Apply for
General Skilled Migration
Unlock Your Pathway to Permanent Residency with Australia’s Skilled Migration Visas
Australia’s Points-Tested Skilled Visas offer talented professionals the opportunity to build a long-term future in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse countries. Through visas such as the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), eligible applicants can secure direct Permanent Residency, unlocking access to Australia’s high-quality lifestyle, employment opportunities, and long-term settlement benefits.
For those open to regional pathways, the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) provides a structured route toward Permanent Residency via the Subclass 191 visa. With the right guidance, skilled workers can navigate the points system, improve their eligibility, and choose the visa pathway that best aligns with their goals. At Knowbal, we simplify the entire journey—helping you understand your points score, state nomination options, and the PR pathway that fits your profile
TYPES OF
General Skilled Migration- Points Tested Skilled Visas
| Feature | Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 | Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Permanent visa for skilled workers who do not require employer sponsorship and wish to live and work anywhere in Australia. | Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in specific regions of Australia. | Provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional areas of Australia, leading to a pathway for PR after 3 years. |
| Permanent or temporary | Permanent resident visa from the date of grant. | Permanent resident visa from the date of grant. | Provisional visa (up to 5 years) that leads to permanent residency if conditions are met after 3 years. |
| Applicant location at time of application | Can be in or outside Australia when lodging the application. | Can be in or outside Australia when lodging the application, but must be nominated by a state or territory. | Can be in or outside Australia when applying, but must be nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative. |
| Age requirement | Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation. | Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation. | Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation. |
The Knowbal Visa Application Process
Applying for the General Skilled Migration- Points Tested Skilled Visas can feel complicated, but Knowbal is here to support you at every stage. Here’s how we simplify the application process
Initial Consultation
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Assigning an Expert Agent
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Document Preparation
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
Submitting the Application
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Ongoing Updates
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
FAQs
To increase your chances, focus on:
- Maximising your points score by improving English proficiency, gaining more skilled work experience, or completing additional qualifications.
- Consider state or territory nominations for the 190 visa — this boosts your points and gives you a higher chance of getting invited.
If you’re considering the 491 visa, aim for work experience in regional areas, as this can make you more competitive and may lead to preference by the state, but it does not fetch additional points for your PR pathway.
Book a consultation to assess your current points and discuss tailored strategies to improve your chances!
Yes, you can change your employer, but for the 190 visa, you must continue living and working in the nominated state or territory for the first two years. If you change your occupation, ensure that it is still on the MLTSSL or the state-specific list.
It’s important to consult with a migration agent to ensure that any job or occupation change doesn’t jeopardise your visa status or PR plans.
Yes, Can apply as long as the occupation is in the STSOL or ROL.
We can help you navigate the requirements and explore state or territory sponsorship opportunities to strengthen your PR pathway.
If you apply for the 491 visa and live in a regional area, you may need to continue living in that region for at least 3 years before applying for permanent residency under the 191 visa. If you move to a non-regional area before meeting the residency requirement, you might lose your pathway to PR.
While completing a Professional Year (PY) or achieving a NAATI certification isn’t mandatory, these can significantly help you in increasing your points score, especially for occupations related to engineering, IT, and accounting.
Completing a PY or gaining language proficiency through NAATI will make you more competitive in the points test and help with PR pathways.
If you don’t receive an invitation because of a low points score, you can:
- Increase your points by improving your English language test score, gaining more work experience, or applying for a skills assessment in a different occupation.
- Consider applying for the 491 visa for more time to meet the requirements for 189 or 190.
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