The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after permanent visas in Australia. It allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without needing a sponsor or nomination from a state or territory government.
How Does the Subclass 189 Work?
The 189 visa operates through a points-based system:
The Points Test
You must score at least 65 points to be eligible, but in practice, competitive scores are much higher. Points are awarded for:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32 years) | Up to 30 points |
| English language ability (Superior) | Up to 20 points |
| Skilled employment (overseas) | Up to 15 points |
| Skilled employment (Australian) | Up to 20 points |
| Educational qualifications | Up to 20 points |
| Australian study requirement | 5 points |
| Specialist education qualification | 5 points |
| Credentialled community language | 5 points |
| Partner skills | Up to 10 points |
| Professional year | 5 points |
| State/territory nomination (190 only) | 5 points |
Current Invitation Rounds
Invitation rounds occur regularly, but the minimum points score for an invitation varies by occupation. In recent rounds:
- Accountants: 90-95 points
- Software Engineers: 80-85 points
- Registered Nurses: 75-80 points
- Civil Engineers: 80-85 points
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Tip: The higher your points score, the sooner you will receive an invitation. If your score is borderline, consider ways to increase it — such as improving your English test score or gaining additional work experience.
Skills Assessment
Before submitting your EOI, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation. Common assessing authorities include:
- Engineers Australia — for engineering occupations
- ACS — for ICT occupations
- CPA/CA/IPA — for accounting occupations
- ANMAC — for nursing occupations
- VETASSESS — for various professional occupations
Common Pitfalls
How I Can Help
I can assess your eligibility, help you maximise your points score, guide you through the skills assessment process, and prepare your visa application. The 189 visa is highly competitive — professional guidance can make the difference.
Book a consultation today from $97.
Practitioner Note — Nilesh Nandan
The 189 points test is deceptively simple on paper. In practice, the assessment of qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency is highly technical. I regularly see applicants with legitimate claims receive lower scores than they deserve because they did not understand how the criteria are applied.
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Questions & Answers
I have 70 points. Is it worth submitting an EOI?
At 70 points, you are unlikely to receive an invitation for most occupations in the current climate. However, it costs nothing to submit an EOI, and scores can change. I would recommend exploring ways to increase your score — improving your English test result is often the quickest way to gain additional points.
Can my partner's skills help my 189 application?
Yes, if your partner has a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant list and has at least Competent English, you can claim up to 10 additional points. If your partner does not meet these requirements but has Competent English, you can still claim 5 points.