Permanent residence is the goal for many skilled Irish migrants, and there are two ways to reach it: the points-tested routes (subclass 189 Skilled Independent and subclass 190 Skilled Nominated) and the employer route (subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme). This guide explains how each works and how to tell which fits. For a worked points example, the engineers points-test guide runs the numbers for a representative Irish applicant.
Two ways to permanent residence
The points routes reward your own profile: age, English, qualifications and skilled work history, scored against a points test, with an invitation issued through SkillSelect. The employer route rewards an employer relationship: two years of sponsored work converting into permanent residence. Many Irish professionals qualify for one or the other, and some for both.
How the points test works
Both 189 and 190 are points-tested. You submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, score against the test, and wait to be invited to apply (Department of Home Affairs, accessed 2026-06-14). The eligibility floor is 65 points, but the floor is not the bar that gets you invited: in many occupations competitive scores sit around 85.
Points come from age (highest in the late twenties to early thirties), English above the competent level, recognised qualifications, skilled employment (overseas and Australian, capped when combined), Australian study, and partner skills. Before any of it, your occupation needs a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent
The 189 is permanent residence with no employer and no state tie: you can live and work anywhere in Australia. It is invitation-only, points-tested, and the main applicant fee is A$6,135 (Department of Home Affairs visa pricing, verified 2026-07-06). It suits applicants with a strong independent score whose occupation is on the relevant list.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated
The 190 is permanent residence nominated by a state or territory. Nomination adds points to your score, which can lift a near-miss 189 profile over the invitation line, in exchange for a commitment to live and work in the nominating state. The main applicant fee is A$6,140. Each state runs its own occupation list and criteria, so the 190 is often the faster route for occupations a particular state is short of (Department of Home Affairs, accessed 2026-06-14).
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
The 186 is the employer route to permanent residence, and the one most 482 holders aim at. After two years working for a sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation, the Temporary Residence Transition stream converts sponsored work into residence. The main applicant fee is A$6,140 (Department of Home Affairs visa pricing, verified 2026-07-06). The 482 guide covers the sponsored-work side that leads here.
Which route fits
If your independent score is competitive and you want to choose where you live, aim at the 189. If your score is a few points short, or your occupation is in demand in one state, the 190 can be faster. If you have an employer who will sponsor and keep you for two years, the 186 is often the most certain route. Many Irish applicants keep two open: a points-tested Expression of Interest and a sponsored job in parallel.
