Overview — 2025–26 migration program
The Australian government has maintained the permanent migration cap for 2025–26 at 185,000 places. Skilled migration remains the largest share of this program and continues to be used to address labour shortages across health, engineering, IT and trade sectors. Within the skilled stream, there is a notable policy shift: allocation emphasis has moved toward employer-sponsored, state-nominated and regional pathways, while purely independent allocations have become more constrained.
Key changes and recent developments
National Innovation visa
The previous talent-based visas have been consolidated into a single National Innovation visa stream. This new stream has dedicated places within the skilled migration allocation and aims to streamline innovation and high-talent pathways. Applicants currently in older talent-based processes continue under their original arrangements until finalised.
Allocation shifts
Employer-sponsored and regional/state-nominated visas now receive a larger share of skilled places compared with independent skilled visas. Independent skilled visa allocations (for example Subclass 189) have been reduced compared with previous years. This makes state nomination and employer-sponsored routes comparatively more viable for many applicants.
State and regional nominations
State and territory governments publish their own nomination programs and occupation lists. Allocations can begin as interim amounts and be updated later. Because state allocations are limited, timing is important: register EOIs early and monitor state nomination announcements.
Income thresholds and fees
From 1 July 2025, minimum income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas were indexed upward and visa application fees for several skilled subclasses were adjusted. For employer-sponsored pathways, wages must meet or exceed the updated thresholds or prevailing market rates.
- Independent skilled routes remain available but are more competitive due to fewer allocations.
- State nomination and regional visas are important alternatives if you are flexible about location.
- Employer-sponsored pathways remain important but require employers to meet updated wage thresholds.
Which GSM visas do not require an employer?
The main GSM visas that allow you to migrate without an employer offer are:
- Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent: no employer, no state nomination required. Points-tested. Permanent residency on grant.
- Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated: no employer required; you must be nominated by a state or territory. Permanent residency on grant.
- Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (provisional): state-nominated regional visa; employer offer is not required unless you choose an employer-sponsored pathway. 5-year provisional visa with a pathway to PR.
By contrast, visas such as Subclass 482, Subclass 186 and Subclass 494 require employer sponsorship and a job offer.
Complete step-by-step application procedure (189, 190, 491)
Step 1 — Confirm occupation eligibility
Check the current Skilled Occupation List relevant to the visa subclass and, for state-nominated visas, check the state occupation lists. If multiple states accept your occupation, your chances improve.
Step 2 — Calculate your points
Calculate points for age, English ability, education, skilled employment, partner skills, Australian study or experience, and state nomination where applicable. The minimum pass mark is 65 points, but competitive occupations often require higher scores.
Step 3 — Take an approved English test
Book and sit an accepted English test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, etc.). Submit your test results with your EOI. Higher scores (e.g. IELTS 7 or 8) give additional points.
Step 4 — Obtain a skills assessment
Apply to the assessing authority for your nominated occupation (for example Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, AITSL, ANMAC). A positive skills assessment is required before lodging an Expression of Interest. Processing typically takes 1–4 months; prepare education certificates, employment references, and other evidence.
Step 5 — Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect including your occupation, skills assessment outcome, English scores and claimed points. For 190 and 491, specify which states you wish to be considered by and whether you are willing to live regionally.
Step 6 — Apply for state/territory nomination (190 and 491)
If seeking state nomination, lodge the nomination application with the relevant state. Each state has its own eligibility rules: some require job offers, some prioritise applicants with specific local experience or qualifications.
Step 7 — Wait for an invitation to apply
Invitations are issued to EOIs by the Department of Home Affairs (for 189) or by state governments (for 190/491). Invitation likelihood depends on points, occupation demand, and state allocations.
Step 8 — Prepare supporting documents
Gather identity documents, skills assessment outcome, English test results, employment references and payslips, academic transcripts, police certificates (for countries where you lived 12+ months) and any required health checks. Ensure foreign documents have certified English translations where necessary.
Step 9 — Lodge the visa application via ImmiAccount
After receiving an invitation, submit the visa application online in ImmiAccount, upload all documents and pay the application fee. Double-check required documentation to reduce chances of requests for more information.
Step 10 — Respond to departmental requests and wait for decision
Immigration may request additional evidence, updated police checks or medicals. Respond promptly. Processing times vary: subclasses 189, 190 and 491 typically take several months depending on individual circumstances.
Step 11 — Visa grant and next steps
On grant, Subclass 189 and 190 provide permanent residency; Subclass 491 is a provisional 5-year visa with a pathway to PR after meeting residence and work requirements. After grant, arrange Medicare, open bank accounts, finalise travel plans and prepare for relocation.
1. Confirm occupation and assessing authority
2. Book and complete English test
3. Apply for and obtain skills assessment
4. Calculate points and prepare EOI
5. Submit EOI in SkillSelect
6. Apply for state nomination if applying for 190/491
7. Wait for invitation
8. Gather passport, certificates, references, police checks
9. Lodge visa application in ImmiAccount and pay fee
10. Complete medicals and respond to departmental requests
11. Prepare for arrival and PR compliance
Practical tips and strategy
- Consider state nomination or regional pathways if independent invitations are slow or scarce for your occupation.
- Improve your points where possible: higher English scores, additional qualifications, or partner skills can make a material difference.
- Obtain detailed employer references describing duties, hours and dates — assessing authorities and immigration officers value specificity.
- Monitor state nomination announcements and act quickly when programs open; many states operate on limited allocations.
- If pursuing employer-sponsored routes, ensure the employer meets current wage thresholds and sponsorship obligations.
