---
title: "Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (491) — points-tested migration"
country: australia
service: "skilled-independent-189-491-points-test"
category: immigration
difficulty: complex
estimated_time: "Skills assessment 8–20 weeks; English test typically 1–3 weeks from booking to result; SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) submission immediate; invitation wait 0–24 months depending on points score, occupation, and quarterly round timing; 60-day strict window from invitation to lodgement; subclass 189 (Points-tested) Department decision typically 3 months for the fastest quartile, 12–15 months for the slowest decile; subclass 491 state-nomination decisions add a further 6 weeks to 6 months before SkillSelect invitation"
cost_range: "Visa application charge from A$4,910 for the primary applicant (effective 1 July 2025), with additional-applicant charges of approximately A$2,455 per adult and A$1,230 per dependent child; skills assessment A$500–A$1,500+ depending on assessing authority; ancillary costs (English test, health examinations, police certificates) typically add A$700–A$1,200"
last_verified: 2026-05-18
canonical: https://publicservices.guide/australia/skilled-independent-189-491-points-test/
status: current
confidence: low
tags:
  - immigration
  - "skilled-migration"
  - "subclass-189"
  - "subclass-491"
  - "points-test"
  - skillselect
  - mltssl
  - eoi
sources:
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/expression-of-interest
  - https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/latest/text
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment/assessing-authorities
  - https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa
  - https://www.art.gov.au/applying-review/immigration-and-citizenship
  - https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/491
  - https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491
  - https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/foreign-passport-holders-permanent-migrants-and-temporary-visitors-tfn-application
---

# Skilled Independent (subclass 189) and Skilled Work Regional (491) — points-tested migration

**Country:** 🇦🇺 Australia  
**Last verified:** 2026-05-18  
**Estimated time:** Skills assessment 8–20 weeks; English test typically 1–3 weeks from booking to result; SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) submission immediate; invitation wait 0–24 months depending on points score, occupation, and quarterly round timing; 60-day strict window from invitation to lodgement; subclass 189 (Points-tested) Department decision typically 3 months for the fastest quartile, 12–15 months for the slowest decile; subclass 491 state-nomination decisions add a further 6 weeks to 6 months before SkillSelect invitation  
**Cost:** Visa application charge from A$4,910 for the primary applicant (effective 1 July 2025), with additional-applicant charges of approximately A$2,455 per adult and A$1,230 per dependent child; skills assessment A$500–A$1,500+ depending on assessing authority; ancillary costs (English test, health examinations, police certificates) typically add A$700–A$1,200

## Required documents

- **Valid passport** *(Passport (bio-data page))*
  - Required: Original current passport for the primary applicant and each accompanying family member
  - Cost: Already issued
  - _Note:_ The passport identity and travel history is the foundational record for the visa application and is also relied on by the assessing authority and the Department for the points-test eligibility evaluation.
- **Skills assessment result** *(Positive skills assessment)*
  - Issued by: The assessing authority listed against your nominated ANZSCO occupation on the Department's Skilled occupation list — for example ACS (ICT), Engineers Australia (engineering), VETASSESS (many general professional and trade occupations), CPA Australia or CA ANZ (accountancy), AHPRA (regulated health), TRA (trades)
  - Validity: Typically three years from issue; must be current at time of invitation
  - _Note:_ Applicants who pace the rest of the process too slowly find their skills assessment expires before invitation, which invalidates the EOI. Refresh the assessment well before the three-year mark if invitation has not yet arrived.
- **English language test result** *(Competent English minimum (IELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT / Cambridge C1 Advanced / OET))*
  - Required minimum: IELTS 6.0 in each of the four bands (Competent), PTE Academic 50 in each communicative skill, or equivalent under Migration Regulations 1994 IMMI 07/055
  - Validity: Three years from test date; must be current at time of invitation
  - Points-bearing tiers: Competent (no points), Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each band — 10 points), Superior (IELTS 8.0 each band — 20 points)
  - _Note:_ Higher English scores attract substantial points and are often the most accessible way to lift the EOI above the competitive threshold. A test result that expires between EOI submission and invitation invalidates the EOI.
- **Birth certificate** *(Civil registry birth record)*
  - Required: For the primary applicant and each accompanying family member
  - Where to get: Civil registry of the country of birth
  - _Note:_ Foreign-language certificates require an authorised translation. Apostille is not generally required for skilled migration document evidence but the document must be a verifiable original or certified copy.
- **Marriage certificate or de facto evidence** *(Civil registry marriage record / 12-month cohabitation evidence)*
  - Required: Where a partner is included in the application or a partner-skill points claim is made
  - De facto threshold: Minimum 12 months of cohabitation evidenced by joint financial accounts, shared housing, or other documentary evidence
  - _Note:_ De facto partners must satisfy the 12-month threshold or evidence registration of the relationship in a relevant jurisdiction. The same evidentiary standard applies to same-sex de facto partners.
- **Police clearance certificates** *(National police certificates from each country of 12+ months residence in the past 10 years)*
  - Required: From the police authority of every country where the applicant has lived for a cumulative 12 months or more in the previous 10 years, cleared after the 16th birthday
  - Cost: Varies by country, A$0–A$200+ per certificate
  - _Note:_ Police certificates often have a 12-month freshness window for visa purposes. Coordinate certificate requests with the expected invitation date to avoid re-procurement.
- **Health examination results** *(eMedical examination via approved panel physician)*
  - Issued by: Bupa Medical Visa Services in most countries, or an Australian-approved panel physician
  - Process: Health Examinations List (HAP ID) generated by the Department after visa lodgement; applicant books the examination and the panel physician uploads results electronically
  - _Note:_ Public Interest Criterion 4007 (health) governs. Applicants with significant health histories should request a health-waiver assessment early — significant unresolved health concerns can defeat an otherwise successful application.
- **Evidence of work experience** *(Payslips, employment contracts, employer references, tax returns)*
  - Required: For all points claims on overseas or Australian skilled employment — references on company letterhead, dated payslips, employment contracts, and (where available) tax returns or social-security statements
  - _Note:_ Skilled employment must be remunerated and at or above the duties of the nominated occupation. Unpaid internships and volunteer work generally do not count for the points-test claim.
- **Evidence of educational qualifications** *(Academic transcripts, degree certificates)*
  - Required: From the issuing institution for all qualifications claimed in the points test
  - Australian study qualifying: At least two academic years of study completed in Australia, leading to a qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, from a CRICOS-registered institution
  - _Note:_ Specialist Education Qualification (Master's by research or Doctorate in a STEM-related field from an Australian institution) attracts 10 points. Regional study (CRICOS-registered institution in a designated regional area) attracts an additional 5 points where the two-year study requirement is also met.
- **Form 80 and Form 1221** *(Personal particulars and additional personal particulars)*
  - Required: Standard background-check forms completed by the applicant and submitted with the visa application
  - _Note:_ Both forms are downloaded from the Department's form-listing portal. They capture detailed travel, residence, and personal history used by the security and character checks.
- **Partner skills evidence** *(Partner skills assessment and partner English test result)*
  - Required for 10 partner-skill points: Partner aged under 45, positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list, and Competent English
  - Alternative claims: 5 points if the partner has Competent English but no skills assessment; 10 points if the partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident; 10 points for a single applicant
  - _Note:_ Claiming partner-skill points without the partner meeting the under-45, skills-assessment, and English requirements is one of the most common points-claim errors and a frequent cause of refusal.
- **ImmiAccount and SkillSelect EOI** *(Federal Department of Home Affairs online accounts)*
  - Required: Free ImmiAccount; SkillSelect EOI submitted through the ImmiAccount
  - Cost: Free
  - _Note:_ The ImmiAccount is the universal credential for federal visa interaction in Australia — EOI submission, visa application lodgement, document upload, and decision communication all run through it.

## Costs

- **Visa application charge — primary applicant (subclass 189 Points-tested or subclass 491):** 4910 AUD — Effective 1 July 2025 following the annual 3% CPI indexation. The next indexation is scheduled for 1 July 2026.
- **Additional applicant charge — partner or dependant aged 18 and over:** 2455 AUD — Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
- **Additional applicant charge — dependent child under 18:** 1230 AUD — Approximate figure; verify exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs current visa pricing schedule at time of lodgement.
- **Second instalment — payable before grant where English-language shortfall applies:** 4890 AUD — Approximate figure; payable where the primary applicant or a family member has a Functional English shortfall under the Migration Regulations.
- **Expression of Interest submission via SkillSelect:** 0 AUD — The EOI is not a visa application — there is no charge. The visa application charge applies only after invitation and at the time of lodgement.
- **English language test (IELTS / PTE Academic / TOEFL iBT / OET):** 340–420 AUD — Range varies by provider and country of test centre. Re-sitting for a higher band is the most common way to add 10 or 20 points to an EOI score.
- **Health examination — single adult, panel physician:** 300–500 AUD — Per-person cost; dependants and partner are each examined separately. Some additional tests (chest X-ray, HIV test, hepatitis screening) may apply by age, intended stay duration, or country of residence.
- **Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) application fee — review of a refused decision:** 3580 AUD — Effective 1 July 2025 (previously A$3,496). A 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds; a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Time limit for lodging is generally 28 days from the date of the refusal decision.

## Steps

### 1. Confirm your occupation is on the Skilled occupation list and identify the assessing authority

- Search the Department of Home Affairs Skilled occupation list by ANZSCO four-digit unit-group code or occupation title
- For subclass 189, confirm the occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- For subclass 491 state nomination, also check the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the relevant state's own occupation list (e.g. the NSW Skills List, the Queensland Skilled Occupation List)
- Identify the assessing authority listed alongside your occupation — common authorities are ACS (ICT), Engineers Australia (engineering), VETASSESS (general professional and trade), CPA Australia or CA ANZ (accountancy), AHPRA (regulated health), TRA (trades)

> **Tip:** Where your occupation appears on more than one list, the most generous list for your intended visa is the one to rely on. State-specific occupation lists are an additional filter for 491 state nomination — they narrow rather than expand the federal MLTSSL/STSOL coverage.

_Links:_
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation list](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list)
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skills assessment assessing authorities](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment/assessing-authorities)

### 2. Apply for and obtain a positive skills assessment

- Apply directly to the relevant assessing authority — the application is submitted to the authority, not to the Department of Home Affairs
- Pay the skills-assessment fee, typically between A$500 and A$1,500 depending on authority and occupation
- Submit qualifications evidence, work-experience evidence, and any practical-test materials the authority requires
- Allow 8 to 20 weeks for the result depending on authority and complexity — for example ACS for ICT occupations typically 8 to 12 weeks, Engineers Australia 12 to 16 weeks, VETASSESS 12 to 20 weeks
- Receive a positive skills assessment; keep the reference number — you will enter it in the SkillSelect EOI

> **If this fails:** If the assessment outcome is unsuitable, identify the basis for the unfavourable finding and consider re-applying after addressing the gap (additional qualifications, additional supervised work experience, practical-test re-sit). The cost of a second assessment is comparable to the first.

### 3. Book and sit an approved English test

- Book one of the approved tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET
- Aim for the highest realistic band score — Competent at IELTS 6.0 each band attracts zero points, Proficient at IELTS 7.0 each band attracts 10 points, Superior at IELTS 8.0 each band attracts 20 points
- Receive the result and verify it is valid for at least the expected period to invitation (three years from test date)

> **Tip:** Re-sitting the English test for a higher band is the most accessible single-step points lift available to most applicants. The cost of a re-sit (A$340–A$420) is far lower than the points value of moving from Competent to Proficient or Superior — and the time investment is weeks, not the years required for additional skilled employment or Australian study.

### 4. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect

- Create a free ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs portal
- Within ImmiAccount, open SkillSelect and start a new Expression of Interest
- Enter all points-bearing claims accurately: age points, English language points, overseas skilled employment, Australian skilled employment, educational qualifications, Australian study, regional study, Specialist Education Qualification, Professional Year, Credentialled Community Language (NAATI), and partner skill
- Select the visa subclass(es) of interest — subclass 189, subclass 491 (state-nominated or family-sponsored), or both
- Submit the EOI free of charge; receive an acknowledgement in ImmiAccount

> **Tip:** The Department's view on EOI maintenance: 'EOIs must be updated when circumstances change, including English test results, work experience, qualifications, family composition, and nominated occupation; failure to update results in inaccurate points and rejection at processing.' Treat the EOI as a living record — update it promptly on any points-affecting change.

_Links:_
- [Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect Expression of Interest](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/expression-of-interest)

### 5. Obtain state/territory nomination or family sponsorship (subclass 491 only)

_Applies when: Subclass 491 applicants only — skip if applying for subclass 189_

- For the state-nomination route: submit a Registration of Interest through the relevant state portal in addition to the federal EOI — Live in Melbourne (Victoria), business.nsw.gov.au (NSW), migration.qld.gov.au (Queensland), migration.wa.gov.au (Western Australia), migration.sa.gov.au (South Australia), migration.tas.gov.au (Tasmania), act.gov.au/migration (ACT), or theterritory.com.au (Northern Territory)
- Each state applies its own occupation list, minimum work-experience threshold, residency rule, and priority sectors; state nomination is competitive and ROI rounds may close to new applications when allocation fills
- For the family-sponsorship route: an eligible family member (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, aged at least 18, living in a designated regional area) completes Form 1483 sponsorship application and Form 491FS statutory declaration
- Wait for the state nomination decision (typically 6 weeks to 6 months) or for the family sponsorship to be lodged through SkillSelect
- State nomination adds 15 points to the SkillSelect EOI

> **If this fails:** NSW closed Pathway 1 (working in regional NSW) and Pathway 3 (regional study) to new applications for the 2025-26 program year after demand exceeded allocation; Pathway 2 (invitation-only) remains the operative option. Other states have variable allocation pressure. Where the preferred state has closed its preferred pathway, an alternative state, an alternative pathway within the same state, or the family-sponsorship route may be open.

_Links:_
- [Live in Melbourne — 2025-26 Skilled visa nomination program](https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/2025-26-skilled-migration-visa-nomination-program)
- [NSW Government — Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)](https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491)

### 6. Receive an invitation to apply

- Invitations are issued through SkillSelect — quarterly rounds for the 2025-26 program year with tiered occupation prioritisation
- For subclass 189 Points-tested: the federal Department issues the invitation directly to candidates with the highest EOI scores in each occupation, subject to per-round allocation
- For subclass 491 state-nominated: the invitation is issued through SkillSelect on behalf of the nominating state after the state has decided the nomination
- For subclass 491 family-sponsored: the invitation is issued through SkillSelect after the family sponsorship is processed
- Receive the invitation by email and within ImmiAccount; the invitation specifies the 60-day lodgement window

### 7. Lodge the full visa application within 60 days of invitation

- Within ImmiAccount, open the invitation and start the visa application
- Pay the visa application charge — A$4,910 for the primary applicant, plus approximately A$2,455 per additional adult and A$1,230 per dependent child
- Upload all required documents — passport, skills assessment, English test result, civil-status documents, police certificates, work-experience evidence, qualification evidence, Form 80, Form 1221, and (where applicable) partner skills evidence
- Submit the application before the 60-day window closes

> **If this fails:** Late lodgement causes the invitation to lapse. The applicant must wait for a fresh invitation in a subsequent round, with no guarantee a fresh invitation will be issued. Where a document is genuinely delayed, notify the Department in writing within the window and seek a brief extension where genuine hardship applies.

### 8. Complete health examinations and police checks

- Receive a Health Examinations List (HAP ID) from the Department after lodgement, generated through eMedical
- Book health examinations with an approved panel physician — Bupa Medical Visa Services in most countries — and attend the examination
- The panel physician uploads results electronically; no paperwork transfer by the applicant is required
- Submit police clearance certificates for each country of 12+ months residence in the past 10 years; some certificates have a 12-month freshness window

> **Tip:** Public Interest Criterion 4007 governs health. Where the applicant has a known significant health history, request a health-waiver assessment early to surface any concern before the standard examination.

### 9. Receive the Department's decision

- The Department processes the application — 25% of subclass 189 (Points-tested) applications are decided in approximately 3 months, 50% in approximately 4–5 months, 75% in approximately 7–9 months, 90% in approximately 12–15 months
- Onshore applicants typically receive faster decisions than offshore applicants
- On grant: the Department issues a visa grant notification through ImmiAccount with the visa start date, conditions, and travel facility
- For subclass 189: permanent residency commences on grant; the travel facility allows multiple re-entry for five years, after which a Resident Return Visa is needed
- For subclass 491: provisional residency for five years subject to condition 8579 (live, work, and where applicable study in a designated regional area)

> **If this fails:** On refusal, the applicant has generally 28 days from the decision to lodge an application for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). The ART application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025; a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds and a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Alternatively the applicant can submit a fresh EOI and reapply — both options carry the same visa application charge and require addressing the basis for the original refusal.

### 10. Comply with conditions and plan onward residency

- Apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO Individual Auto Registration soon after arrival or grant — without a TFN, employer tax withholding defaults to approximately 47%
- Open a superannuation fund account and notify the employer of the fund choice
- For eligible permanent residents on subclass 189: apply for a Medicare card with Services Australia
- For subclass 491 holders: maintain residence, work, and (where applicable) study in the nominating state's designated regional area for the full five-year period; record evidence (lease, employment, tax returns) for the eventual subclass 191 application
- For onward subclass 191 application: after three consecutive years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900 as of 2025-26), lodge the subclass 191 Skilled Regional permanent visa application

> **Tip:** Keep the visa grant notification, all evidence of regional residence and skilled employment, and ATO income tax returns for at least three years — these are the operative evidence base for both the subclass 191 onward application and for any future citizenship-by-conferral application.

## FAQ

### What's the difference between subclass 189 and subclass 491?

Subclass 189 (Points-tested) is a permanent residence visa — the holder, partner, and dependants can live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely from grant. Subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa requiring the holder to live, work, and (where applicable) study in a designated regional area; after three years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900 as of 2025-26), the holder can apply for subclass 191 permanent residence. The 491 also requires state/territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship; the 189 does not. State nomination adds 15 points to the 491 EOI, which often lifts the score above the competitive threshold for applicants whose stand-alone points would not be invited under the 189 stream.

### What's the pass mark on the points test and what's the realistic competitive score?

65 is the minimum score required to submit an Expression of Interest — it does not guarantee or strongly imply an invitation. In practice, invitation cut-offs in most occupations sit between 80 and 95+ points. Applicants who lodge at 65 in moderate-demand occupations often wait the full two-year EOI validity period without invitation. The fastest ways to lift a score are Superior English (20 points at IELTS 8.0 each band), Australian study and regional study (10 points combined), a Specialist Education Qualification in STEM (10 points), a Professional Year (5 points), partner-skill points (up to 10 points), and NAATI accreditation (5 points).

### Does the Core Skills Occupation List used for the Skills in Demand visa apply to subclass 189 or 491?

No. The Core Skills Occupation List was created for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage 482 visa on 7 December 2024. For subclass 189 the operative list remains the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). For subclass 491 state nomination, both MLTSSL and the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are operative depending on the nominating state. Applicants who read 482-related guidance and assume the Combined Skilled Occupation List applies to a 189 or 491 application are working from the wrong list — verify against the Department's Skilled occupation list before lodging.

### How are subclass 491 invitation rounds run?

Federal Department invitations for subclass 189 (Points-tested) follow quarterly invitation rounds in the 2025-26 program year, with smaller per-round allocations and tiered occupation prioritisation. The 13 November 2025 round issued 10,000 invitations to subclass 189 candidates and 300 invitations to subclass 491 (Family Sponsored). State-nominated 491 invitations are issued directly by the state nominating body through SkillSelect and arrive separately from federal Department invitations. Each state runs its own Registration of Interest selection process with state-specific occupation lists, work-experience thresholds, and priority sectors — the federal MLTSSL is a starting filter, not the final filter, for state-nominated 491.

### What is the 60-day window after invitation?

Once SkillSelect issues an invitation to apply, the applicant has 60 days to lodge a complete visa application through ImmiAccount, pay the visa application charge, and submit Form 80, Form 1221, and all supporting documents. Late lodgement causes the invitation to lapse — the applicant must then wait for a new invitation in a subsequent round, with no guarantee of a fresh invitation. Applicants should have their documents ready at EOI submission so the 60-day window is comfortable, not stressful.

### What does 'designated regional area' actually cover for the subclass 491?

Designated regional area excludes only Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle, Geelong, and the entire rest of Australia outside the three excluded metros are designated regional. Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are also considered regional and case-by-case exceptions apply for border communities. This is broader than many applicants assume from common usage of 'regional' — most state capitals other than Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne are inside the designated zone.

### Has the Administrative Appeals Tribunal been replaced?

Yes. The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was established under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024. The ART hears merits reviews of reviewable migration decisions including refusals of subclass 189 and 491 visas. Older guidance referring to AAT should be read as ART for any decision made on or after 14 October 2024. The application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025; time limit for lodging review is generally 28 days from the date of decision for visa applicants in Australia.

### When should I apply for a Tax File Number?

Newly arrived subclass 189 grantees and onshore subclass 491 holders should apply for a Tax File Number through the ATO Individual Auto Registration soon after arrival or visa grant. Without a TFN, employers must withhold tax at the top marginal rate plus levy — typically 47% — until the TFN is provided. The TFN is issued by post to the Australian address on the application, typically within 28 days, and connects directly to the superannuation fund and (for eligible permanent residents) Medicare enrolment with Services Australia.

### Is the New Zealand or Hong Kong stream of subclass 189 an option for me?

Only in specific circumstances. The New Zealand stream is open only to subclass 444 Special Category visa holders who have been usually resident in Australia for at least five years and can show assessable taxable income at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53,900) for at least three of the most recent five income years (the most recent income year being one of the three). The Hong Kong stream is open only to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have held a qualifying subclass 457, 482, or 485 visa for at least four years and have been usually resident in Australia for the qualifying period. The Hong Kong stream is exempt from the points test and the skills assessment requirement. Both streams have materially different eligibility from the Points-tested stream.

### What happens if my application is refused?

A refused subclass 189 or 491 application can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) within 28 days of the date of decision (for applicants in Australia). The ART conducts a merits review — it assesses the case afresh rather than reviewing only the legal correctness of the original decision. The application fee is A$3,580; a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds and a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Alternatively the applicant can submit a fresh EOI and reapply — but with the same visa application charge and a potential reset of the invitation waiting time. Specialist migration advice is appropriate before choosing between review and reapplication.

## Sources

- [Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers without an employer sponsor. Three streams exist (Points-tested, New Zealand, Hong Kong). The Points-tested stream is governed by Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994 and requires age under 45 at invitation, a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), a positive skills assessment, at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent), satisfaction of Public Interest Criterion 4007 (health) and 4001/4002 (character), and a points score of at least 65 on the points test.
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-work-regional-provisional-491) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. State nomination adds 15 points to the EOI. The visa carries condition 8579: the holder and dependants must live, work, and where applicable study in a designated regional area. After three years of compliance plus minimum taxable income at the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, holders may apply for the subclass 191 Skilled Regional permanent visa.
- [Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect Expression of Interest](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/expression-of-interest) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — The Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted free of charge through SkillSelect via an ImmiAccount. The EOI is valid for two years from submission and can be updated to reflect new claims (e.g. a higher English score, additional work experience, completion of a Professional Year). The EOI is a pool entry — not an application — and triggers invitations from the Department or from state/territory nominating bodies.
- [Federal Register of Legislation — Migration Regulations 1994](https://www.legislation.gov.au/F1996B03551/latest/text) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Migration Regulations 1994 is the federal statutory instrument under the Migration Act 1958 that specifies the points test in Schedule 6D and prescribes the qualifications and number of points for subclasses 189, 190, 489, and 491 in regulation 2.26AC. The pass mark is 65 points.
- [Department of Home Affairs — Points table for subclass 189](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — The points-test pass mark is 65 points for invitation eligibility, but competitive scores in most occupations sit between 80 and 95+. Points are awarded for age (up to 30), English language (up to 20 for Superior at IELTS 8.0 each band), overseas skilled employment (up to 15), Australian skilled employment (up to 20), educational qualifications (up to 20), Australian study (5), regional study (5), Specialist Education Qualification in STEM (10), Professional Year (5), Credentialled Community Language via NAATI (5), and partner skill (up to 10).
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skilled occupation list](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) is the operative occupation list for subclass 189 (Points-tested). For subclass 491 state nomination, the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is also operative depending on the nominating state. The single Combined Skilled Occupation List used for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) does not apply to subclass 189 or 491 — MLTSSL/STSOL remain the operative lists for the points-tested General Skilled Migration stream.
- [Department of Home Affairs — Current visa pricing](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges/current-visa-pricing) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Visa application charges effective from 1 July 2025 following the annual 3% CPI indexation: subclass 189 and 491 primary applicant A$4,910; additional applicant charge approximately A$2,455 per adult aged 18 and over; additional applicant charge approximately A$1,230 per dependent child under 18; second instalment (where payable for English-language shortfall) approximately A$4,890. Annual indexation is scheduled for 1 July each year.
- [Department of Home Affairs — SkillSelect invitation rounds](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skillselect/invitation-rounds) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — For the 2025-26 program year the Department of Home Affairs has moved to quarterly invitation rounds for the Points-tested stream of subclass 189, with smaller per-round allocations and tiered occupation prioritisation. The 13 November 2025 round issued 10,000 invitations to subclass 189 candidates and 300 invitations to subclass 491 (Family Sponsored). State-nominated 491 invitations are issued directly by the state nominating body through SkillSelect, separately from any federal Department invitation.
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skills assessment assessing authorities](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skills-assessment/assessing-authorities) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Skills assessments are obtained from the assessing authority listed alongside each ANZSCO occupation. Common authorities: Australian Computer Society (ACS) for ICT, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS for many general professional and trade occupations, CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for accountancy, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for regulated health professions, Trades Recognition Australia for trade occupations. Skills assessments are typically valid for three years from issue and must be current at time of invitation.
- [Department of Home Affairs — Skilled visa processing priorities](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times/visa-processing-priorities/skilled-visa) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Standard processing times for subclass 189 (Points-tested) for the 2025-26 program year: 25% of applications decided in approximately 3 months, 50% in approximately 4–5 months, 75% in approximately 7–9 months, 90% in approximately 12–15 months. Subclass 491 federal decision processing is broadly similar once state nomination is approved. Onshore applicants typically receive faster decisions than offshore applicants due to faster background-check coordination.
- [Administrative Review Tribunal — Applying for review: Immigration and citizenship](https://www.art.gov.au/applying-review/immigration-and-citizenship) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) was established under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 and replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on 14 October 2024. The ART hears merits reviews of reviewable migration decisions including refusals of subclass 189 and 491 visas. The application fee is A$3,580 effective 1 July 2025 (previously A$3,496); a 50% reduction may be granted on financial hardship grounds; a successful review refunds 50% of the fee. Time limit for lodging review is generally 28 days from the date of decision for visa applicants in Australia.
- [Live in Melbourne (Victorian Government) — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)](https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/migrate/skilled-migration-visas/491) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Designated regional area for subclass 491 purposes covers all of Australia except Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle, Geelong, and the entire rest of Australia outside the three excluded metros are designated regional. Some outer suburbs of Melbourne are considered regional and case-by-case exceptions apply for border communities.
- [NSW Government — Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)](https://www.nsw.gov.au/visas-and-migration/skilled-visas/skilled-work-regional-visa-subclass-491) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — NSW operates three nomination pathways for subclass 491: Pathway 1 (working in regional NSW with minimum six months ongoing skilled employment), Pathway 2 (invitation-only), and Pathway 3 (regional study). For the 2025-26 program year NSW closed Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 to new applications after demand exceeded allocation; Pathway 2 remains open. The NSW nomination application fee is A$330.
- [Australian Taxation Office — Tax File Number application for foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/tax-file-number/apply-for-a-tfn/foreign-passport-holders-permanent-migrants-and-temporary-visitors-tfn-application) — accessed 2026-05-18 — _T1_ — Newly arrived skilled migrants with a work-rights visa apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) online via the ATO's Individual Auto Registration. TFN issuance is free. Standard processing time: the TFN is posted to the Australian address on the application within 28 days. Without a TFN, employers must withhold tax at the top marginal rate plus levy — typically 47% — until the TFN is provided.

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