Australia permanent residency: 2 skilled visas Nigerians can get without a temporary visa first

Australia has two skilled migration visa pathways that allow eligible foreign workers, including Nigerians, to obtain permanent residency without first spending years on a provisional visa.

The visas are the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Both grant permanent residency when approved, making them options for skilled professionals seeking to live and work in Australia long-term.

According to information published by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, the two routes use a points-based selection system. Applicants generally need at least 65 points to qualify for consideration, but meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an invitation.

1. Australia’s Subclass 189 Visa: No State Nomination Required

The Skilled Independent visa is designed for eligible skilled workers who can qualify without sponsorship or nomination from an Australian state or territory.

Applicants are assessed using factors such as age, English-language ability, educational qualifications and work experience.

Those interested in this route must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the government’s SkillSelect system and wait for an invitation before lodging a visa application.

The main attraction is that successful applicants do not need state or territory nomination to qualify under this visa category.

2. Subclass 190 Visa: Skilled Workers Need State Nomination

The Skilled Nominated visa also grants permanent residency, but applicants must receive a nomination from an Australian state or territory government.

State nomination can make this route attractive to professionals whose occupations match a jurisdiction’s workforce priorities. However, nomination requirements and occupation lists can vary between states and territories.

Applicants must still meet the applicable visa criteria and receive an invitation before submitting their full application.

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How Many Points Do Nigerians Need?

Applicants generally need a minimum of 65 points under Australia’s skilled migration points test to be considered for an invitation.

Points can depend on several factors, including:

• Age at the time of application.
• English-language proficiency.
• Educational qualifications.
• Skilled employment experience in Australia or overseas.
• Other eligible factors under the points test.

Reaching 65 points is only the minimum threshold. Invitation competitiveness can depend on the occupation, available places and selection arrangements.

Applicants should also confirm that their occupation is eligible for the specific visa and check any skills assessment requirements that apply to their profession.

How the Australian Permanent Residency Application Works

The process begins with checking eligibility for the relevant visa and arranging any required skills assessment.

Eligible applicants then submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. This is not the visa application itself; it indicates interest in migrating under a skilled programme.

If invited, applicants must lodge their visa application within the deadline stated in the invitation. The source report says applicants have 60 days to apply after receiving an invitation.

The application is submitted through Australia’s ImmiAccount platform, with supporting documents and evidence required by the Department of Home Affairs.

Applicants should keep their SkillSelect details accurate and updated while waiting for an invitation.

Can Nigerians Include Their Spouses and Children?

Eligible applicants may be able to include qualifying family members in their visa application, subject to the relevant rules and documentation requirements.

Couples may also assess whether one partner is better positioned to apply as the primary applicant based on points, occupation eligibility, qualifications and work experience.

A spouse does not necessarily need to qualify independently as the primary applicant to be included as a family member. However, applicants must satisfy the applicable family-member and visa requirements.

Does Permanent Residency Mean Australian Citizenship?

No. Permanent residency and citizenship are different immigration statuses.

A permanent visa allows its holder to live in Australia indefinitely, subject to the visa’s conditions and applicable law. It does not automatically confer Australian citizenship.

Permanent residents who later wish to become citizens must meet the separate citizenship eligibility requirements, including applicable residence and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Australian visas offer direct permanent residency?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are permanent visa categories.

Can Nigerians apply for Australia’s subclass 189 visa?

Nigerians can seek to apply if they meet the relevant eligibility requirements, including occupation, skills assessment, points and invitation criteria.

Is 65 points enough to guarantee an Australian visa?

No. A score of 65 is the minimum threshold for consideration under the points test, not a guarantee of an invitation or visa approval.

What is the difference between subclass 189 and subclass 190?

Subclass 189 does not require state or territory nomination. Subclass 190 requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government.

Do applicants need a job offer?

A job offer is not a general requirement for the subclass 189 visa. The subclass 190 route requires state or territory nomination, and individual nomination rules may impose additional conditions.

Can a permanent resident work and study in Australia?

Permanent residents can generally live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, subject to applicable laws and any relevant visa conditions.