- Australia has confirmed two skilled visa pathways that grant permanent residency directly upon approval, without requiring applicants to go through a provisional visa stage
- The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) use a points-based system, with a minimum of 65 points required to qualify for an invitation
- Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying. Once invited, they have 60 days to lodge their visa application
Australia has two skilled migration visas that grant permanent residency upon approval, giving eligible applicants a route to settle in the country without first holding a provisional visa.
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The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are permanent visas. This distinguishes them from the Skilled Work Regional provisional visa (subclass 491), which may lead to permanent residency later.
How the visa application process works
Applicants for the 189 and 190 visas must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. They then need to receive an invitation before lodging a full visa application.
Both pathways use a points-based system. Applicants are assessed on factors such as age, qualifications, work experience and English-language ability. The minimum score for consideration is 65 points, but reaching that mark does not guarantee an invitation.
The two visas have different nomination requirements. Applicants for the 189 visa do not need nomination from a state, territory or employer. Those applying for the 190 visa must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
People who receive an invitation have 60 days to submit their application through ImmiAccount. They must also check that their occupation appears on an approved skilled occupation list.
What applicants should know
The Department of Home Affairs page cited in the report was last updated on 7 October 2026. It said the next invitation round for the 189 visa was expected by 31 October 2026, and advised people with active EOIs to ensure their details were accurate and up to date.
The pathways may appeal to skilled workers considering a move abroad, including Kenyans exploring options to live and work overseas. Successful applicants receive permanent residency when their visa is granted, allowing them to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
Applicants whose partners do not meet the points threshold on their own can also consider whether the partner qualifies as the primary applicant, with the other included as a family member on the application.
Source: Legit.ng
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