Important
This article is general information only.
Workinitiatives does not provide migration advice, legal advice, education advice, visa eligibility assessments, or visa application support.
Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or speak with a registered migration agent before making decisions about a visa application.
What are skilled independent visa options?
Skilled independent and nominated visas are for people who may be eligible to live and work in Australia based on their skills, occupation, qualifications, experience, points score, nomination, or previous visa history.
Some visa options require an invitation to apply. Some require nomination by an Australian state or territory government. Others may be available to people who have previously lived and worked in regional Australia on an eligible visa.
The Department of Home Affairs explains that Australia has a range of visas that allow skilled workers to come to Australia to live and work and use their skills.
Common skilled independent and nominated visa options
Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189, is a permanent visa for invited workers and eligible New Zealand citizens with skills Australia needs.
The Department of Home Affairs describes the subclass 189 visa as being for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with needed skills, allowing them to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
General points to know:
you must usually be invited to apply
you must usually be a skilled worker
your occupation may need to be on a relevant skilled occupation list
you may need to meet points test requirements
eligible New Zealand citizens may have specific eligibility pathways
this visa can allow eligible applicants to live and work permanently in Australia
Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190
The Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, is a permanent visa for nominated skilled workers.
The Department of Home Affairs describes the subclass 190 visa as allowing nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents.
General points to know:
you must usually be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency
you must usually score at least 65 points on the points test
you must usually be under 45 when invited to apply
your occupation may need to be on a relevant skilled occupation list
you may need to meet English language, skills assessment, health, and character requirements
National Innovation visa, subclass 858
The National Innovation visa, subclass 858, is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants.
The Global Talent visa closed to new applications on 6 December 2024 and has been replaced by the National Innovation visa.
The Department of Home Affairs describes the National Innovation visa as a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from across the world, including established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to Australia’s future prosperity.
General points to know:
this visa is for people with exceptional or outstanding achievements
you may need to submit an Expression of Interest
an Expression of Interest is not a visa application
you may need to be invited to apply
you may need to be nominated by an eligible person or organisation
this is a specialised visa pathway and may not suit most skilled workers
Skilled Regional visa, subclass 887
The Skilled Regional visa, subclass 887, is for people who have lived and worked in specified areas of regional Australia on a previous eligible visa.
General points to know:
you must usually hold or have held an eligible previous visa
you must usually have lived in a specified regional area of Australia
you must usually have worked in a specified regional area of Australia
you must apply online
this visa may allow eligible applicants to live in Australia permanently
Basic eligibility factors
Eligibility depends on the specific visa subclass and stream.
Some skilled independent or nominated visa options may require:
Requirement | What it means |
Skilled occupation | Your occupation may need to appear on a relevant skilled occupation list |
Invitation to apply | Some visas require you to receive an invitation before applying |
Points test | Some visas require a minimum points score |
State or territory nomination | Some visas require nomination by an Australian state or territory government |
Eligible previous visa | Some visas require that you hold or have held a specific previous visa |
Regional residence or work | Some visas require you to have lived and worked in regional Australia |
English language requirements | You may need to meet minimum English language requirements |
Skills assessment | You may need a suitable skills assessment for your occupation |
Age requirement | Some skilled visas have age requirements |
Health and character checks | You may need to meet health and character requirements |
Not all requirements apply to every visa. Always check the official visa page for the subclass you are interested in.
SkillSelect and Expression of Interest
Some skilled visas require you to submit an Expression of Interest, also known as an EOI, through SkillSelect.
SkillSelect is the Australian Government’s online system for skilled workers who want to express their interest in applying for a visa to live and work in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs states that you need to be invited to apply for a skilled visa, and submitting an EOI lets the department know you are interested in being invited.
An EOI is not the same as a visa application.
Where to check official visa information
Use the Department of Home Affairs website for current information about skilled visa eligibility, application requirements, processing, and visa conditions.
Useful official resources include:
Department of Home Affairs visa list
Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189
Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190
National Innovation visa, subclass 858
Skilled Regional visa, subclass 887
Skilled occupation list
SkillSelect
ImmiAccount
The skilled occupation list summarises occupations Australia needs to fill skill shortages, and different skilled visa subclasses may use different occupation lists.
Seeking migration advice
Skilled visa pathways can be complex.
You should consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified migration professional if you are unsure about:
which skilled visa may suit your situation
whether your occupation is eligible
whether you meet the points test
whether you need a skills assessment
whether you need state or territory nomination
whether you need an invitation to apply
whether your previous visa may help you qualify
what documents you need
You can use Migration Marketplace to browse and book consultations with migration specialists.
Troubleshooting
I do not know which skilled visa is right for me
Start by reviewing the Department of Home Affairs visa list and SkillSelect information.
If you are unsure, speak with a registered migration agent.
I want a visa that does not require employer sponsorship
You may want to review skilled independent or nominated visa options such as subclass 189 or subclass 190.
These visas still have eligibility requirements and may require an invitation, points test, skilled occupation, nomination, or other criteria.
I need state or territory nomination
Review the subclass 190 visa information and check the relevant state or territory nomination requirements.
Each state or territory may have its own requirements, occupation lists, and nomination process.
I have lived and worked in regional Australia
You may want to review the subclass 887 visa if you previously held an eligible visa and lived and worked in a specified regional area of Australia.
Check the official requirements before applying.
I found information about the Global Talent visa
The Global Talent visa is closed to new applications as of 6 December 2024.
Review the National Innovation visa, subclass 858, for current information about Australia’s replacement pathway for exceptional talent.