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    Australia

    Australia Skilled Migration: Points System & Visa Options in 2026

    8 min readMarch 10, 2026
    Quick Answer

    Australia's skilled migration uses a points-based system requiring 65+ points based on age, English, qualifications, and work experience. The Subclass 189 (independent) needs no sponsorship, 190 (state-nominated) adds 5 points, and 491 (regional) adds 15 points with a path to PR after 3 years.

    Table of Contents▼

    Australia's skilled migration program is one of the most structured immigration systems in the world. It uses a points-based assessment to select skilled professionals who can contribute to the Australian economy.

    How the Points System Works

    You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible. Points are awarded for:

    FactorMaximum Points

    |--------|---------------|

    Age (25-32)30
    English (Superior)20
    Work experience (8+ years overseas)15
    Education (PhD)20
    Australian study5
    Specialist education10
    Partner skills10
    State nomination5-15

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    Visa Subclasses

    Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent

  1. • No state nomination required
  2. • Permanent residency on grant
  3. • Highest points threshold

    4. Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated

  4. • Requires state/territory nomination (+5 points)
  5. • Must live in nominating state for 2 years
  6. • Permanent residency on grant

    7. Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional

  7. • Provisional visa (5 years)
  8. • +15 points for regional nomination
  9. • Pathway to PR via Subclass 191

    10. Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

    Your occupation must be on the relevant SOL. Key occupations include:

  10. • Software Engineers
  11. • Accountants
  12. • Nurses
  13. • Civil Engineers
  14. • Chefs
  15. • Electricians

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    Processing Timeline

  16. • Expression of Interest: Immediate
  17. • Invitation to Apply: 2-12 months
  18. • Visa processing: 6-12 months

    19. Maximize your points score with Garg Brothers's skilled migration experts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many points do I need for Australia PR?+
    Minimum 65 points are required, but competitive scores are typically 80-90+ for popular occupations. Points come from age (max 30), English (max 20), qualifications (max 20), work experience (max 20), and bonus factors like state nomination or partner skills.
    How long does Australia PR processing take?+
    Processing times vary by visa subclass: 189 visa takes 6-12 months, 190 visa takes 6-9 months, and 491 regional visa takes 8-14 months. Faster processing is possible with complete applications and occupations in high demand.
    Is Australia PR harder to get than Canada PR?+
    Generally yes. Australia requires a skills assessment, minimum 65 points (competitive scores are 80+), and your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list. Canada's Express Entry is more accessible with more frequent draws and PNP options.
    Can I apply for Australia PR from India?+
    Yes. Many Indian professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and accounting qualify for Australian skilled migration. You need a skills assessment from the relevant authority, IELTS/PTE scores, and 65+ points on the points test.
    What occupations are in demand for Australia immigration?+
    Top in-demand occupations include software engineers, registered nurses, civil engineers, accountants, electricians, chefs, and mechanical engineers. Check the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for the complete list.

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