How many points do I need for a skilled visa (189, 190, 491)?
You must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for subclasses 189, 190, or 491. However, scoring 65 points only enters you into the selection pool, as invitations are issued competitively based on occupation demand and score ranking. State nomination under subclass 190 adds 5 points, whereas regional nomination or family sponsorship under subclass 491 adds 15 points. As of November 2026, competitive cut-offs can be verified on the Home Affairs Points Table. Your overall eligibility and required score depend on your individual circumstances, so book a consultation to assess your options.
What is the difference between a 189, a 190 and a 491 visa?
Subclasses 189 and 190 provide direct permanent residency, whereas subclass 491 is a provisional five-year visa requiring regional residence. Subclass 189 is an independent visa that permits you to settle anywhere in Australia without nomination requirements. Subclass 190 requires an Australian state or territory government nomination, accompanied by an agreement to reside in that state. Subclass 491 requires regional nomination or sponsorship by an eligible family member and restricts living and working strictly to designated regional areas. Which pathway best aligns with your goals depends on your personal circumstances, so book a consultation to map out your strategy.
Can I get a partner visa while I’m in Australia?
Yes, you can apply for an onshore partner visa (subclasses 820/801) if you hold a substantive Australian visa without an active "No Further Stay" restriction (such as Condition 8503). You must be married to, or in a genuine de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. De facto applicants typically need to demonstrate 12 months of living together unless the relationship has been formally registered under an Australian state or territory registry. Waivers can apply in exceptional cases, such as where dependent children are involved. Meeting these requirements depends on your personal circumstances, so book a consultation to review your relationship evidence.
What can I do if my visa is refused?
If your visa application is refused, you can seek a merits review through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or lodge a new visa application if lawfully permitted. Your official decision letter states whether you possess statutory review rights and outlines your specific time limits. Strict statutory deadlines apply—commonly 21 to 28 days from receipt—and the Tribunal cannot extend these timeframes. In addition, an onshore refusal may trigger a Section 48 bar that limits which further visas you can lodge. Finding the right recourse depends on your personal circumstances, so book an urgent consultation to evaluate your refusal grounds.
Can I work on a student visa, and for how many hours?
Yes, you can work on a subclass 500 student visa, capped at 48 hours per fortnight while your study course is officially in session. You can work unlimited hours during scheduled course holidays and breaks. Postgraduate research candidates (Masters by research or doctoral students) have unrestricted work rights once their course commences. You cannot commence any employment before your course has officially started. Maintaining work condition compliance depends on your individual study and visa circumstances, so book a consultation to clarify your work rights.
What is a 485 graduate visa and who can apply?
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows eligible international students who completed Australian qualifications to live, study, and work temporarily in Australia. Applicants must be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application (with specific age exemptions for Master’s by research, PhD graduates, and select passport holders) and must apply within six months of course completion. Applicants must meet English language requirements, satisfy Australian study conditions, and apply under the specific stream matching their qualification level. Determining your correct stream depends on your educational and personal circumstances, so book a consultation to assess your eligibility.
Can I bring my family on a skilled visa?
Yes, you can include immediate family members as secondary applicants in your skilled visa application for subclasses 189, 190, and 491. Eligible family members include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. Children aged 18 to 23 must be fully financially dependent on you, while children over 23 are generally excluded unless they are incapacitated. Every dependent applicant must also satisfy mandatory health and character checks to be granted the visa. Structuring your combined application correctly depends on your family's personal circumstances, so book a consultation to plan your lodgement.
How long does a visa take, and how much does it cost?
Visa processing times and Department charges vary by subclass, stream, and whether family members are included. Base application charges and standard wait times are updated periodically; as of November 2026, you can check current fees on the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and processing periods via the Global Visa Processing Times Tool. Complexities such as incomplete evidence, medical assessments, or external security checks will extend these processing times. Total expenses and timeframes depend entirely on your personal circumstances, so book a consultation for an itemised quote and timeline.
Do I need health insurance for my visa?
Most temporary Australian visas mandate compliant private health insurance, whereas permanent visas and select reciprocal arrangements do not require private cover. Temporary visas (including student, graduate, and temporary work visas) generally require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) under visa condition 8501. Citizens of nations with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) can access Medicare for medically necessary treatment, though this may not fulfill every visa condition. Permanent visa applicants and holders generally become eligible for Medicare. Maintaining proper cover depends on your specific visa circumstances, so book a consultation to verify your requirements.
Do I need a migration agent, and how do I check one is registered?
You are not legally obligated to use a migration agent, but anyone providing immigration assistance within Australia must be registered. You can confirm an agent's current credentials, registration status, and business location on the Australian Government's OMARA Register of Migration Agents by searching their name or Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN). Australian legal practitioners holding an active practising certificate can also give immigration legal assistance under an exemption from OMARA registration. Selecting the right legal or migration representation depends on your personal circumstances, so book a consultation with our registered practitioner to review your matter.
Your situation may be different. Our registered migration agents can look at your own circumstances and explain your options.