Open

Category Archives: Work Permits

Travel Expore Agency  /  Blog  /  Work Permits
24 May 2026
Germany Opportunity Card 2026 Berlin skyline job seeker visa

Germany Opportunity Card 2026: 6 Points to Qualify Step-By-Step

Categories Germany, Work Permits

The Germany Opportunity Card 2026 — Chancenkarte — is the cleanest jobseeker visa in Europe right now. It gives African professionals up to a year inside Germany to find qualified employment without committing to a single employer in advance. Approval runs on a six-point scoring system covering qualification, language, age, work experience and connection to Germany. Most Nigerian engineers, Ghanaian IT specialists, Kenyan nurses and Cameroonian researchers clear the six-point bar with a sensible application. Here is the points map and what each one really costs.

Sections inside

  1. How the six-point system actually scores
  2. Stacking points for African applicants
  3. The recognition question — when ZAB is your friend
  4. Money, insurance and the post-arrival job hunt
  5. FAQs
  6. Closing notes

How the six-point system actually scores

To qualify you need to either (a) hold a German-recognised university degree or vocational qualification, or (b) reach six points across the criteria below. The criteria are: qualification recognition (up to 4 points for full or partial recognition of your qualification), German language ability (1 point for A2, 2 for B1, 3 for B2), English language ability (1 point for C1), work experience (2 points for 2+ years in the relevant field within the last 5 years, 3 points for 5+ years), age (2 points if under 35, 1 point if 35–39), and previous stay in Germany (1 point for at least 6 months of legal residence in the past 5 years).

You also need basic German A1 or English B2 as a minimum, plus proof of sufficient funds — currently around €1,091 per month for the period of stay, or proof of part-time work permission (20 hours per week is allowed on the card). The official points calculator and current thresholds are published by Make it in Germany, the federal portal.

Stacking points for African applicants

The fastest African route to six points usually combines: 2 points for B1 German (about 6 months of focused study at a Goethe-Institut or equivalent), 2 points for 2+ years of work experience in the relevant field, 2 points for being under 35, and 1 point for C1 English. That is 7 points — comfortably above the bar even before qualification points are counted.

Take Tendai, a 31-year-old Zimbabwean mechanical engineer with four years of post-degree experience and B1 German. He scored 2 (B1 German) + 3 (5+ years experience — counted his pre-degree internship) + 2 (under 35) + 1 (C1 English) = 8 points. His application was approved through the German embassy in Pretoria in nine weeks.

Talk to Travel Explore about whether your German points clear 6 — and which city to land in for the strongest job market. https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

The recognition question — when ZAB is your friend

Qualification recognition is the most confusing part of the application. African applicants whose degree is from a university listed in the Anabin database (the German central database for foreign qualifications) often only need to print the database record. Universities not in Anabin require a statement of equivalence from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) — a 6–8 week process that costs around €200.

Vocational qualifications (nursing, electricians, IT technicians, etc.) require a separate recognition process via the relevant federal Chamber. Nurses go through the State recognition authority of the federal state where they intend to work. Healthcare recognition typically takes 3–6 months and is the slowest step for nurses and care workers moving from Ghana, Kenya and the Philippines into Germany.

Money, insurance and the post-arrival job hunt

Proof of funds for a full 12-month stay sits at roughly €13,092 in a blocked account in 2026, or a smaller amount plus evidence of part-time work and accommodation arrangements. Travel health insurance covering the journey period is required at visa issuance; on entry you must switch to a German statutory or private health insurance plan. The Opportunity Card permits 20 hours per week of work and unlimited trial-work activity (up to two weeks per employer) — this means a candidate can take an entry-level role in their field to maintain income while applying for qualified positions. Once a qualifying job offer is secured, the holder converts the Opportunity Card to an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker residence permit from inside Germany without leaving the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family on the Opportunity Card?

Family members cannot accompany you on the Opportunity Card itself. They can join you once you convert to an EU Blue Card or skilled-worker residence permit after securing a qualifying job.

How much German do I really need to find a job?

B1 is the practical minimum for engineering and IT roles, B2 for healthcare and most regulated professions. C1 unlocks senior and client-facing roles. English-only roles exist in Berlin and Munich tech but are competitive.

What jobs can I take during the 12 months?

Up to 20 hours per week of any work, plus unlimited trial-work activity for up to two weeks per employer. The trial-work allowance is specifically designed to let you test fit before signing a long-term contract.

What happens if I do not find a job in 12 months?

The Opportunity Card is generally not extendable beyond the initial period. You must leave Germany at the end of the stay and may reapply later, though repeat applications face stricter scrutiny.

Which German cities have the best job market for African professionals?

Berlin and Munich for tech and start-ups, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf for finance and engineering, Hamburg for logistics and healthcare, Stuttgart for automotive engineering. Smaller cities like Dresden and Karlsruhe have lower competition for IT and research roles.

Closing notes

  • Six points across qualification, language, experience, age and prior stay unlock the Opportunity Card
  • B1 German plus C1 English plus 2 years of work experience is the fastest combination
  • ZAB recognition is the key step for non-Anabin qualifications — budget 6–8 weeks
  • Blocked-account funds of around €13,092 satisfy the financial requirement
  • Convert to EU Blue Card or skilled-worker permit once a qualifying job is secured

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • Six points, twelve months, full German job market access — the Chancenkarte explained
  • Why African engineers should land in Germany before signing a contract
  • The €13,092 number that unlocks the Opportunity Card in 2026

Turn this into a plan

Six points isn’t a guess — it’s a checklist. Walk through yours with us and pick your German landing city.

https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

24 May 2026
UK Skilled Worker pay rule 2026 payroll calculator and finance

UK Skilled Worker Pay Rule 2026: Avoid Losing Visa Status

Categories Uk, Work Permits

Since 8 April 2026, the UK Skilled Worker pay rule has shifted compliance review from “annual salary on the Certificate of Sponsorship” to actual payslips reviewed in three-month windows. Officials can now sample any rolling three-month period and check that paid salary equals at least a quarter of the annual minimum. For Nigerian, Ghanaian and Kenyan Skilled Workers paid monthly, the maths is unforgiving — one short month can break the test and trigger a curtailment notice. Knowing the formula and reviewing your last six payslips today is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

Topics covered

  1. The formula in plain English
  2. Where workers are getting tripped up
  3. What to do if you discover a gap
  4. Reading your CoS like an auditor
  5. FAQs
  6. Recap in 5 points

The formula in plain English

For workers paid monthly, quarterly or less frequently, salary paid across any consecutive three-month period must be at least 25 per cent of the annual minimum that applies to the role. The annual minimum is whichever is higher of the general threshold (£41,700 from 22 July 2025) or the SOC code going rate from updated ASHE data. A worker on the £41,700 floor must therefore receive at least £10,425 across any three consecutive months; a worker on a £55,000 going rate must receive at least £13,750 across the same period.

Bonuses, allowances and tips do not count toward the threshold under the current rules — only basic salary. Unpaid leave, sabbaticals and reduced-hours arrangements all eat into the maths. The Home Office can check months 1–3, 2–4, 3–5 and so on — any window that fails the test puts your sponsor’s licence and your visa at risk.

Where workers are getting tripped up

Three patterns are responsible for most curtailments under the new rule. The first is the unpaid sabbatical or extended leave: a worker who takes six weeks of unpaid leave during one three-month window almost always fails the test, even if the year’s total comfortably clears the threshold. The second is the reduced-hours arrangement for personal reasons: switching from full-time to 80 per cent during a quiet period saves the employer money but breaches the rule.

The third — and most common — is the bonus-heavy compensation package. Take Funmi, a Nigerian software engineer on a £40,000 base plus a £15,000 annual bonus, sponsored at SOC 2136. Her CoS said £55,000 total — but her monthly basic of £3,333 multiplied by three is £9,999, just under the £10,425 the £41,700 threshold demands. She crossed the line only when her employer restructured the package to £45,000 base plus £10,000 bonus.

If your salary is borderline, Travel Explore can sanity-check your payslips against current Home Office thresholds — link below. https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

What to do if you discover a gap

If your last three payslips show a gap, do three things in order. First, talk to your sponsor’s HR or compliance lead — they are required to report breaches to the Home Office within ten working days, and a co-operative employer can sometimes back-pay or restructure to close the gap before reporting. Second, request a written confirmation of the corrective action: this paper trail is what your immigration adviser will use if a curtailment letter arrives. Third, if your sponsor will not co-operate, seek independent advice immediately — early intervention can sometimes convert a breach into a route to a new sponsor before your leave is cut short.

Reading your CoS like an auditor

Every Skilled Worker has a Certificate of Sponsorship that lists annual salary, hours per week and SOC code. Pull yours up today via your sponsor or your Skilled Worker visa account on gov.uk and verify that the listed annual salary divided by 12, multiplied by 3, exceeds the relevant quarterly floor by at least 5 per cent — that buffer absorbs short months and unpaid sick days. If the maths is tight, ask your sponsor to issue a new CoS with the correct figures rather than relying on year-end true-ups. The IAS Services overview of the April changes walks through the rule in more detail, including what happens when the Home Office actually opens a compliance check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bonuses count toward the three-month test?

No. Only contractual basic salary counts. Discretionary bonuses, performance pay, allowances and tips are excluded from the calculation.

I am on monthly pay — which three months are checked?

Any consecutive three calendar months. The Home Office can pick the worst-performing window in a 12-month review period and use that as the basis for compliance action.

What happens if my employer cuts my hours by mutual agreement?

If your reduced salary still meets the quarterly floor and you remain in the SOC code listed on your CoS, the change is permissible. If it dips below the floor, your sponsor must report it and your visa may be curtailed unless you can switch to a new sponsor quickly.

Does unpaid sick leave breach the rule?

It can. A full month of unpaid sick leave inside a three-month window will usually push you below the quarterly floor. Many sponsors maintain a top-up policy to bridge such periods — confirm yours in writing.

What is the penalty if my sponsor reports a breach?

The Home Office issues a Curtailment of Leave letter giving you 60 days to find a new sponsor and submit a fresh visa application. If you cannot, you must leave the UK at the end of the 60 days.

Recap in 5 points

  • From 8 April 2026, three-month payroll windows determine compliance
  • Only basic salary counts — not bonuses, allowances or tips
  • A worker on the £41,700 floor needs £10,425 across any three-month window
  • Unpaid leave, reduced hours and bonus-heavy packages are the top breach causes
  • If you spot a gap, work with your sponsor first and an adviser second

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • Your payslip is now your visa — the UK rule Skilled Workers cannot afford to miss
  • Bonus-heavy package? You may already be breaching the new pay rule
  • Sixty days to fix it — what really happens after a Home Office payroll check

Book your Travel Explore session

Stop second-guessing your payslips. Book a 30-minute audit and walk out with a written plan.

https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

24 May 2026
UK B2 English test 2026 books and study materials

UK B2 English Test 2026: Pass for Skilled Worker Visa Approval

Categories Uk, Visa Updates, Work Permits

Since 8 January 2026, the UK B2 English test requirement has applied to all new Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up visa applicants — replacing the old B1 standard. B2 is roughly A-Level English, two CEFR rungs above the older threshold, and the change has caught Nigerian engineers, Ghanaian nurses and Kenyan IT specialists off-guard. The pass rate on first attempts is down, but the path through is well-mapped: the right Secure English Language Test, the right prep window, and the right evidence stack still gets approvals through quickly.

Skim it before reading

  1. What B2 actually demands on test day
  2. Where to book the test in Africa
  3. Three-week prep plan that actually works
  4. When you can skip the test entirely
  5. FAQs
  6. Highlights to remember

What B2 actually demands on test day

B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) means you can read complex texts on familiar subjects, write clear connected text on a range of topics, follow extended speech, and hold a discussion with native speakers without strain. For Skilled Worker, HPI and Scale-up routes, the Home Office accepts only Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from approved providers: IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training), Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert, PSI Services and Trinity College London ISE. All four skills — listening, reading, writing, speaking — must reach B2 minimum: that means IELTS 5.5 across the board, PTE 59 across the board, LanguageCert SELT B2.

The single most common failure pattern Africans report is one component coming in at 5.0 while the other three are 6.0+. Writing and listening are the usual weak points; targeted prep on these two skills lifts most candidates over the line on the second attempt.

Where to book the test in Africa

IELTS for UKVI is available at official test centres in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Algiers, Cairo, Casablanca and Dakar. Pearson PTE Academic UKVI is currently more limited on the continent, with test centres in Johannesburg, Cairo, Casablanca and Algiers. Booking lead times in May 2026 are 4–6 weeks in Lagos and Accra; closer to 8 weeks in Nairobi and Kampala. Slots open faster outside of major cities — Aba, Eldoret and Kumasi sometimes have availability within two weeks.

Take Adaeze, a Nigerian electrical engineer with a Skilled Worker job offer in Manchester. She booked the IELTS for UKVI Academic six weeks out at the Lagos British Council, sat the test, scored 6.5 / 6.5 / 6.0 / 7.0, and uploaded the Test Report Form to her visa application three days after sitting.

Lock in your English exam strategy with Travel Explore — we will walk you through prep, registration and what counts as evidence. https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

Three-week prep plan that actually works

For candidates with strong everyday English, three weeks of focused prep is usually enough. Week one: take a full-length official practice paper from the British Council IELTS site or the Pearson sample tests and score yourself honestly. Identify the weakest component. Week two: drill the weak component for 90 minutes a day, alternating with timed practice in the other three. Week three: two full mock tests under timed conditions, then rest the day before. Most reliable resources: official Cambridge IELTS books 17–18 for Academic; PTE Practice Test Plus 3 for PTE. Skip the YouTube grammar binges — your time is better spent on timed mock papers.

When you can skip the test entirely

You do not need to sit a SELT if your nationality automatically meets the English requirement (the Home Office’s majority English-speaking country list), or if you hold a degree taught in English from a recognised institution. Degrees from universities in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Cameroon (English-medium institutions), Malawi and Sierra Leone are commonly accepted — but you must apply via UK ENIC (formerly UK NARIC) for a confirmation statement: an Academic Qualification Level Statement plus an English Language Proficiency Statement. The combined ENIC application takes 5–10 working days and costs around £140 in 2026. For applicants holding a Master’s or PhD from these countries, this route is faster and cheaper than re-sitting IELTS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IELTS Life Skills accepted for the Skilled Worker visa?

No. IELTS Life Skills is only used for spouse and settlement routes that test at A1, A2 or B1. Skilled Worker, HPI and Scale-up applications need IELTS for UKVI (Academic or General Training) showing B2 across all four skills.

Does my Nigerian university degree count toward English?

Often, yes — but you must obtain a UK ENIC statement confirming both academic level and English-medium instruction. Submit both the Academic Qualification Level Statement and the English Language Proficiency Statement with your visa application.

How long is a SELT valid for visa purposes?

Two years from the test date. If your visa is extended within that window you do not need to retake the test, provided you remain on the same route.

Can I take the test in the UK?

Yes — IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI and LanguageCert SELT are all available at UK test centres. This is the common route for applicants switching from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa.

What if I just miss B2 on one component?

There is no rounding. A score of 5.0 in writing fails the test even if the other three components are 7.0. You must retake the full exam; partial re-sits are not allowed under SELT rules.

Highlights to remember

  • B2 across all four skills is mandatory for new Skilled Worker, HPI and Scale-up applicants from 8 January 2026
  • IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI and LanguageCert SELT are the most common SELTs in Africa
  • Book 4–8 weeks ahead in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala and Johannesburg
  • A degree taught in English plus a UK ENIC statement can replace the test entirely
  • SELT scores stay valid for two years from the test date

Related reads on Travel Explore

Share this story

  • Skilled Worker visa English bar jumped to B2 — how Africans are clearing it
  • Skip IELTS legally: when your African degree replaces the test
  • Three weeks of the right prep — your B2 IELTS pass plan

Plan your move with us

From your first IELTS booking to your final visa decision, Travel Explore walks beside you.

https://linktr.ee/travelexpore

23 May 2026
New Zealand Green List 2026 — Auckland harbour bridge

New Zealand Green List 2026: Fast-Track Residence Pathways for African Nurses, Engineers and IT Professionals

Categories Immigration, Visa Consultancy, Work Permits

While Australia, Canada and the UK have all tightened in 2026, New Zealand has held an unusually open door for skilled African applicants — and the New Zealand Green List 2026 is the proof. The Green List names occupations where INZ allows either Straight-to-Residence or Work-to-Residence pathways. African nurses, IT professionals, civil engineers, electricians and senior teachers continue to be in the top decile of approvals, and 2026 has so far been a strong year for African Green List grants.

  1. What is the Green List
  2. Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — what differs
  3. African-relevant Green List occupations
  4. Application process step-by-step
  5. When AEWV is a faster route
  6. FAQs from African candidates

What is the Green List

The Green List is INZ’s named list of occupations in shortage. It comes with two streams:

  • Straight to Residence — direct PR if you have a job offer in a Tier 1 role, meet the salary floor and clear skills, health and character.
  • Work to Residence — a 2-year work visa for Tier 2 occupations, with PR available after 24 months in role.

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — what differs

Tier 1 occupations get the Straight-to-Residence pathway: file once, land with PR. Tier 2 occupations get Work-to-Residence: file for a 2-year visa first, then file for PR after the 2-year mark. Tier 1 examples relevant to African applicants:

  • Registered nurses (all branches).
  • Medical specialists, GPs.
  • Civil, structural, environmental engineers.
  • ICT security specialists, devops, software engineers.
  • Secondary teachers in maths, physics, science.

Tier 2 examples:

  • Electricians, plumbers, gasfitters.
  • Heavy vehicle mechanics, automotive technicians.
  • Carpenters, joiners.
  • Early childhood teachers.

African-relevant Green List occupations

The full list runs to roughly 80 occupations. African applicants with confirmed approvals in 2025-26 commonly come from:

  • Nigeria — civil engineers, registered nurses, telecoms specialists.
  • South Africa — software engineers, electricians, IT security.
  • Kenya — registered nurses, civil engineers, secondary teachers.
  • Zimbabwe — registered nurses, GPs, heavy vehicle mechanics.
  • Ghana — IT professionals, secondary teachers.
  • Egypt — civil engineers, urban planners, IT.

Application process step-by-step

  1. Get your occupation registered or licensed in NZ — Nursing Council, Engineering NZ, Teaching Council, EWRB.
  2. Find a New Zealand employer accredited for AEWV sponsorship.
  3. Confirm your salary meets the floor — NZD 31.61/hour for AEWV from February 2026 (the median wage may change later in the year).
  4. Submit the AEWV (work visa) if Tier 2, or Straight to Residence if Tier 1.
  5. Provide police certificates, medical exam, full CV and qualification evidence.
  6. For Tier 2 applicants, complete 24 months in role then apply for residence.

👉 Travel Explore’s NZ desk runs a registration shortlist tailored to your occupation. Start at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

When AEWV is a faster route

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main work pathway in NZ. For African candidates whose occupation is not on the Green List, AEWV may still offer a route — and certain AEWV roles convert to residence after the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) rebuild later in 2026. The trade-offs:

  • Green List Tier 1: best — PR on arrival.
  • Green List Tier 2: solid — PR in 2 years.
  • AEWV only: faster to get into NZ if you do not yet meet Green List criteria, but PR is via SMC points later.

Linet, a Kenyan registered nurse, was offered a contract at Auckland City Hospital in March 2026 at NZD 78,000/year. Her Straight-to-Residence application was approved 47 days after submission and she now lives in Auckland with her husband (full work rights) and two children (free public schooling).

Pre-screen your Green List eligibility

Most Green List rejections trace back to a missed registration or a salary just below the floor. Travel Explore can pre-screen both at https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

FAQs from African candidates

Do I need a job offer before applying?
Yes for both Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Can my partner work in NZ on a dependant visa?
Yes. Partners of Green List visa holders typically receive open work rights.

What is the minimum salary for Green List?
It varies by occupation. Most Tier 1 roles require salary at or above NZ’s median wage.

How long until I can apply for NZ citizenship?
Five years of holding residence, with physical presence requirements.

Do African nursing qualifications need re-validation?
Yes. Nursing Council registration is required, and you may need to complete a Competence Assessment Programme depending on your country.

What is the IELTS score required?
An overall IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.5) is the typical baseline for skilled-occupation applications.

Bottom line

  • Tier 1 = Straight to Residence; Tier 2 = 2-year Work to Residence.
  • Registered nurses, engineers, IT and secondary teachers are the African sweet spot.
  • Get your NZ occupation registration sorted before applying.
  • Partner gets open work rights and children get free public schooling.

More from Travel Explore

Share this story

  • “New Zealand Green List 2026 — straight to residence for African nurses, engineers, IT.”
  • “Tier 1 vs Tier 2: the only difference that matters for African applicants.”
  • “Auckland City Hospital approves African nurses in 47 days. Here is how.”

Sources: immigration.govt.nz · beehive.govt.nz

23 May 2026
Australia 189 visa 2026 — Melbourne city skyline

Australia 189 Visa 2026: Skilled Independent Comeback for African Candidates Explained

Categories Immigration, Visa Consultancy, Work Permits

In a 3 May 2026 closed-door briefing to the Migration Institute of Australia, senior Department of Home Affairs officials hinted that Skilled-Independent (Subclass 189) invitation numbers could “recover substantially” in the 2026-27 programme year. After three lean years — only 7,000 invitations in 2025-26 against more than 44,000 in 2018-19 — that is a major signal for African candidates currently sitting on their SkillSelect EOI. Here is the Australia 189 visa 2026 playbook to be ready.

  1. What changed on 3 May 2026
  2. What the Subclass 189 visa actually offers
  3. Points test snapshot for 2026
  4. Three things to do before invitations restart
  5. 189 vs 190 vs 491 — which fits African candidates
  6. FAQs from African candidates

What changed on 3 May 2026

Australia’s points-tested independent route has been frozen in low-volume mode since the migration programme was tilted toward employer-sponsored streams in 2022-23. The 3 May briefing — first reported by Visa HQ News — signals a re-opening of the route in the 2026-27 programme year. The fiscal year runs 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. While no fixed invitation round date has been announced, the next 189 round is expected in May or June 2026 to clear backlog before the year-end.

What the Subclass 189 visa actually offers

The 189 Skilled Independent visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa. You do not need a sponsor, an employer or a state nomination. African accountants, software engineers, civil engineers, registered nurses, secondary teachers and biomedical scientists are over-represented in past 189 grants, and the visa offers immediate Australian permanent residence with full work, study and Medicare rights for you and your dependants.

Points test snapshot for 2026

The minimum entry threshold is 65 points, but invitations in recent rounds have required 95-105 points for most occupations. Africans need to maximise:

  • Age (best score at 25-32 — 30 points).
  • English (Superior — 20 points; Proficient — 10 points).
  • Skilled employment outside Australia (up to 15 points).
  • Skilled employment inside Australia (up to 20 points).
  • Qualifications (doctorate — 20 points; bachelor — 15 points).
  • Partner skills, single status bonus, regional study, NAATI accreditation.

Three things to do before invitations restart

  1. Re-submit a fresh EOI. EOIs that have sat dormant for over 12 months are deprioritised. Submit a new one with current evidence.
  2. Push English from Proficient to Superior. The 10-point jump from Proficient to Superior (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79) is the cheapest way for African candidates to add points.
  3. Verify your skills assessment is current. Most assessments lapse after 3 years.

👉 Need a points-test calculation for your African profile? Send your CV via https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

189 vs 190 vs 491 — which fits African candidates

Three points-tested visas overlap:

  • 189 Skilled Independent — no sponsor required, PR on grant, hardest to invite under current low-volume settings.
  • 190 Skilled Nominated — state government nomination required, PR on grant, easier in 2025-26 because states have been issuing nominations.
  • 491 Skilled Work Regional — regional state nomination, provisional 5-year visa with PR pathway after 3 years of regional residence.

African candidates with 95+ points should keep 189 as their target. Candidates with 75-90 points should target 190 or 491 in parallel — and South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory are still nominating Africans in critical occupations.

Kwame, a Ghanaian software engineer in Accra, scored 95 points with a 32-year-old age band, PTE Superior, three years of overseas experience and a Master’s degree. He has an EOI in for both 189 and 190 Victoria nomination and expects a 189 invitation in the August round.

Lock in your points score before the round

Even a 5-point swing changes your invitation probability. Travel Explore’s Australia advisors can run your case against the current point cut-offs — https://linktr.ee/travelexpore.

FAQs from African candidates

Can I include my partner on a 189?
Yes. Spouse and dependent children are included on the application.

Do I need to live in Australia first?
No. You can apply, be invited and migrate from your African country directly.

Which African nationalities are most successful on 189?
Nigerians, South Africans, Kenyans, Egyptians and Ghanaians have been the largest African 189 grant recipients in past programme years.

What is the minimum age?
18 years. Maximum is 44 years for points-test eligibility.

How long does a 189 grant take after invitation?
Processing times currently run 8-13 months from invitation to grant.

Is the 189 a one-shot route or can I reapply?
EOIs auto-renew. If you are not invited, you can update your score and stay in the pool.

Three lines to remember

  • 189 invitations expected to “recover substantially” in 2026-27.
  • African candidates should re-file fresh EOIs now.
  • Push English to Superior and verify skills assessment validity before the next round.

More from Travel Explore

Share this story

  • “Australia hints at 189 Skilled Independent comeback. African candidates, fresh EOI today.”
  • “From 7,000 to 44,000? Subclass 189 invitations may rebound in 2026-27.”
  • “Three ways African candidates can add 10+ points before the next 189 round.”

Sources: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · dewr.gov.au

1 … 17 18 19 20 21 … 41