The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residency pathway that does not require employer or state sponsorship. Invitations are issued based on a points test with a minimum threshold of 65 points, though competitive occupations in 2025-26 invitation rounds have required 85-100 points to receive an invitation. Points are awarded across seven categories: age (maximum 30 points), English language ability (maximum 20), skilled employment experience (maximum 15-20), educational qualifications (maximum 20), Australian study (5 points), partner skills (maximum 10), and other factors including regional study, community language, and professional year (maximum 10-15). This article breaks down each category.
Age Points (Maximum 30)
Age is the single largest points category and is calculated at the time of invitation, not at the time of EOI lodgement. Applicants aged 25-32 receive the maximum 30 points. Ages 18-24: 25 points. Ages 33-39: 25 points. Ages 40-44: 15 points. Ages 45 and above: ineligible (cannot lodge an EOI or receive an invitation). This means the optimal age window for a 189 application is 25-32, and the entire pathway closes at age 45. If your 45th birthday falls between EOI lodgement and an invitation round, your EOI becomes ineligible on that date.
English Language Points (Maximum 20)
English ability is assessed via an approved test: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The points breakdown is: Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band, or equivalent) = 20 points. Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band) = 10 points. Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band) = 0 points. Holders of passports from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are automatically considered Competent English but must still sit an English test to claim Proficient or Superior points. English test scores are valid for 3 years for migration purposes. Re-taking the test to move from Proficient to Superior can add 10 points — often the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely.
Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 15-20)
Points are awarded for skilled employment in Australia and overseas, provided the experience is in a nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. Overseas experience: 3-4 years = 5 points, 5-7 years = 10 points, 8+ years = 15 points. Australian experience: 1-2 years = 5 points, 3-4 years = 10 points, 5-7 years = 15 points, 8+ years = 20 points. Employment must be post-qualification (i.e., after completing the qualification that makes you eligible for the nominated occupation) and at a skilled level. Part-time experience is counted pro-rata. The Department of Home Affairs requires employment reference letters on company letterhead specifying the position title, dates, duties, hours worked, and contact details of the referee.
Education, Australian Study, and Specialist Qualifications
Education points: Doctorate (PhD) = 20 points. Bachelor degree (including Honours and Masters) = 15 points. Diploma or trade qualification = 10 points. Australian study: an additional 5 points for completing at least 2 academic years of study in Australia (CRICOS-registered courses). Specialist education: 5 points for a Masters by research or PhD in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or specified ICT fields. Note that the Australian study requirement and specialist education points can be combined, but the total educational qualification points (from the degree category) are limited to 20 points — you cannot claim 20 for a PhD plus 15 for a Bachelor.
Partner and Other Points
Partner skills: 10 points if your spouse or de facto partner is also a skilled applicant (under 45, Competent English, skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as the primary applicant). 5 points if your partner has Competent English only (without a skills assessment in a listed occupation). Single applicants automatically receive 10 points. Other points categories: NAATI-accredited community language (5 points, for credentialed translators/interpreters), study in regional Australia (5 points), Professional Year in Australia in accounting, IT, or engineering (5 points). Note that “study in regional Australia” requires at least 2 academic years of study in a designated regional area.
2025-26 Invitation Round Trends
The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds for the 189 visa approximately every 3-6 months. As at April 2026, the most recent round (March 2026) invited approximately 8,500 applicants. Cutoff scores for popular occupations: Registered Nurse (nec): 70-75 points; Software Engineer: 90-95 points; Accountant (General): 95-100 points; Civil Engineer: 85-90 points; Early Childhood Teacher: 70-75 points; Electrician: 70-75 points. The 189 is not subject to state nomination caps (unlike the 190 and 491), but it is subject to the overall skilled migration program ceiling (approximately 140,000 places in 2025-26).
FAQ
Q: Can I submit multiple EOIs? A: Yes. You may submit separate EOIs for the 189, 190, and 491 visas. Each EOI is independent and receiving an invitation for one does not affect the others. You can also submit a 189 EOI for different occupations if you have multiple skills assessments.
Q: What happens if I turn 45 while waiting for an invitation? A: Your EOI becomes ineligible on your 45th birthday. You should apply for state nomination (190) before age 45, as some states prioritise applicants approaching the age limit.
Q: How is work experience verified? A: The Department of Home Affairs generally does not verify work experience before issuing an invitation (invitations are issued based on self-declared points). However, at the visa application stage, all claimed points are rigorously verified. Claiming points for experience you cannot document will result in visa refusal.
Q: Do I need a skills assessment before submitting an EOI? A: Yes. A valid skills assessment in your nominated occupation is mandatory before lodging an EOI. The skills assessment must be current at the time of invitation (most assessments are valid for 2-3 years).
Q: Can I include family members in my 189 application? A: Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your 189 visa application. All included family members receive permanent residency. Your partner’s occupation and English ability affect your points score (see Partner points above).
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs - Skilled Independent 189
- Department of Home Affairs - Points Test
- SkillSelect - Invitation Rounds
- Home Affairs - Skilled Occupation List
This article is informational only and does not constitute migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised guidance.