Points-tested visas: 189, 190 and 491

• 65 points is the minimum to submit an Expression of Interest. It is the floor to lodge, not a competitive score.
• Indicative invitation levels: 189 often 85 to 90 or more for many occupations. 190 realistic around 75 to 80 base where a state has genuine demand. 491 competitive at 65 to 75 base, because regional nomination adds 15.
• Age: points reach zero at 45, which makes 45 the practical ceiling.
• A positive skills assessment from the authority for your occupation is required before you lodge an EOI.
• Occupation lists: 189 needs the MLTSSL. 190 and 491 accept MLTSSL or CSOL.

Subclass 191, the permanent step after a 491

• Three years holding a 491 or 494, complying with its conditions.
• ATO notices of assessment for three income years out of the five.
• No minimum taxable income applies. Home Affairs removed it in June 2023 and no legislative instrument sets a figure. The $53,900 still quoted widely is wrong.
• Regional for this purpose excludes only Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong and Hobart all count.

Subclass 186, both streams

• Transition: two years of full-time work for an approved sponsor in your nominated occupation. Generally no skills assessment.
• Direct Entry: three years of relevant experience, a positive skills assessment unless exempt, and the occupation on the CSOL. No two-year wait with a sponsor.
• Both: under 45 at application, Competent English. Exemptions from the age limit exist for nominated academics, government scientists and technical specialists at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2, and certain regional medical practitioners.
• Direct Entry can be lodged inside or outside Australia.

Partner

• Onshore 820 then 801, offshore 309 then 100. No age limit, no occupation list, no points test and no English requirement.
• The whole test is whether the relationship is genuine and continuing, decided on evidence.

Subclass 858, National Innovation

• Replaced the Global Talent visa on 6 December 2024, keeping the same subclass number.
• No points test. Invitation only, merit based, requiring an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.
• A nominator on Form 1000 is required: an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in the field.
• No standard age limit, but outside 18 to 54 you must show exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

The points test reform

• As at September 2026 it is proposed, not legislated. The direction was confirmed in the May 2026 Budget and the planning level table followed on 15 May 2026.
• Draft legislation has not passed. Target commencement is 1 July 2027.
• The 65-point pass mark and the existing matrix govern applications today.

It does not carry the occupation lists

• The MLTSSL and CSOL change, and a list embedded in a page goes stale quietly. This tool asks you what you found rather than telling you something that may no longer be true.
• Assessment is against an occupation, not your job title. If your title is not listed, a closely related occupation you could be assessed in may be.

It does not predict an outcome

• Every pathway here has criteria this tool cannot see: your evidence, your skills assessment outcome, health, character, and for partner visas whether the relationship is accepted as genuine.
• "Open" means your answers match the published criteria. It does not mean an application would be granted, and it does not mean you would be invited.
• An EOI at 65 points is not an invitation. For the 189 in particular the gap between lodging and being invited is where most plans fail.

Also out of scope

• State and territory nomination criteria, which differ by jurisdiction and change during the year.
• Business and investment visas, and the global talent employer sponsored arrangements.
• Parent, child and other family visas.
• Previous refusals or cancellations, which can affect what you are able to apply for.
• Whether any age or skills assessment exemption applies to you personally.

Occupation lists and state criteria change during the year, and the points test reform is still moving. Verify before committing to a pathway.