1. Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent Residence (PR) Visa – No sponsor or state nomination needed.
Key Features :
- Points-tested visa
- No employer or state nomination required
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Brings permanent residency from day one
Eligibility :
- Under 45 years of age
- Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 minimum in each band or equivalent)
- Minimum 65 points (based on factors like age, qualifications, work experience, English)
- Positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Invitation to apply via Skill Select (Expression of Interest - EOI)
2. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
PR Visa, but state-nominated.
Key Features :
- Similar to 189, but you need nomination from a state/territory
- You must live and work in the nominating state for 2 years
- Provides 5 additional points for state nomination
Eligibility :
- Meet all criteria for Subclass 189
- Occupation must be on the relevant State Occupation List
- Meet the specific requirements of the state or territory (e.g. work experience, English level)
- Submit EOI and be invited by a state government
3. Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
Temporary Work Visa sponsored by an employer (not PR initially).
Key Features :
- Allows you to work in Australia for up to 2–4 years
- Employer sponsorship required
- Has Short-Term and Medium-Term streams
- Possible pathway to PR via 186 visa (after 2–3 years)
Eligibility :
- Occupation must be on the STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) or MLTSSL
- Job offer from an approved employer
- Skills assessment (if required)
- Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
- Meet English requirements
- Employer must show Labour Market Testing (prove no Aussie can do the job)
Key Australian Visa Subclasses for PR & Pathways to PR
Below is an overview of key Australian visa subclasses that provide pathways to Permanent Residency (PR). Each subclass has specific eligibility criteria and requirements, depending on whether you are applying independently, through state nomination, or via an employer.
| Visa Subclass | Name / Type | PR or Provisional / Pathway | What It’s For / Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 | Skilled Independent Visa | Permanent PR | Points-based, you don’t need state or employer nomination. VisaAdvisor+1 |
| Subclass 190 | Skilled Nominated Visa | Permanent PR | You get nominated by a State or Territory. VisaAdvisor+1 |
| Subclass 491 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa | Provisional, leads to PR via subclass 191 | For those willing to live/work in regional Australia; after meeting criteria, can transition to PR. icaustralia.com+1 |
| Subclass 191 | Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa | Permanent PR | Transition from provisional regional visas (like 491) once you satisfy the residence / work requirements in regional areas. VisaAdvisor+1 |
| Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) | Permanent PR | For those nominated by an Australian employer. VisaAdvisor+1 |
| Subclass 887 | Skilled Regional Visa | Permanent PR | For people already in Australia in certain regional provisional visas, who meet residence & work requirements. VisaAdvisor+1 |
| Subclass 132 | Business Talent (Permanent) | Permanent PR | For high-end business or investment talent. Immigration and citizenship Website+1 |
| Subclass 888 | Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) | Permanent PR | For investors/business people who meet defined investment/business criteria. Immigration and citizenship Website+1 |