We provide strategic guidance for Australia’s points-tested migration pathways, helping skilled
professionals secure invitations and achieve permanent or provisional residency.
Australia’s skilled migration program is competitive and requires careful planning, accurate points
calculation, and strong alignment between occupation, skills assessment, and state or federal
requirements.
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent
Residency)
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an
employer, state, or family member.
Key features:
- Direct permanent residency
- No requirement for employer or state sponsorship
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Requires invitation through the SkillSelect system
- Occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
Ideal for:
Highly qualified applicants with strong points who can compete independently in the invitation
rounds.
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (State Nomination)
The Subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an
Australian state or territory government.
Key features: - Direct permanent residency
- Requires nomination from a state or territory
- Provides additional points (currently 5 points)
- Applicants must meet specific state requirements
- Commitment to live and work in the nominating state
Ideal for:
Applicants who may not have sufficient points for Subclass 189 but can qualify through state
nomination pathways.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa (Provisional)
The Subclass 491 visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/
territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in regional Australia.
Key features: - 5-year provisional visa
- Requires living and working in regional Australia
- Provides additional points (currently 15 points)
- Access to permanent residency through Subclass 191 (after meeting criteria)
- Broader occupation lists compared to Subclass 189
Ideal for:
Applicants seeking a regional pathway with increased invitation opportunities and a clear route to
permanent residency.
Our Expertise
At Melton Migration, we provide end-to-end strategic support to maximise your success in the
skilled migration program:
Points Optimisation - Accurate calculation of points
- Advice on improving points (English, experience, partner skills, NAATI, etc.)
- Strategic planning to meet invitation thresholds
EOI (Expression of Interest) Preparation - Structuring a strong SkillSelect profile
- Ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Positioning your application competitively
State Nomination Strategy - Identifying suitable states based on occupation and profile
- Meeting specific state criteria and documentation requirements
- Preparing nomination applications
Skills Assessment Alignment - Selecting the correct assessing authority
- Preparing employment and qualification evidence
- Ensuring alignment with ANZSCO occupation requirements
Our Approach
Skilled migration is not just about meeting minimum criteria—it is about being competitive in a
dynamic system.
At Melton Migration, we: - Analyse invitation trends and occupation ceilings
- Align your profile with the most realistic pathway
- Reduce risk of refusal through accurate and consistent applications
- Provide a clear migration strategy, not just a visa application