🇦🇺 Australia Work Visa Types Compared 2026
The Skills in Demand visa replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa in late 2024 — here's how its three streams compare, and when a points-tested visa beats employer sponsorship.
Skills in Demand Visa: Three Streams
| Stream | Salary Threshold (AUD) | Occupation List Restriction? |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Skills | $135,000+ | No restriction |
| Core Skills | $73,150+ (indexed annually) | Must be on Core Skills Occupation List |
| Essential Skills | Lower-paid | Identified shortage occupations only |
This visa requires employer sponsorship and provides a direct pathway to permanent residency — a meaningful improvement over the old TSS visa it replaced.
Points-Tested vs. Employer-Sponsored: Which Is Right for You?
The 189 (Skilled Independent) is the "gold standard" — permanent residency with no sponsor, no employer ties, and no location restrictions, applied for entirely through the points-based SkillSelect system. The 190 (State Nominated) is identical but requires state nomination (adding 5 points) and a commitment to live in that state for roughly 2 years. Neither requires a job offer.
By contrast, the Skills in Demand visa and its predecessor, the old Subclass 482, require an employer to actually sponsor you — no points test involved, but you're tied to that employer's role. Many applicants run both strategies in parallel: submitting a 189/190 Expression of Interest while also seeking employer sponsorship as a backup pathway.
The Regional Trade-off (491)
The Subclass 491 offers a lower points threshold and 15 bonus points in exchange for committing to live in a designated regional area (essentially anywhere outside immediate Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metro areas) for at least 3 years. After that period, provided you've maintained qualifying tax returns showing income at or above the prescribed minimum in 3 of your 5 years, you can progress to the Subclass 191 permanent visa — at a much lower fee (~$500) than the original 491 application (~$4,910).
What Closed, What's New
The Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) — Australia's old investor visa — closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa is now the top-tier option for high-achievement applicants, but it's talent-led, not investment-led — there's no "buy your way in" option left in the Australian system.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming employer sponsorship is always faster than points-tested visas. Both can take 12-24 months depending on occupation demand and application quality — neither route reliably beats the other on speed alone.
- Overlooking the 491's income requirement at the 191 stage. Meeting the initial 491 conditions isn't the finish line — you need 3 years of qualifying tax returns before the permanent 191 becomes available.
- Assuming any investor visa route still exists. The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed in July 2024; the National Innovation Visa (858) that replaced it at the top is based on talent and achievement, not investment capital.
- Not running parallel EOIs across multiple pathways. Applicants can hold active Expressions of Interest for 189, 190, and 491 simultaneously, maximizing their odds across all three points-tested routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa?
The Skills in Demand visa, launched in late 2024, with three streams: Specialist Skills ($135,000+, no occupation restriction), Core Skills ($73,150+, must be on the Core Skills Occupation List), and Essential Skills (lower-paid shortage occupations).
Do I need a job offer for the Subclass 189 visa?
No — the 189 (Skilled Independent) is entirely points-based with no employer sponsor, no job offer, and no state/regional location restriction required.
Is there still an investor visa to Australia?
No. The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa is now the top-tier option, but it's talent-led rather than investment-led.