VisaEnvoy are here to help and guide you with Expressions of Interest, Skill Assessment applications, State or Family sponsorship, points test applications (subclass 189 and 190 visa) and subclass 485 Skilled Graduate visas. The 189, 190 and 491 visas are points tested, with a pass mark of 65. From 1 July 2026 the visa application charge for the main applicant is $6,135 for the 189 visa and $6,140 for the 190 and 491 visas. See skilled visa costs.Which skilled visa is right for me?
Visa
Type
Who it suits
Places 2026-27
189 Skilled Independent
Permanent
Strong points scores in an occupation on the MLTSSL. No sponsor needed.
21,090
190 Skilled Nominated
Permanent
People nominated by a state or territory, often already living or working there.
35,500
491 Skilled Work Regional
Provisional (5 years), PR through the 191 after 3 years
People willing to live and work in regional Australia, nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible relative.
14,110
858 National Innovation
Permanent
People with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement.
3,500 (Talent and Innovation)
Skilled visa guides
What are the basic eligibility requirements for the Subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) visa?
To be eligible for the Points-tested stream, you must:
- Be invited in writing by the Minister to application
- Be under 45 years of age at the time the invitation is issued
- Nominate a skilled occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Hold a suitable and valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation (provisional skills assessments for Subclass 485 are not acceptable)
- Have at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS score of at least 6 in each of the 4 components, or equivalent) at the time of invitation
- Score at least 65 points (or the score specified in your invitation) on the points test
How long is my Skills Assessment valid for my Subclass 189/190/491 visa application?
Your skills assessment must be valid at the time of invitation. It will not satisfy the requirements if:
- It has already expired according to the validity or expiry date specified on the assessment itself.
- More than 2-3 years have elapsed from its date of issue to the date of your invitation.
How long are my English language test results valid?
For points-tested skilled visas, your English language test results must be no more than 3 years old from the date the invitation to apply was issued. This applies to demonstrating Competent English (the threshold requirement), as well as Proficient or Superior English (for claiming points). There are no exceptions to this validity period.
Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
