Permanent Residency Categories
Compare Subclasses 491, 189, 190, and 186 to find your migration pathway.
Migration Classes
Permanent Residency Visas
Review Australia's primary points-based skilled migration and employer-sponsored permanent residency categories.
Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491)
- Sponsorship: State or Eligible Family Sponsor
- Location Rules: Designated regional areas only
- System Parameters: Points-based system (grants 15 extra points for regional nomination)
- PR Pathway: Pathway to permanent subclass 191 regional visa after 3 years
- Family Inclusion: Eligible partner and dependent children can be included
Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)
- Sponsorship: State or Territory Government nomination
- Location Rules: Commitment to live/work in nominating state for 2 years
- System Parameters: Points-based system (grants 5 extra points for state nomination)
- PR Pathway: Direct permanent residency from day one of visa grant
- Family Inclusion: Eligible partner and dependent children can be included
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
- Sponsorship: No sponsor required (independent skilled migration)
- Location Rules: Live, study, and work anywhere in Australia
- System Parameters: Points-based system (requires high competitive score based on occupation)
- PR Pathway: Direct permanent residency from day one of visa grant
- Family Inclusion: Eligible partner and dependent children can be included
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
- Sponsorship: Approved nominating Australian employer
- Location Rules: Bound to work for sponsoring employer (varies by stream)
- System Parameters: Employer-sponsored pathway (no points test required)
- PR Pathway: Direct permanent residency (Temporary Transition or Direct Entry streams)
- Family Inclusion: Eligible partner and dependent children can be included
Subclass Comparison Matrix
| Subclass | Sponsorship Required | Geographical Rules | PR Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) | State or Eligible Family Sponsor | Designated regional areas only | ⏱️ Pathway after 3 Years |
| Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) | State or Territory Government nomination | Commitment to live/work in nominating state for 2 years | ⏱️ Direct PR on Grant |
| Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | No sponsor required (independent skilled migration) | Live, study, and work anywhere in Australia | ⏱️ Direct PR on Grant |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Approved nominating Australian employer | Bound to work for sponsoring employer (varies by stream) | ⏱️ Pathway after 3 Years |