Australian skilled visa CRM: SkillSelect 189, 190 and 491 files without the spreadsheets
Track skills assessments, English tests, SkillSelect EOIs, state and regional nominations and the 60-day lodgement window for every skilled client, with points evidence collected through a secure portal.
What practitioners need to know in 2026
- Record each client's points claim and evidence before the EOI goes in.
- Invitations allow 60 days to lodge: the countdown and document requests start automatically.
- Employer-sponsored 482 alternatives use the 1 July 2026 thresholds: CSIT A$79,499 and SSIT A$146,717.
From 1 July 2026 the Core Skills Income Threshold is A$79,499 and the Specialist Skills Income Threshold A$146,717.
Official sourceThe base visa application charge rose to A$4,015 from 1 July 2026; confirm the current charge with the Home Affairs pricing estimator.
Official sourceFrom 2 October 2026, subclass 482 holders must apply for a student (500) or student guardian visa from outside Australia.
Official sourceTrack the invitation date for every client EOI so the visa is lodged inside the window.
Official sourceProcess and documents
Skilled Independent (189)
Points-tested skilled workers without a sponsor
- 1Skills assessment and English test
- 2Lodge SkillSelect EOI
- 3Receive invitation (60 days to lodge)
- 4Lodge visa in ImmiAccount
- 5Health, character and grant
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Passport-style photo (country specification)
- Positive skills assessment (relevant assessing authority)
- English test results (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL as accepted)
- SkillSelect EOI and invitation
- Employment reference letters with duties and dates
- Degrees, transcripts and credential evaluation
- Police certificates (every country lived 12+ months)
- Immigration medical exam (panel physician)
Skilled Nominated (190)
Skilled workers committed to a state or territory
- 1Skills assessment and English test
- 2EOI plus state / territory registration
- 3State nomination and invitation
- 4Lodge visa
- 5Grant
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Passport-style photo (country specification)
- Positive skills assessment
- English test results (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL as accepted)
- SkillSelect EOI
- State / territory nomination approval
- Employment reference letters with duties and dates
- Police certificates (every country lived 12+ months)
- Immigration medical exam (panel physician)
Skilled Work Regional (491)
Skilled workers willing to live regionally
- 1Skills assessment
- 2EOI and regional nomination / family sponsorship
- 3Lodge visa
- 4Live and work regionally
- 5Apply for subclass 191 PR after 3 years
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Passport-style photo (country specification)
- Positive skills assessment
- English test results (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL as accepted)
- Regional nomination or eligible family sponsorship
- Employment reference letters with duties and dates
- Police certificates (every country lived 12+ months)
- Immigration medical exam (panel physician)
Australian skilled visas compared with other options
| Visa | Best for | Sponsor / offer needed | Path to permanent residence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Points-tested skilled workers without a sponsor | No | Yes, permanent visa |
| Skilled Nominated (190) | Skilled workers committed to a state or territory | State / territory nomination | Yes, permanent visa |
| Skilled Work Regional (491) | Skilled workers willing to live regionally | Regional nomination or family | Yes, via subclass 191 |
| Skills in Demand (482) | Workers with an Australian employer sponsor | Yes, approved sponsor | Yes, via subclass 186 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 189, 190 and 491 visas?+
The 189 is a points-tested permanent visa with no sponsor; the 190 is permanent and needs a state or territory nomination; the 491 is a regional provisional visa (nomination or eligible family sponsorship) that can lead to the 191 permanent visa after three years.
How long do I have to lodge after a SkillSelect invitation?+
Generally 60 days from the invitation. Always confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Can OMARA-registered agents use My Briefcase?+
Yes. Registered migration agents and lawyers manage clients, documents and tasks; practitioners remain responsible for their own registration and Code of Conduct obligations.
General information for practitioners, not legal advice. No government-form autofill or submission outside Canada.