subclass 858. Provisional visas with a pathway to PR: subclass 491. The others are temporary, although some can lead to a permanent visa later if you meet its requirements.
How much do skilled visas cost?
Base application charges in this group range from A$345 to A$6,235 for the main applicant, according to the Home Affairs pricing table checked 29 October 2026. Family members, health checks and other costs are extra.
Your move to Australia
Not sure which skilled visa fits?
Book a free first call and we'll talk through your options and the next steps. Flat-fee pricing if you proceed — no surprises.