What are Australia's skilled visa subclasses 189, 190, and 491 points requirements in 2026?
TL;DR: All three skilled visas (189 Independent, 190 State Nominated, 491 Regional Provisional) use the same points test, and you need a minimum of 65 points to even be eligible — though invited scores in practice usually run higher. The 189 needs no sponsorship, the 190 needs a state/territory nomination, and the 491 needs either state nomination or eligible family sponsorship in a regional area, plus your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
The claim
These three subclasses are frequently confused because they share the same points-based Expression of Interest (EOI) system through SkillSelect, but they have real structural differences in who can apply and where you must live afterward.
The evidence
Australia's Department of Home Affairs confirms: subclass 189 is for applicants not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member, and requires an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); subclass 190 requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government; subclass 491 is provisional (temporary, pathway to permanent residence) and requires either state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a designated regional area. All three require at least 65 points on the official points test, though real invitation rounds often need higher scores depending on occupation demand and program year.
Comparing 189 vs 190 vs 491
| Feature | 189 Skilled Independent | 190 Skilled Nominated | 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship needed | None | State/territory government | State/territory OR eligible family in a regional area |
| Residency requirement | Live anywhere in Australia | Usually must live in nominating state for a period | Must live/work in a designated regional area |
| Visa type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (temporary; pathway to permanent PR later) |
| Minimum points | 65 | 65 (nomination often adds bonus points) | 65 (nomination/sponsorship adds bonus points) |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | Relevant state occupation list | Combined list of eligible regional occupations |
Step-by-step: applying for a points-tested skilled visa
- Confirm your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list for the subclass you're targeting.
- Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation — this is mandatory before you can submit an EOI.
- Calculate your points using the official points test (age, English ability, skilled employment, qualifications, and other factors).
- Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, selecting which subclasses you're interested in.
- If targeting 190 or 491, research which states are actively nominating your occupation — nomination criteria and occupation lists vary by state and change periodically.
- Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA); invitations are issued in rounds based on points ranking, not just meeting the minimum.
- Once invited, lodge your full visa application within the specified window with all supporting evidence — health, character, and skills documents.
FAQ
Do I need 65 points to get invited, or just to be eligible? 65 is the eligibility floor to submit an EOI at all — actual invitation rounds for competitive occupations often require notably more points to receive an invitation.
Can I apply for all three subclasses at once? Yes — you can select multiple subclasses in a single EOI and receive an invitation for whichever one issues one first.
Does the 491 visa lead to permanent residency? Yes — after meeting the regional living/working requirement for the required period, 491 holders can apply for the permanent subclass 191 visa.
Do state nominations add points? Yes — most state/territory nominations for 190 and 491 add bonus points on top of your base score, which can meaningfully improve your invitation chances.
Can my occupation be on one state's list but not another's? Yes — occupation lists differ by state and territory and change periodically based on local labour market needs, so check the specific state you're targeting.
Is there an age limit for these visas? Yes — generally you must be under 45 at the time of invitation for these skilled visa subclasses, with points awarded more favorably to younger age brackets.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-31