Not all Australian skilled visas last the same length of time. Some grant permanent residency immediately, others are provisional or temporary. Here's exactly how long each visa type is valid.
Duration Varies Significantly by Visa Type
The term "skilled visa" covers several different Australian visa subclasses, and their duration ranges from 2 years to permanently. Understanding the difference is essential before you choose your pathway.
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## Permanent Skilled Visas (No Expiry)
### Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
Duration: Permanent. From the day it is granted, you are a permanent resident of Australia. There is no end date on the visa itself, though the travel facility (the ability to re-enter as a PR) is valid for 5 years and must be renewed or you must obtain citizenship.
### Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
Duration: Permanent. Same as the 189 — permanent residency from grant date.
Obligation: You are required to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years, but this is a compliance obligation, not a visa validity condition.
### Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme
Duration: Permanent. All three streams (TRT, Direct Entry, Labour Agreement) grant permanent residency immediately upon visa grant.
## Provisional Skilled Visas (Limited Duration)
### Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Duration: 5 years from grant date. After 3 years of living and working in a regional area and meeting income thresholds, you may apply for the Subclass 191 (permanent).
### Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Duration: 5 years from grant date. After 3 years of regional work and income, you apply for the 191 (permanent).
## Temporary Skilled Visas
### Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage
- Long-term (MLTSSL) stream: Up to 4 years per grant, renewable while sponsored. Pathway to 186 permanent after 3 years.
- Short-term (STSOL) stream: Up to 2 years per grant, with one renewal possible in some cases. No direct PR pathway.
## What Happens When a Temporary or Provisional Visa Expires?
- If you have not applied for a new visa before it expires, you become unlawful
- If you have applied for a new visa or PR before expiry, a bridging visa is automatically granted to keep you lawful during processing
- For provisional visa holders (491/494) approaching the 5-year mark who have not yet lodged a 191 application, it's critical to act early
## The 5-Year Travel Facility Rule
For permanent visas (189, 190, 186), the visa itself never expires — but the travel facility does after 5 years. After that, you need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident, or you should apply for citizenship.
## Which Is Right for You?
| Goal | Best Visa |
|------|-----------|
| Instant PR, no employer needed | 189 / 190 |
| PR via regional (lower points score) | 491 → 191 |
| PR via employer (no points needed) | 482 → 186 |
| Regional employer sponsorship → PR | 494 → 191 |
NWI maps out the full visa timeline for every client so there are no surprises about when renewals, transitions, or PR applications are due.