Offshore Applicants Can Secure Australian PR Without Studying in Australia
Many people don't realise that applying for Australian permanent residency from outside Australia is entirely possible. As long as your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation lists and you have a positive skills assessment, you can apply for permanent residency (PR) even if you're not in Australia. This guide explains the pathways available for offshore applicants in 2025.
Australia's 2025-26 Migration Program Overview
The Australian Government has confirmed that the permanent Migration Program for 2025-26 will maintain 185,000 places, identical to the 2024-25 program. The skilled stream represents the largest component with 132,200 places (71%), demonstrating Australia's continued commitment to attracting skilled migrants.
The program composition includes:
- Skill stream: 132,200 places (71%)
- Family stream: 52,500 places (28%)
- Special Eligibility: 300 places
This allocation reflects Australia's ongoing need for skilled workers to address critical labour shortages across various industries.
Understanding the Three Main Skilled Visa Pathways
For offshore applicants in 2025, three primary skilled migration pathways are available: the 189, 190, and 491 visas. Each pathway has distinct requirements and benefits.
Subclass 189 Visa (Skilled Independent)
The 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require state nomination or sponsorship. This pathway offers maximum flexibility as holders can live and work anywhere in Australia.
Key requirements:
- Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
- Minimum 65 points (competitive scores typically 80-95+ points)
- Age under 45 at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Invitation through SkillSelect
2025 Update: The August 2025 invitation round issued 6,887 invitations for 189 visas, marking the first round since November 2024. Priority occupations included construction, healthcare, engineering, and teaching professionals.
Subclass 190 Visa (Skilled Nominated)
The 190 visa is a permanent residency visa requiring state or territory nomination. It provides 5 additional points towards your points test score and allows immediate permanent residence.
Key features:
- Permanent residency from day one
- 5 bonus points for state nomination
- Obligation to live in nominating state for 2 years
- Can work in any occupation after visa grant
- Family members can be included
- Access to Medicare immediately
Requirements:
- Occupation on MLTSSL, STSOL, or state-specific lists
- State or territory nomination
- Minimum 65 points (including state nomination bonus)
- Age under 45 at invitation
- Competent English minimum
- Positive skills assessment
Subclass 491 Visa (Skilled Work Regional)
The 491 visa is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled workers willing to live and work in regional Australia. It offers 15 bonus points and a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa.
Key benefits:
- 15 bonus points for regional nomination
- 5-year visa validity
- Pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 191)
- Lower competition than 189/190 visas
- Covers most of Australia (excluding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
Pathway to PR:
After holding a 491 visa, holders can apply for Subclass 191 permanent residency by:
- Living in regional Australia for 3 years
- Earning at least AUD 53,900 per year for 3 years
- Complying with all visa conditions
State and Territory Nomination Requirements for Offshore Applicants 2025-26
Each Australian state and territory has specific requirements and occupation lists for offshore applicants. Here's the comprehensive breakdown for 2025-26:
South Australia (SA)
Program Status: Open for offshore applicants with over 250 occupations available.
Key Requirements:
- Age under 45 at invitation
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6 minimum)
- Minimum 65 points
- Must select SA as first preference in SkillSelect EOI
- Minimum 3 years skilled employment in nominated occupation within last 5 years (for most occupations)
- Minimum 1 year skilled employment within last 3 years (for construction trades)
Selection Criteria:
SA assesses offshore applicants based on:
- English language ability (higher scores preferred)
- Years and field of skilled employment
- EOI points score
2025-26 Update: SA received interim allocation and is prioritising strong applicants from 2024-25 ROIs while awaiting full allocation. No new ROI submissions required for offshore applicants - assessment directly from SkillSelect EOI.
New South Wales (NSW)
Program Status: Nominations continue for offshore applicants meeting specific criteria.
Residence Requirements:
- Offshore candidates must have continuously resided offshore for minimum 6 months
- Cannot have been living in NSW or another Australian state recently
Key Requirements:
- Age under 45
- Occupation on NSW 190 Skilled Occupation List
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6+)
- Minimum 65 points
- No NSW work requirement for offshore applicants
2025 Advantage: NSW does not require offshore applicants to have worked in NSW previously, making it accessible for genuine offshore candidates.
Victoria (VIC)
Program Status: 2024-25 program closed April 29, 2025. 2025-26 program announcements pending.
2024-25 Program Snapshot:
- 190 visa: 91.3% allocated (260 places remaining)
- 491 visa: 76.8% allocated (465 places remaining)
Offshore Eligibility:
- 190 visa: Offshore applicants eligible
- 491 visa: Offshore applicants eligible
- No minimum work experience requirement
- Must submit both EOI (SkillSelect) and ROI (Live in Melbourne portal)
Priority Sectors for Offshore Applicants:
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Education (all levels)
- Digital economy and ICT
- Engineering and construction
- Clean energy and sustainability
2025-26 Update: Awaiting program opening and full allocation announcement.
Western Australia (WA)
Program Status: Interim allocation received; awaiting full 2025-26 allocation.
Key Requirements:
- Age under 45
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6+)
- Minimum 65 points
- 190 visa: Job offer required for offshore applicants
- 491 visa: No job offer required for offshore applicants
2025 Special Initiative: WA offers the Construction Visa Subsidy Program providing up to $10,000 in grants to support skilled migration for construction workers, helping offset visa fees and relocation costs.
Regional Coverage: All WA postcodes except Perth metropolitan area are considered regional for 491 purposes.
Queensland (QLD)
Program Status: 2024-25 program closed May 27, 2025. 2025-26 program awaiting full allocation confirmation.
Offshore Applicant Requirements:
- Minimum 65 points
- Positive skills assessment
- Competent English (IELTS 6+)
- Occupation on Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
- Must meet specific occupation requirements
2025 Advantage: QLD historically welcomes offshore applicants, with approximately one-third of invitations issued to overseas applicants.
Regional Definition: Areas outside Brisbane metropolitan area qualify as regional for 491 visa purposes.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Program Status: Open with 2025-26 interim allocation of 165 places.
Interim Allocation:
- 190 visa: 85 places
- 491 visa: 80 places
Offshore Applicant Criteria:
- Minimum 65 points
- Positive skills assessment
- Must complete Canberra Matrix (points-based ranking system)
- Occupation on ACT Critical Skills List
- 491 visa: 1 year work experience in nominated occupation
- 190 visa: Work offer no longer required (policy change)
- Must not have resided in Australia in past 12 months
- Must not hold Australian visa at time of application
2025 Advantage: ACT considers entire territory as regional for 491 purposes, providing broader opportunities.
Northern Territory (NT)
Program Status: Priority processing for urgent cases; general program awaiting full allocation.
Offshore Applicant Pathway:
- Must have occupation on NT Offshore Migration Occupation List (NTOMOL)
- Ranking system for invitations
- Must demonstrate commitment to living in NT
- Job offer beneficial but not always mandatory
Key Requirement: Must meet eligibility criteria under Priority Occupation stream for offshore applicants.
2025 Update: NT currently prioritising onshore applicants with expiring visas. Full offshore program to reopen once allocation confirmed.
Tasmania (TAS)
Program Status: 2024-25 program fully allocated. 2025-26 interim allocation of 165 places received.
Interim Allocation:
- 190 visa: 85 places
- 491 visa: 80 places
Offshore Requirements:
- 491 visa: Main pathway for offshore applicants
- 190 visa: Primarily for healthcare professionals with job offers in Tasmania
- Must demonstrate commitment to Tasmania
- Encourages applicants with special skills and experience
2025 Advantage: All Tasmania postcodes considered regional, offering maximum flexibility for regional living requirements.
Points Test Breakdown for 2025
Understanding how to maximise your points is crucial for offshore applicants. Here's the comprehensive breakdown:
Age Points
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
English Language Points
- Superior English (IELTS 8/PTE 79+): 20 points
- Proficient English (IELTS 7/PTE 65+): 10 points
- Competent English (IELTS 6/PTE 50+): 0 points
Skilled Employment Points (Offshore)
In nominated occupation:
- 8+ years: 20 points
- 5-7 years: 15 points
- 3-4 years: 10 points
- 1-2 years: 5 points
Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate degree: 20 points
- Bachelor degree or higher: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
Other Points Categories
Specialist Education Qualification: 10 points for STEM qualification from Australian institution
Partner Skills: Up to 10 points if partner meets requirements
State Nomination: 5 points (190 visa) or 15 points (491 visa)
Professional Year: 5 points (requires Australian study)
Community Language: 5 points for NAATI accreditation
Strategies for Offshore Applicants to Succeed in 2025
Maximise Your English Scores
Achieving Proficient or Superior English provides 10-20 bonus points and significantly improves state nomination chances. Consider:
- PTE Academic (often faster results than IELTS)
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Gain Relevant Work Experience
For offshore applicants, skilled employment history is crucial. Most states require:
- Minimum 3 years in nominated occupation (standard)
- Employment must be post-qualification
- Must be in ANZSCO skill level 1-3
- Must be at least 20 hours per week
Choose the Right Occupation
Select occupations that:
- Appear on multiple state lists
- Are in high demand (healthcare, engineering, IT, trades)
- Have clear skills assessment pathways
- Match your actual work experience
Target Multiple States
Create EOIs for multiple states to increase invitation chances. Priority states for offshore applicants in 2025:
- South Australia: Most open to offshore applicants, over 250 occupations
- Queensland: Historically generous to offshore applicants
- Tasmania: Full territory considered regional
- ACT: Clear matrix system, entire territory regional
- NSW: No work requirement for offshore applicants
Improve Partner Contribution
Ensure your partner:
- Obtains Competent English (5 points minimum)
- Completes skills assessment (10 points if all criteria met)
- Is under 45 years old
- Has nominated occupation on eligible lists
Skills Assessment for Offshore Applicants
Every occupation requires assessment by a designated authority. Common authorities include:
For IT Professionals
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Processing: 8-12 weeks
- Valid: 2 years
- Requirements: Relevant qualifications and work experience
For Engineers
Engineers Australia (EA)
- Processing: 10-13 weeks
- Valid: 3 years
- Requirements: Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) or Washington Accord qualification
For Healthcare Professionals
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
- Processing: 10-12 weeks
- Requirements: Registration, qualifications, English proficiency
Medical Board of Australia (MedBA)
- For medical practitioners
- Requires AMC examination pathway
For Accountants
CPAA, CAANZ, or IPA
- Processing: 6-10 weeks
- Requirements: Relevant degree and work experience
For Trades
TRA (Trades Recognition Australia)
- Processing: 3-6 months
- Requirements: Qualifications, work experience, sometimes practical assessment
For General Professional Occupations
VETASSESS
- Processing: 12-14 weeks
- Most comprehensive assessor covering 350+ occupations
Current Processing Times for Offshore Applicants (2025)
Based on recent data:
Subclass 189
- 25% of applications: 6 months
- 50% of applications: 10 months
- 75% of applications: 14 months
- 90% of applications: 18 months
Subclass 190
- 25% of applications: 7 months
- 50% of applications: 11 months
- 75% of applications: 15 months
- 90% of applications: 19 months
Subclass 491
- 25% of applications: 5 months
- 50% of applications: 8 months
- 75% of applications: 12 months
- 90% of applications: 16 months
Note: Processing times vary significantly based on occupation, complexity, and documentation completeness.
Document Checklist for Offshore Applicants
Essential documents for offshore skilled visa applications:
Identity Documents
- Current passport (biographical pages)
- National identity cards
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce/separation documents (if applicable)
Skills and Qualifications
- Positive skills assessment
- University degrees and transcripts
- Professional certifications
- Trade qualifications
- Employment references on company letterhead
English Language Evidence
- IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge test results
- Must be less than 3 years old at time of invitation
Employment Evidence
- Employment contracts
- Payslips covering entire employment period
- Tax returns or tax documents
- Reference letters detailing duties and responsibilities
- Organisational charts
- Business registration documents (if self-employed)
Character Requirements
- Police certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months (past 10 years)
- Australian Federal Police check (if applicable)
- Statutory declarations
Health Requirements
- Completed medical examinations (Form 26 or 160)
- Chest X-rays
- Additional tests if required
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements
- Evidence of funds for settlement
- Asset documentation
Cost Breakdown for Offshore Applicants 2025
Visa Application Charges
Subclass 189/190:
- Main applicant: AUD 4,640
- Partner (18+): AUD 2,320
- Dependent child: AUD 1,160
Subclass 491:
- Main applicant: AUD 4,640
- Partner (18+): AUD 2,320
- Dependent child: AUD 1,160
Skills Assessment Fees
- ACS (IT): AUD 530-560
- Engineers Australia: AUD 1,190-1,550
- VETASSESS: AUD 1,090-1,320
- TRA (Trades): AUD 300-2,000
English Test Fees
- IELTS: AUD 385-410
- PTE Academic: AUD 385
- TOEFL iBT: AUD 300
Police Certificates
- Australian: AUD 42-70
- International: Varies by country (AUD 50-300)
Health Examinations
- Medical: AUD 300-450 per person
- Chest X-ray: AUD 150-200 per person
Professional Services (Optional)
- Migration agent: AUD 3,000-8,000
- Document translation: AUD 50-100 per page
- Document certification: AUD 30-60 per document
Total Estimated Cost: AUD 12,000-20,000 for single applicant; AUD 18,000-30,000 for family of three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Australian PR without visiting Australia?
Yes, absolutely. All three skilled visa pathways (189, 190, 491) can be applied for and processed entirely from offshore. You only need to travel to Australia once your visa is granted.
Do I need a job offer to apply as an offshore applicant?
For most pathways, no job offer is required. The 491 visa does not require a job offer. The 190 visa requirements vary by state - most states don't require job offers for offshore applicants, except WA for 190 visas. The 189 visa never requires a job offer.
How long does it take from EOI to visa grant?
The complete process typically takes:
- EOI to invitation: 3-12 months (varies by points and occupation)
- Skills assessment: 2-6 months
- Visa processing after lodge: 6-19 months
- Total timeline: 12-30+ months
Which state is easiest for offshore applicants in 2025?
South Australia currently offers the most accessible pathway for offshore applicants with over 250 occupations available and no ROI system - direct assessment from SkillSelect EOI. Tasmania and ACT also provide good opportunities as entire territories are considered regional.
Can my family come with me?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will receive the same visa as you and must meet health and character requirements.
What happens if I don't get invited?
EOIs remain active for 2 years. During this time, you can:
- Update your EOI with improved points
- Retake English tests for higher scores
- Gain additional work experience
- Target different states
- Consider alternative visa pathways
Do I need Australian work experience?
No, offshore work experience is counted equally in the points test. However, Australian experience can provide additional points and may be preferred by some states for nomination.
Can I apply for multiple state nominations simultaneously?
Yes, you can submit EOIs for multiple states simultaneously. However, each state's specific requirements must be met, and you should only accept an invitation from one state.
Take Your Next Step Toward Australian PR
Australia's skilled migration program continues to provide excellent opportunities for offshore applicants in 2025. With 132,200 skilled places available and multiple state nomination pathways, qualified professionals can secure Australian permanent residency without studying in Australia.
The key to success is:
- Choosing the right occupation and pathway
- Maximising your points through English scores and experience
- Targeting states most open to offshore applicants
- Ensuring complete and accurate documentation
- Maintaining realistic timeframes (18-30 months typical)
Ready to assess your eligibility for Australian PR? Contact First Migration Service for a comprehensive visa assessment and personalised migration strategy. Our experienced team specialises in offshore skilled migration applications and can guide you through occupation selection, skills assessment, points optimisation, and state nomination applications.
Book your consultation today and begin your journey to Australian permanent residency from anywhere in the world.