The Ultimate Guide to Australia Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, and 491) in 2025

Souradeep Saha
Apr 30
13 min read

Are you a skilled professional dreaming of building a new life in Australia? The Australian Skilled Migration Program is your gateway to permanent residency — offering opportunities for qualified individuals across IT, engineering, healthcare, construction, trades, and more. In this comprehensive and updated guide, we combine all versions of our content to give you the most detailed and beginner-friendly breakdown of everything you need to know — including visa types, eligibility, the point system, EOI, ROI, RDA, state nomination, skill assessment, and how Aussie Pathways can support you every step of the way.

What is the Australia Skilled Migration Program?

The Australian Skilled Migration Program allows skilled individuals to live and work in Australia permanently or temporarily based on their qualifications, work experience, English language ability, and age. It’s one of the most straightforward and independent migration pathways — meaning you can qualify without needing an employer or family sponsor. It's designed to fill gaps in Australia's labor market with professionals in high-demand occupations.

Canada or Australia: Which is Better for Indian Migrants in 2025?

One of the most common questions among Indian professionals planning to migrate abroad is: Should I choose Canada or Australia? While both countries are popular destinations known for welcoming skilled immigrants, the decision isn’t always easy. To help you make an informed choice, let's compare them based on weather, job opportunities, lifestyle, quality of life, savings potential, taxation, child benefits, and community presence.

✅ 1. Weather Conditions: A Major Deciding Factor

Canada and Australia have drastically different climates. Canada experiences long and harsh winters — with snow and freezing temperatures often lasting 8 months a year. This can be a challenge for those unaccustomed to extreme cold.

In contrast, Australia’s climate is far more moderate and similar to India’s, with plenty of sunshine year-round. Although the seasons are reversed (Australia’s summer is India’s winter), the pleasant weather makes it an ideal choice for many Indian migrants who prefer a familiar climate.

✅ 2. Racism & Community Integration

Both Australia and Canada have large Indian communities and a long-standing reputation for being multicultural and inclusive. Racism is not considered a major issue in either country. Indians are appreciated in both countries for their professionalism, education, and work ethic.

✅ 3. Job Market & Salary

This is where Australia currently has a significant edge. With an unemployment rate under 4%, Australia’s job market is strong and resilient. Skilled migrants often find relevant job opportunities faster compared to Canada, where many newcomers struggle for the first few years to establish their careers.

Moreover, Australia has the highest minimum wage globally, which translates into better income security and a higher standard of living. The financial stability makes it easier for families to save and enjoy life.

✅ 4. Quality of Life, Child Support & Social Benefits

Healthcare, child education, child benefits, and social security systems are robust in both countries. Permanent residents enjoy excellent public services in both Australia and Canada. However, with better wages and a stronger job market, Australia tends to offer more immediate comfort to new migrants.

✅ 5. Savings, Retirement & Taxes

With higher salaries, migrants tend to save more than they would in Canada. Both countries offer solid retirement schemes and tax benefits for families, but again, Australia’s higher wages help boost long-term financial planning.

✅ 6. Proximity to the USA — Is It a Real Advantage for Canada?

Some choose Canada due to its geographical proximity to the United States. However, it's important to understand that holding Canadian PR does not provide any right to live or work in the USA. While visiting might be easier, working in the US still requires a separate visa process.

✅ Conclusion: Why More Indians Are Choosing Australia

Both countries are excellent choices, but weather and job market conditions are often the two biggest deciding factors. If you’re looking for a country that offers faster career growth, higher wages, pleasant weather, and an easier transition, Australia is emerging as the preferred destination for skilled Indian migrants.

How PR is Different from Citizenship

PR (Permanent Residency): Gives you the right to live, work, and access public services in Australia indefinitely. You can travel in and out of the country and sponsor family members.
Citizenship: Once you have fulfilled the PR, residency, and character criteria, you can apply for citizenship. Citizenship provides you with the right to vote, an Australian passport, and consular protection abroad. However, if you are Indian, India does not permit dual citizenship. In this situation, you must surrender your Indian passport and may consider applying for the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card. This document, issued by the Indian government to individuals of Indian origin who are foreign citizens, grants them a multiple-entry, lifelong visa for visiting India and other benefits.

Types of Skilled Migration Visas Explained

The skilled migration program has three types of visas (Subclass 189, Subclass 190 & Subclass 491), each with its own advantages. Although candidates can apply under all three categories, the 189-visa subclass is the most popular. However, subclass 190 or 491 is a more favorable option for candidates with lower points. More details on the point system will be provided later.

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa :

No sponsorship required: This is a points-tested permanent residency visa. You do not require any sponsorship or nomination.
Permanent residency (PR): Once approved, you’re a PR holder with access to Medicare, public schooling, and social benefits.
Live and work anywhere in Australia: Total freedom of location.
Highly competitive: Due to its popularity and competitiveness, the required point threshold is usually high (85+). This visa is ideal for candidates in high-demand occupations with strong profiles.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa :

State/territory nomination required: This is a state-nominated permanent residency visa. If your occupation is in demand and you meet the criteria, the state may nominate you. You are then invited to apply for the visa.
Permanent residency visa: Like Subclass 189, this grants full PR status.
Commitment to the nominating state: You must live and work in the state for at least 2 years.
Lower point requirement: State nomination gives you 5 extra points, helping lower-point candidates qualify.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa :

Regional nomination or family sponsorship required: This is a state-nominated temporary residency visa. The visa allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas, excluding major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Temporary visa: The 491 is a provisional visa valid for 5 years. It allows you to live, work, and study in regional areas of Australia.
Pathway to PR: After 3 years, you can apply for Subclass 191 (PR) if you meet income and residence criteria.
Lower point requirement: State nomination gives you 15 extra points.

Australia Immigration Process – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Check Your Occupation

First step towards skilled migration to Australia will be to refer to the Skilled Occupation List Australia 2025 to confirm your profession is eligible. Some high-demand jobs for PR include IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, and HR specialists. If you schedule a free consultation call with Aussie Pathways, we will be happy to assist you in finding out. Please also note that we never pressure our customers to use our services. You are under no obligation to book our service after receiving our free counseling.

Step 2: Check Your Points

The Australian skilled migration program is a points-based assessment system that ranks applicants based on key attributes.

Understanding the Skilled Migration Point System in Detail

Australia uses a transparent, merit-based point system to rank skilled visa applicants. The minimum required score to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) under all visa categories (189/190/491) is 65 points, but higher scores (e.g., 85–90) greatly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

Here’s how points are awarded:

Age

18–24 years: 25 points
25–32 years: 30 points (highest score)
33–39 years: 25 points
40–44 years: 15 points

English Language Proficiency

Competent English (IELTS 6 / PTE 50): 0 points (minimum requirement)
Proficient English (IELTS 7 / PTE 65): 10 points
Superior English (IELTS 8 / PTE 79+): 20 points

Skilled Work Experience

Overseas Experience (e.g. experience outside Australia):

3–4 years: 5 points
5–7 years: 10 points
8+ years: 15 points

Australian Experience:

1 year: 5 points
3 years: 10 points
5 years: 15 points
8+ years: 20 points

Educational Qualifications

PhD from a recognized institution: 20 points
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree: 15 points
Australian diploma/trade qualification: 10 points

Australian Study Requirement

Completion of 2 years of study in Australia: 5 points

Professional Year Program

Completion of a professional year in Australia in Accounting, IT, or Engineering: 5 points

State/Territory or Family Nomination

State nomination (Subclass 190): 5 points
Regional nomination or family sponsorship (Subclass 491): 15 points

Partner Skills

Partner has a positive skills assessment, competent English, and under 45: 10 points
Partner has competent English only: 5 points
Single applicants: 10 points

Use the official Australia Points Calculator to assess your total points.

Note: Some professions, such as nurses and teachers, often receive invites at lower point thresholds due to high demand. Others like accountants or software engineers typically face tougher competition.

How to increase your points?

While we cannot change certain parameters like your age or marital status, there are still many ways to increase your points.

Aim to achieve the highest score possible on your English exam to earn the maximum points. This is the simplest method to secure 20 points, which can significantly boost your overall score.
You can choose to wait to gain more work experience, but it's important to remember that as you wait, you might lose points due to your age. We advise people not to waste time in India; once you've decided to move to Australia, you should begin looking for a job there and, if possible, start working in Australia on a work visa. Working in Australia for one year will not only give you an additional 5 points, but states also prefer candidates who are already living and working in Australia over those applying from abroad (outside Australia). If you use Aussie Pathways service, we consistently assist our clients in navigating the local job market in Australia. However, it's important to note that we never guarantee employment.
NAATI online test: If you speak any Indian local language, you might consider taking the NAATI online test. This test provides accreditation as a translator/interpreter and awards an additional 5 valuable points, enhancing your overall score.
Claim points for partner’s qualifications and language ability: Skill assessment is a crucial part of the skilled migration program, where your qualifications and work experience are evaluated by the appropriate assessing authority. We will provide a detailed explanation of this process later. For now, it's important to understand that this skill assessment is mandatory for the primary applicant (you). However, if your spouse is also employed and completes his/her skill assessment, achieving at least a competent level in the English language exam, you can earn additional points.

Although these are the straightforward methods to boost your points, there are numerous other ways to enhance them. By using Aussie Pathways service, we will guide you through the process.

Step 3: Prove English Proficiency

In Australia, you must take an English language test to demonstrate your English proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET. Most popular among these are IELTS and PTE. You need a minimum score equivalent to IELTS 6 in each band or at least 50 for each of the 4 components in PTE, but higher scores can help increase your points.

Why Many Applicants Prefer PTE Over IELTS?

The PTE-Academic (PTE-A) is a two-hour English test conducted entirely on a computer, assessing skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Similarly, the IELTS evaluates a person's abilities in these areas, but it can be taken in person at a test center, with the speaking test still conducted by a real examiner.

For the PTE, with sufficient practice and proper guidance, it's easier to manipulate the software for a higher score, whereas the IELTS relies on various factors, with the examiner playing a crucial role during the exam. This is a personal opinion, and others may have different experiences. If you choose Aussie Pathways Service, we offer online PTE coaching at your convenience and access to our partner PTE practice software, which uses algorithms very similar to the actual PTE exam. With enough practice, achieving the highest possible scores is not very difficult.

Step 4: Get Your Skills Assessed

What is Skill Assessment and Why It’s Crucial?

Skill Assessment is the crucial component of the skill migration process. During this stage, your qualifications and experience are reviewed by the appropriate assessing authority in Australia to determine if they align with the Australian standards for your chosen occupation. Each occupation is associated with a specific assessing body, and each has its own regulations.

Here are some examples:

ACS (Australian Computer Society): For IT professionals
Engineers Australia: For engineers
VETASSESS: For general occupations like marketing, HR, etc.
AHPRA: For nurses and other healthcare professionals
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): For trade-related occupations like electricians, chefs, mechanics, etc.

You have to gather and submit all necessary documentation to the dedicated assessing body as per their guideline. You will be appointed a case office who will review your documents. If your documents are not sufficient you may be contacted by your case officer for further documentation or explanation. Here documentation is very important as any mistake can lead to negative assessment which can potentially further lead to temporary ban as well. If you take Aussie Pathways service, not only we will help you gather all documentation, we will guide to get the best possible outcome.

It's very normal for some assessing body deducting some years from total work experience. For example if you have 5 years of total work experiences in India, it's a possibility the assessing body might deduct 2 to 3 years from your experience and only recognise 3 to 2 years. In such a case you might not be eligible for 5 extra points which you are supposed to get for 5 years work experience outside Australia. Hence only after skill assessment, we can be sure about your total skill migration points. But it's crucial that you don't get a negative assessment.

🛑 A positive skills assessment is mandatory for lodging an EOI. This process can be complex, time-consuming, and strict. Typically gathering all documents takes upto 45 days and it takes upto 3 to 4 months for skill assessment to process.

✅ Aussie Pathways helps ensure your documentation meets the exact requirements of your assessing authority. We review, prepare, and guide you through the process — significantly improving your chances of success.

Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you receive your skill assessment, we have to submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect portal. Here you provide all your details, upload your skill assessment and based on everything you get your total migration points. Once you submit, now your EOI is in the pool with other candidates who are waiting for an invitation. Your EOI is ranked based on points. Higher scores improve your invitation chances.

What is EOI and Why Apply Early?

EOI (Expression of Interest) is your formal declaration that you wish to apply for skilled migration. It’s submitted through the SkillSelect portal.

EOIs can be submitted for multiple visa subclasses (189, 190, 491).
Each subclass offers unique benefits — applying to all maximizes your invitation chances.
There is no cost to lodge an EOI.
EOIs are ranked by point score, English proficiency, and occupation demand.
Invitations are sent periodically — the earlier your EOI is in the pool, the better your chances as some states prioritize earlier submissions.

🕐 Delaying EOI submission could mean missing an invitation round. Early submissions give you better visibility in the system and help avoid changes in state quotas or eligibility.

Why Multiple EOIs Matter

While you can lodge EOI for multiple visas and states, but it's not recommended. Some states and territories have particular requirements, like only allowing their name to be mentioned in the EOI. If you include all states and territories in one EOI, they may not even consider your EOI. States and territories do not have visibility into your EOI if it's not directed toward them. By submitting EOIs for multiple states/subclasses, you increase your visibility and chances of receiving a nomination. For example, if you're only targeting NSW but don't submit an EOI for Tasmania, you won't be considered by Tasmania at all.

✅ Aussie Pathways helps you strategically submit multiple EOIs to align with different state priorities and improve your success rate.

What is ROI and RDA in Subclass 491?

ROI (Registration of Interest): Some states (like Victoria and ACT) require you to submit an ROI before they review your EOI. It’s a pre-screening step used for Subclass 190/491. Some States requires you to submit a separate ROI before reviewing your EOI. It's like an application showing your interest and commitment.
🔎 Aussie Pathways helps you navigate which states require ROI involvement and tailor your submission accordingly.
RDA (Regional Development Authority): In some regional states (like NSW), RDAs assess applications for the 491 visa. They act as intermediaries between state governments and applicants. In NSW there are total 13 RDAs. Each RDA has its own list, requirements, and processes.
🚫 You cannot apply to all RDAs at once. Each RDA has unique guidelines, and choosing the right one is critical.
✅ Aussie Pathways guides you in selecting the right RDA and prepares targeted documentation to increase your nomination chances.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Subclass 189 and 190 applicants need to wait for an ITA. For Subclass 190 and 491, you'll also need state nomination.

Step 7: Apply for the Visa

Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your application with all documents, including police clearance and medicals.

Why Choose Aussie Pathways for Skilled Migration?

✔️ Free Profile Evaluation & Visa Pathway Planning

✔️ Help with PTE preparation and Exam

✔️ Step-by-Step Document Support (Skills Assessment, English Test, etc.)

✔️ EOI & ROI Submission Assistance

✔️ Tailored Strategy Based on Your Occupation & State Opportunities

✔️ Full Visa Filing & Post-Landing Services

✔️ Career counseling to help you navigate Australia job market

We handle every detail — so you can focus on preparing for your future in Australia. Please book a free counselling session today

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q: How many points do I need for Subclass 189 in 2025?

A: While 65 is the minimum, invitations often go to applicants scoring 85–95+ for competitive roles like IT or accounting.

Q: Can I apply for PR without a job offer?

A: Yes! Subclass 189 and 190 do not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.

Q: How long is the PR visa valid for?

A: PR is indefinite, but travel rights must be renewed every 5 years. After 4 years of residence, you can apply for citizenship.

Q: What if I don’t qualify for 189 or 190?

A: Subclass 491 offers a great alternative with more lenient criteria and a pathway to PR after 3 years.

Q: How long does skill assessment take?

A: It varies by authority but can take 6 to 12 weeks. Starting early is key.

Q: Can I lodge an EOI while my skill assessment is in progress?

A: No. You must have your skill assessment completed before submitting an EOI.

Q: What happens after I get a visa?

A: You can move to Australia and enjoy rights to work, access healthcare, sponsor family, and apply for citizenship in the future.