Points-tested, employer-backed or family — map your route to permanent residency.
| Visa | Type | Requires | 2026–27 places | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189 Skilled Independent | Permanent | Points test only — no sponsor | 21,090 | Live and work anywhere; most competitive |
| 190 Skilled Nominated | Permanent | State/territory nomination (+5 points) | 35,500 | Each state publishes its own occupation lists and conditions |
| 491 Skilled Work Regional | Provisional (5 yrs) | State nomination or eligible family sponsor (+15 points) | Part of 14,110 regional | Leads to PR via subclass 191 after 3 years regional |
All three run on SkillSelect: submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), receive an invitation if your score ranks high enough, then apply. You must be under 45, have a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, and meet English requirements. Start at the official SkillSelect page.
Pass mark: 65. Realistic invitation scores in popular occupations: often 80–95+ for the 189. State nomination (190/491) is how most candidates bridge the gap.
Employer Nomination Scheme (186) — the workhorse of the 2026–27 program with a record 58,040 employer-sponsored places. Three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (after 2 years on a 482 with your sponsor), Direct Entry (skills assessment + experience) and Labour Agreement. From 1 July 2026 the CSIT salary floor is AUD $79,499.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) 191 — converts 491/494 holders to PR after 3 years of regional living, working and tax returns.
Most PR holders can apply for citizenship after 4 years of lawful residence including 12 months as a PR, with absences under 12 months total (and under 90 days in the final year). Then: a citizenship test, a ceremony, and one very good day.