What is the Australian skilled migration points test?+
The points test is a scoring system used by the Department of Home Affairs to rank skilled migration applicants. Points are awarded for age (max 30 points), English language ability (max 20 points), overseas work experience (max 15 points), Australian work experience (max 20 points), educational qualifications (max 20 points), and other factors like partner skills, regional study, and NAATI certification. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but competitive scores are typically 80-95+ depending on the occupation and visa subclass.
What is the difference between visa 189, 190, and 491?+
Visa 189 (Skilled Independent) is a permanent visa that does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship — you apply directly based on your points score. Visa 190 (Skilled Nominated) is a permanent visa requiring state/territory nomination, which adds 5 points to your score. Visa 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a provisional 5-year visa requiring state nomination or family sponsorship in a regional area, adding 15 points. After 3 years on a 491, you can apply for permanent residency (visa 191).
How long does it take to get an Australian PR visa?+
Processing times vary significantly by visa subclass. As of 2025-26, visa 189 typically takes 6-12 months from invitation to grant. Visa 190 takes 6-14 months. Visa 491 takes 6-12 months. However, the total timeline includes skills assessment (2-6 months), EOI submission and invitation wait (1-12+ months depending on points and occupation), and then the application processing itself. Use our Processing Times tracker for the latest data.
What is an EOI (Expression of Interest)?+
An EOI is submitted through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs online system. It is not a visa application — it is an expression of your interest in being invited to apply for a skilled visa. Your EOI is ranked by points score and submission date. When the Department or a state runs an invitation round, they invite the highest-scoring EOIs. You only get 60 days to lodge your actual visa application after receiving an invitation.
What is ANZSCO and why does it matter?+
ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) is the occupation classification system used for skilled migration. Each occupation has a unique code (e.g., 261313 for Software Engineer). Your ANZSCO code determines which visa subclasses you are eligible for, which states will nominate you, which assessing authority reviews your skills, and your competitiveness in invitation rounds. Choosing the correct ANZSCO code is critical to your application.