Skilled Visa

General Skilled Migration (GSM) Australia: Your Path to Permanent Residency

Australia’s Skilled Migration program is designed to target genuine skill shortages while offering a direct pathway to permanent residency. In 2026, the system has shifted toward priority sectors and quarterly invitation rounds. At Leading Edge Migration, we help you navigate these complexities to secure your future in Australia.

Skilled Visa Pathways to Permanent Residency

If you are a skilled professional, the best migration agent Perth has available can help you secure a skilled visa for Australia. Our team offers expert guidance on Subclass 189, 190, and 491 visas, maximising your points to strengthen your application for permanent residency. We have a proven track record of success in helping professionals make Australia their new home.

Leading Edge Migration provides consultation, assessment, and visa services for the General Skilled Migration category.

Various visas under the General Skilled Migration category are:

Skilled Independent visa – subclass 189
Skilled Nominated visa – subclass 190
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – subclass 491 (State Regional Sponsored Stream & Family Sponsored Stream)
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Skilled Regional Subclass 887

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is for people seeking an independent permanent skilled visa. This includes people without an employer or family sponsor or state or territory government nomination. Applicants must meet the necessary thresholds, including holding a suitable skills assessment in a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL, and meeting the gazetted points test mark.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa is for people who have received state/territory government nomination and are seeking a permanent skilled visa. You must be under 45 years of age and have competent English.
This visa lets you and any additional applicants live and work in Australia permanently.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

This visa is for intending migrants who are interested in either state or territory government regional nomination or have a family member in regional Australia to sponsor them. The subclass 91 visa is a five-year provisional visa where the visa holder must live in the specified regional area in Australia for at least 3 years before they can apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa - (Subclass 191).

Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191) - Regional Provisional stream

This visa allows people who have lived and worked in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa, live and work in Australia permanently. To be eligible for this visa you hold an eligible visa (Subclass 491) for at least three years, have had a taxable income at or above a specific income threshold for at least three years while holding your eligible visa and have complied with the conditions of the eligible visa you hold or have held.

Permanent Regional Visa (Subclass 887)

This visa is the second stage visa process for applicants who had previously been on a Skilled Provisional visa (Subclass 489) and are now seeking permanent residence. These applicants must previously have held one of the following visas:

Skilled Regional visa (subclass 489)
Skilled Independent Regional visa (subclass 495)
Skilled Designated Area Sponsored visa (subclass 496)
Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 475 or 487)
Bridging visa A or Bridging visa B after applying for a subclass 495, 487, or 489 visa

All these skilled provisional visa holders can apply for this second-stage permanent residence visa if they have lived for at least two years in regional Australia and worked full-time for a total of 12 months in the specified regional area.

Priority Occupations for 2026 Skilled Migration

Healthcare & Nursing: High priority for 189 and 190.
Teaching & Education: Fast-tracked processing.
Construction & Trades: Lower points thresholds in Western Australia.
Engineering & IT: Specialized niche roles.

Australian Skilled Migration Points Test 2026

Age: Max points for 25–32 years.
English: 20 points for Superior English (PTE/IELTS).
Experience: Overseas and Australian work history.
Qualifications: Degrees, Diplomas, and Trade Certs.
Partner Skills: Up to 10 points for a skilled partner.

Ready to achieve Australian Permanent Residency through Skilled Migration?

Leading Edge Migration specialises in the complex requirements of key Skilled Visas, including the popular Subclass 189, 190, and 491 streams. We streamline the entire process, from managing your crucial Skills Assessment and lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI) to securing the necessary State Nomination. Trust our experienced Registered Migration Agents to strategically maximise your points and guide you toward a successful application for a rewarding, skilled future in Australia.

Why We Are The Best Visa Agent Perth Residents Trust

Strategic Advice from a Leading Visa Consultant

We provide strategic, personalised guidance across all major Australian visa categories. As the best visa agent perth clients rely on, we don't just process paperwork; we build robust, success-driven cases. Our in-depth knowledge of immigration law allows us to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies to achieve your migration goals.

Frequentlt Asked Question - FAQ

Q: How long does it take to process a 190 visa in 2026?

A: Most Subclass 190 applications are currently processed within 6.5 to 10 months, depending on your occupation and the quality of your documentation.

Q: Can I apply for a 189 visa with 65 points?

A: While 65 is the minimum, most 2026 invitation rounds require higher scores (85+) unless you are in a high-priority sector like Healthcare or Trades.

Q: What is the 491 visa to 191 PR pathway?

A: After living and working in a regional area for 3 years on a 491 visa, you can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.