Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
A points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers. The points-tested stream does not require state, territory or employer sponsorship.
Residence & Immigration
Australia migration pathways for skills, employers and innovation.
Australia's current framework includes points-tested skilled visas, state and territory nomination, regional routes, employer sponsorship and an invitation-only pathway for exceptional achievement.
Discuss your profile
Route typesPoints-tested · Nominated · Regional · Employer · Innovation
Core dependenciesOccupation, assessment, invitation, nomination or sponsorship
Planning focusEligibility, competitiveness and state criteria must align
At a glance
A route comparison built around your real circumstances.
Occupation, skills assessment, English, points, age, nomination priorities and employer demand interact differently across Australian routes. MAYA GROUP helps applicants identify the pathway that their profile can support and the dependencies that must be resolved first.
Program rules, selection priorities and processing conditions change. Every strategy therefore begins with a current-rule check and an individual review; public information is a starting point, not personal immigration advice.
Principal pathways
Routes to understand first.
These are high-level summaries. Eligibility and evidence should be confirmed against the rules in force when an application strategy is prepared.
Subclass 190 · 491
Nominated and Regional
State- or territory-linked options for invited skilled applicants. Subclass 190 is permanent, while subclass 491 is provisional and may lead to permanent residence when relevant conditions are met.
482 · 186 · 494
Employer-Sponsored Pathways
Current employer options include the temporary Skills in Demand visa, the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme and the regional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa.
Subclass 858
National Innovation Visa
An invitation-only permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, supported by an eligible nominator.
Decision standard
Being eligible to express interest is not the same as being likely to receive an invitation.
A sound plan considers current occupation settings, skills-assessment rules, points, state nomination criteria, employer sponsorship viability and the quality of evidence supporting an exceptional-achievement case.
Important considerations
Occupation lists, state nomination criteria and annual allocations change regularly.
An expression of interest is not a pre-assessment and does not guarantee an invitation or visa.
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage visa in December 2024.
The National Innovation visa replaced the former Global Talent route and is invitation-only.
How Maya coordinates the journey
A disciplined path from first review to next-stage planning.
Eligibility mapping
Review age, occupation, qualifications, work, English, achievements and employer connections.
Dependency check
Identify skills assessment, nomination, sponsorship, invitation and evidence requirements.
Route comparison
Compare permanent, provisional and temporary pathways against the family's real objectives.
Application coordination
Sequence expressions of interest, nomination or sponsorship and visa documentation.
Relocation planning
Coordinate practical education, banking, property and arrival needs around the chosen route.
Frequently asked questions
Questions to resolve before choosing the route.
These answers are general and do not replace an assessment by appropriately authorised professionals in the relevant jurisdiction.
Both are points-tested permanent pathways. Subclass 189 is independent, while subclass 190 requires nomination by an Australian state or territory and carries associated commitments and criteria.
No. The minimum threshold does not guarantee selection. Invitation outcomes can depend on occupation, points, invitation rounds, state priorities and allocation settings.
Employer-sponsored permanent options may be available, including subclass 186, but the employer, role and applicant must meet the requirements of the relevant stream.
It is an invitation-only route for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. An expression of interest is required before invitation.
Australia private assessment
Begin with your profile, evidence and long-term objective.
Tell us why Australia is under consideration, who the plan needs to include and what the move should make possible. MAYA GROUP will use that context to frame an initial route review.
Private & confidential
Tell us about your plans.
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