Skilled migration pathway
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
A points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who do not require employer sponsorship, state nomination or family sponsorship.
Subclass 189 can provide a direct permanent pathway, but an eligible occupation and 65 points do not automatically lead to an invitation. Your occupation, skills assessment, English result, points claims and invitation competitiveness must work together.
- Permanentresidence visa
- Independentno sponsor required
- Points-testedminimum threshold applies
- Invitation onlythrough SkillSelect
Stage 1
Check Whether Subclass 189 Fits Your Situation
The first question is not simply whether you can reach 65 points. You need to confirm that the complete independent skilled migration pathway is available and realistic for you.
Age and English
Be under 45 at the time of invitation and have competent English or higher.
Eligible Occupation
Nominate an occupation available for the Subclass 189 pathway.
Positive Skills Assessment
Hold a suitable assessment from the authority responsible for your occupation.
Points and Invitation
Reach at least 65 points, submit an EOI and receive an invitation before applying.
Stage 2
Follow the Subclass 189 Application Pathway
The process is sequential. Each step should be completed and checked before moving to the next.
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1
Confirm Occupation
Check that your nominated occupation is eligible and properly matches your qualifications and employment history. View the Skilled Occupation List.
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2
Complete Skills Assessment
Obtain a suitable assessment from the authority responsible for your occupation. Assessing authorities may include ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, TRA or AHPRA.
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3
Complete English Testing
Sit an accepted English test where required and consider whether a stronger result can improve your points.
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4
Calculate and Verify Points
Calculate your score and confirm that every claimed point can be supported by evidence.
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5
Submit an Expression of Interest
Enter your verified information in SkillSelect and keep the EOI accurate and current.
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6
Receive an Invitation
You can apply for the visa only after receiving a Subclass 189 invitation.
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7
Lodge the Visa Application
After invitation, lodge within the permitted timeframe with the required supporting documents.
Stage 3
Calculate Your Subclass 189 Points
Use the age table and calculator below for an initial estimate. Points are assessed at the time of invitation, and every claimed point must be supported by evidence.
Age Points
Your age when you receive an invitation determines the age points available.
| Age at invitation | Points |
|---|---|
| 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 |
| 33–39 years | 25 |
| 40–44 years | 15 |
| 45 years or older | 0Not age eligible |
For the points-tested Subclass 189 stream, you must be under 45 when invited to apply.
How to Read Your Result
At least 65 points are required to be eligible to receive an invitation, but 65 points do not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes can depend on the occupation, invitation settings and competition.
This calculator is a general guide and does not assess whether your employment, qualifications, English result, partner evidence or other claims satisfy the legal requirements.
Check the official Department of Home Affairs Subclass 189 points table.
Stage 4
Review the Outcome, Costs and Timing
Understand what the visa provides and check current official charges and processing information before proceeding.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residence from visa grant
- No employer sponsorship required
- No state or territory nomination required
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Include eligible family members
- Potential pathway to citizenship, subject to eligibility
Official Charges and Processing Times
Visa application charges and processing times change regularly. Check the Department of Home Affairs immediately before lodging.
Stage 5
Compare Subclass 189 With Other Skilled Pathways
Subclass 189 may not be the strongest option for every applicant. State nomination through Subclass 190 or regional nomination through Subclass 491 may provide a more realistic pathway in some circumstances.
When Professional Advice May Help
Advice may be useful if you are unsure about occupation selection, the skills assessment pathway, work-experience evidence, your points claim, English strategy or whether to pursue Subclass 189, 190, 491 or an employer-sponsored option.
Stage 6
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for a Subclass 189 visa?
The minimum points threshold is 65. However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Some occupations may require significantly higher scores depending on invitation rounds and competition.
Do I need employer sponsorship for the 189 visa?
No. Subclass 189 does not require employer sponsorship, state nomination or family sponsorship. Applicants are invited through SkillSelect.
Why is Subclass 189 highly competitive?
Many skilled applicants compete for limited invitation places. Points, English results, occupation demand and invitation settings can affect prospects.
Should I consider Subclass 190 or 491?
Some applicants may have stronger prospects through state or regional nomination if their occupation and circumstances align with the relevant requirements.
Can I include family members?
Eligible family members may generally be included, provided they meet the relevant health, character and visa requirements.
Do I need a skills assessment and English test before receiving an invitation?
Before submitting the EOI, you need a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation. You may also need an accepted English test showing at least competent English, and any English points claimed must be supported by the relevant result. Requirements and exemptions depend on your circumstances.
Can I update my Expression of Interest after submitting it?
Yes. You can update your EOI before invitation if your work experience, qualifications, English result, skills assessment or family circumstances change. You cannot update it after an invitation has been issued.
What happens if I cannot prove the points claimed in my EOI?
Your visa application must support the claims and points on which the invitation was based. If claimed points cannot be evidenced, the application may not satisfy the points-tested criteria and may be refused. Check every claim before submitting or updating the EOI.
Next step
Book a Skilled Visa Consultation
Need help with your occupation, skills assessment, points score or visa strategy?
