Information about Permanent residence visa

Nice — good instincts. Quick correction before we dive in: “Provincial nominee” is a Canadian term. In Australia the closest equivalents are state/territory nomination pathways (e.g., Skilled Nominated subclass 190 or Skilled Work Regional subclass 491, which require nomination by an Australian state/territory). The main points-tested permanent route is the Subclass 189 (no nomination). I’ll give you a step-by-step roadmap for the common skilled-worker routes to Australian permanent residence (189, 190 and the regional pathway 491 → permanent), with exactly what you must do at each stage and authoritative sources cited

Nice — good instincts. Quick correction before we dive in: “Provincial nominee” is a Canadian term. In Australia the closest equivalents are state/territory nomination pathways (e.g., Skilled Nominated subclass 190 or Skilled Work Regional subclass 491, which require nomination by an Australian state/territory). The main points-tested permanent route is the Subclass 189 (no nomination). I’ll give you a step-by-step roadmap for the common skilled-worker routes to Australian permanent residence (189, 190 and the regional pathway 491 → permanent), with exactly what you must do at each stage and authoritative sources cited

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Obtaining permanent residency in Australia as a skilled worker involves a points-based system and can be done either independently or with a nomination from a state or territory government. The process requires careful preparation and meeting specific eligibility criteria set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and, if applicable, the nominating state or territory.​

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before beginning the application process, you must meet several initial requirements:

Skilled Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.​

Skills Assessment: You need to obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your nominated occupation.​

Points Test: You must score a minimum of 65 points on the skilled migration points test. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience (both in and outside Australia), and education. Higher point scores increase your chances of being invited to apply.​

Step 2: Choose the Right Skilled Visa
There are several skilled migration visas, each with different requirements. The main options include:

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): This permanent visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.​

Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): This permanent visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. A nomination from a state like New South Wales, Victoria, or Queensland adds 5 points to your score.​

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This is a provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in a designated regional area. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and adds 15 points to your score.​

Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you have confirmed your eligibility and chosen a visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian government's SkillSelect system. The EOI is an online form that registers your interest in applying for a skilled visa and includes details about your skills, qualifications, and experience.​

Step 4: Apply for State Nomination (If Applicable)
If you are seeking a Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) or a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you must apply for nomination from a state or territory. Each state has its own unique set of nomination criteria and a list of in-demand occupations. This process is separate from the EOI and may require you to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) or a direct application to your chosen state's migration authority.​

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
You can only apply for a skilled migration visa after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs. Invitations are issued to candidates with the highest-ranking EOIs in the SkillSelect system. If you are nominated by a state or territory, you will automatically receive an ITA.​

Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application
After receiving an ITA, you will have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application. This involves providing all necessary documentation, which may include a valid passport, health examination results, and police certificates. If all requirements are met, the Department of Home Affairs will grant your visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.