Choosing Australia

189 is points-tested PR with no sponsor/nomination. 190 is points-tested PR with state nomination. 491 is a regional, provisional visa that may lead to PR later if requirements are met.

When your occupation aligns with a state’s priority list and you’re willing to live/work in that state. Nomination may boost your chances of an invite.

You live and work in a designated regional area. It’s a temporary visa that may convert to PR later if income, residence and other criteria are met.

Not always. Some states may ask for a job offer, local experience, or onshore presence. Others run offshore streams. It’s policy- and occupation-dependent.

Often yes. Studying in the destination state/region builds local ties, may align you to shortage lists, and can support nomination or post-study work rights.

It can help for 491/regional pathways and sometimes for state priorities. Choose a course that matches in-demand occupations, not just a location.

You may access post-study work rights (policy-dependent), gain Australian experience, and explore 190/491 or employer sponsorship as your profile strengthens.

Yes—if your occupation, skills assessment, English, and points stack up. Australian study and experience may improve competitiveness.

Use an approved English test (e.g., IELTS/PTE). Required levels vary by visa and can change—check current settings when you apply.

For skilled visas (189/190/491), there’s usually no formal “proof of funds,” but you’ll need to cover costs (assessments, visas, settlement).
For Student (500) you must show financial capacity for tuition, living, travel, plus OSHC health cover.

Points reflect age, English, education, skilled experience, partner factors and more. Higher English and verified experience may lift your score.

Often yes, via a skills assessment by the relevant authority. Strong documentation (transcripts, detailed references) is critical.

You generally commit to live/work in the nominating state. Treat it seriously—your plan should genuinely match that state’s needs.

It fluctuates by occupation and timing. Two similar profiles can see different results. A decision-ready file may help when opportunities open.

Often yes if it aligns to priority sectors (AI, health, engineering, energy, etc.). It can unlock post-study work and smoother skilled pathways.

Not always. Many states run offshore and onshore streams. Settings change—track the current criteria for your occupation.

Consider related ANZSCO roles, further study, upskilling, or an employer-sponsored route. Pathways exist, but strategy matters.

Often yes. Dependants can sometimes be included in skilled or student applications. Rights/timelines vary by visa.

Timelines vary with demand, completeness, and checks. We’ll give a realistic range for your profile after a quick assessment.

Run our 2-minute eligibility check, then choose: 1:1 consultation for a guided plan, or continue with our digital assessment to map documents, points, and next steps.

A licensed MARA adviser aligns your profile with the right occupation, assessor and state strategy, anticipates policy shifts, and reduces costly errors/delays. You get a decision-ready plan (documents, points, timing) and representation that follows professional and ethical standards.

AI can triage options, build checklists, and estimate points, but it can’t weigh grey-area rules, evidence strength, or state-by-state nuances. Always verify against official Home Affairs policy and use human judgement for strategy and compliance.

Start with our 2-minute eligibility check, then book a 1:1 consult (Zoom or in-person). We map your occupation & assessor, points plan, 189 vs 190 vs 491 vs study/employer routes, target states/regions, document list, costs/timelines, and risk-reduction steps.

Yes—use our quick pre-check. If signals show low viability (e.g., no eligible occupation, points too low), we won’t push a paid process; we suggest upskilling/study/English routes first. Honest answers = reliable result and no wasted spend.

A Master’s can align you to priority sectors, add points, unlock post-study work rights (policy-dependent), and create local experience that may support state nomination (190) or regional pathways (491).

Studying where you plan to settle builds local ties, networks and employability. Some states/regions prioritise local graduates, and regional campuses can support 491 evidence of commitment.

• Skilled (189/190/491): pay for skills assessment, English test, medicals, police checks, visa fees, and settlement costs (no fixed “proof of funds,” but be financially ready).
• Student (500): must show financial capacity for tuition + living + travel and hold OSHC; figures and rules may change, so check current guidance.
  Scholarships and limited work while studying may offset costs (policy-dependent).