Skilled migration
Planning to live and work in Australia?
Start with your situation. We can help you understand the right area to discuss in a professional consultation.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
Official source: Skilled visas
Who this may suit
People exploring work and skilled pathways.
What we can discuss
Your circumstances, timing and relevant next steps.
Prepare for your consultation
Bring visa details, skills or work information, and questions.
Related information
189, 190 or 491? Points, nomination and regional options compared.
“From securing my visa to receiving my invitation, the team at saviemec Migration made everything smooth and stress-free.”
Useful before you book
View resourcesAbout skilled migration
Skilled migration lets you live and work in Australia permanently, or provisionally in a regional area, based on your occupation, skills and points. Your points score, occupation and state options decide which visa is realistic.
We start by calculating your points and checking your occupation, then build a plan covering skills assessment, English, EOI and state nomination.
Your visa options
How many points do you have?
Most skilled visas need at least 65 points, and invitations often go to higher scores. Points come from your age, English, work experience, qualifications, Australian study, your partner's skills and state nomination. We'll calculate your score and show you how to raise it.
Download PDF
Skilled migration checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Skilled visas (subclass 189, 190 and 491)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189), main applicant | $6,135 |
| Skilled Nominated (190) or Skilled Work Regional (491), main applicant | $6,140 |
| Each additional applicant aged 18 or over | $3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 $1,540 for the 189. | $1,535 |
| Skills assessment Charged by the assessing authority, not Home Affairs. | Varies |
Ready to check your skilled visa options?
Book a points check with our registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?
The 189 is a permanent visa that needs no sponsor. The 190 is permanent and needs a state or territory nomination. The 491 is a 5-year regional visa, sponsored by a state, territory or eligible relative, with a pathway to permanent residency through the 191.
How do I start a skilled visa application?
Most people start with a positive skills assessment and an English test result, then submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. You can only apply for the visa after you receive an invitation.
How many points do I need for a skilled visa?
The minimum pass mark is 65 points, but invitations often go to people with higher scores, depending on the occupation. Points come from age, English, work experience, qualifications and other factors. Book a points check to see where you stand.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.