Points-tested skilled visas run on dates. A skills assessment that lapses, an English result that ages out, a birthday that drops five points, an invitation with a 60-day clock: any one of them can undo months of work. This guide sets out a workflow your practice can follow for every Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) matter, and the dates worth recording at each stage.
It's written for registered migration agents and their teams. It's general information, not legal advice, and the rules change often, so check the Department of Home Affairs website before you rely on any detail.
The three visas at a glance
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Who invites | Home Affairs, from the SkillSelect pool | Home Affairs, after a state or territory nominates | Home Affairs, after a state or territory nominates, or an eligible relative sponsors |
| Extra points | None | 5 for nomination | 15 for nomination or sponsorship |
| Where it leads | Permanent residence | Permanent residence | Permanent residence through the subclass 191, after meeting its regional living, work and income requirements |
All three start the same way: a positive skills assessment, enough points, and an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Stage 1. Enquiry and first assessment
Open a matter for every enquiry, even if the person isn't ready. Many skilled clients come back a year later, and the notes from that first call save time.
Record at intake:
- date of birth (age is scored at invitation, so you need it to plan)
- occupation and the likely assessing authority
- qualifications, with dates and where they were studied
- skilled employment history, in Australia and overseas
- English test history, with test dates and scores
- partner details, if they'll be included
- current visa, its expiry date and its conditions
- which states or territories the client is open to living in
Then write a short file note: the visas that look possible, what's missing, and what you've told the client. Our guide to file notes for migration agents covers what to include.
Before you start paid work, send your client service agreement. See client service agreement for migration agents.
Stage 2. Skills assessment
The client needs a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation, from the assessing authority for that occupation.
- Record the date of issue and the expiry date. Skills assessments are generally valid for three years from the date of issue, unless the assessing authority sets a shorter period. Check the outcome letter.
- Record what was assessed. Some assessments set a date from which employment counts as skilled. That date changes the points you can claim for experience.
- Track the assessment while it's in progress. Note the date it was submitted and when you'll follow up.
Stage 3. English test
- Record the test type, test date and scores for each band.
- English scores used for points must come from a test taken in the three years before the invitation date. Put that cut-off in the diary.
- If the client is a few points short, a higher English result is often the quickest lever: Proficient adds 10 points and Superior adds 20.
Stage 4. Points calculation
Calculate points as at the expected invitation date, not today. The pass mark to lodge an EOI is 65, but invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates, so a competitive score is often well above it.
Points change with time:
- Age. The client must be under 45 at invitation. Age points step down at 33 and again at 40, so a birthday can cost points while the client waits in the pool.
- Experience. Points for skilled employment rise as years accumulate, so the client may gain points over time.
- English results can expire before an invitation arrives.
Save the calculation with the date you did it and the evidence behind each claim. If a claim can't be supported with documents at lodgement, leave it out.
A note on change. On 17 September 2026 the Minister announced a new points test, including equal points for housing and construction trade qualifications and university qualifications. As at the end of September 2026, no start date had been published. Recheck every open calculation when the new rules are released.
Stage 5. Lodge the EOI in SkillSelect
- Lodge one EOI and select the visas the client is interested in (189, 190 and/or 491). For the 190 and 491, select the states or territories they would accept.
- Record the EOI ID, the date of effect and the points score.
- An EOI stays in SkillSelect for two years. Diary the expiry.
- Update the EOI when circumstances change: new English results, more experience, a new skills assessment, or a change in the family unit. Every claim must be true at the time of invitation.
Stage 6. State or territory nomination (190 and 491)
Each state and territory runs its own nomination program, with its own occupation lists, criteria and application windows. Some ask for a separate registration of interest on their own website.
- Record each state application: date submitted, reference number, outcome and the date of the outcome.
- Note any commitment the client makes to the nominating state, such as living and working there.
- For the 491 through an eligible relative, record the relative's details and evidence of their eligibility.
Stage 7. Invitation: the 60-day clock
This is the most time-sensitive stage. Once the client is invited, the visa application must be lodged within 60 days.
- Record the invitation date and the lodgement deadline the same day. Set reminders at 30, 14 and 7 days before the deadline.
- Recheck every claim as at the invitation date: age, skills assessment validity, English test date, experience, partner points.
- Start collecting documents straight away. Identity, qualifications, employment references and English results take the longest to gather.
A document checklist for each visa type keeps the request list consistent across your team.
Stage 8. Lodgement and after
- Record the lodgement date, transaction reference number and any bridging visa granted.
- Arrange health examinations and police certificates when the Department asks for them, or earlier if your practice prefers. Record the dates: police certificates and health results are generally only accepted for a limited time.
- Log every request from the Department, with the date received and the date a response is due.
- Processing order. From 19 September 2026, Ministerial Direction 122 sets the order in which skilled visas are processed. Applications in priority occupations are considered first. Note which tier each application sits in, so you can set the client's expectations.
Stage 9. Decision and after the grant
- Record the decision date and outcome, and send the client a copy of the grant letter with its conditions.
- For 491 holders, keep the matter open. The path to permanent residence is the subclass 191, which has its own regional living, work and income requirements. Record the grant date, the client's regional address history and their income years, so you can tell them when they become eligible.
- For 189 and 190 holders, record the travel facility end date, which is five years from the grant.
The dates to record for every skilled matter
| Date | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Client's date of birth | Age points at invitation; under 45 at invitation |
| Skills assessment issue and expiry | Must be valid at invitation |
| English test date | Must be within three years before invitation |
| EOI date of effect and expiry (two years) | Pool ranking and lapse |
| State nomination applications and outcomes | Nominations are time-limited |
| Invitation date and 60-day lodgement deadline | Lodge in time or lose the invitation |
| Current visa expiry | Keep the client lawful while they wait |
| Passport expiry | Must stay valid through processing |
| Police certificate and health exam dates | Limited validity |
| Department requests and due dates | Missed deadlines can lead to refusal |
| 491 grant date and regional history | Eligibility for the 191 |
How AgentDS fits this workflow
AgentDS is a CRM for migration agents, and skilled matters are a good fit for it:
- Visa application stages. Each skilled matter moves through its stages (assessment, EOI, nomination, invitation, lodged, decision), so the whole team can see where every client is.
- Expiry and deadline reminders. Record a date once, and AgentDS sends reminder emails at 90, 60, 30 and 7 days before it.
- Document checklists. Reusable checklists for 189, 190 and 491 applications, with files stored privately in Sydney.
- File notes and tasks on every client, with owners and due dates.
If you're still tracking skilled matters in a spreadsheet, the free visa expiry planner is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to lodge after a SkillSelect invitation?
60 days from the date of the invitation. Record the deadline the day the invitation arrives, and check every points claim as at the invitation date.
How long does an EOI stay in SkillSelect?
Two years. Update it whenever the client's circumstances change, such as new English results or more skilled experience.
When is age measured for points?
At the time of invitation. The client must be under 45 when invited, and age points step down at 33 and at 40.
How long is a skills assessment valid for a skilled visa?
Generally three years from the date of issue, unless the assessing authority sets a shorter period. Check the outcome letter.
What's the difference between the 190 and the 491?
Both need a state or territory nomination. The 190 is permanent and adds 5 points. The 491 is a five-year provisional visa for regional Australia, adds 15 points, and can lead to permanent residence through the subclass 191.
Is the points test changing?
A new points test was announced on 17 September 2026. As at the end of September 2026, no start date had been published. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for current rules.
This guide is general information, not legal or migration advice. Check current requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.