Subclass 189 / Points-tested stream
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) A future on your terms.
Your skills could open a pathway to permanent residence in Australia. We help you understand whether the 189 fits your profile and how to prepare a plan you can support with evidence.
- Visa type
- Permanent residence
- Nomination
- Not required
- Where you can live
- Anywhere in Australia
What this pathway offers
Your experience. Your own direction.
The points-tested 189 pathway is for invited skilled people who meet the requirements without an employer or government nominating them.
Permanent residence
Build a longer-term life in Australia with the right to live, work and study as a permanent resident.
Room to choose
This pathway does not tie your visa to a sponsoring employer or a nominating state or territory.
Plan for your family
Eligible members of your family unit may be included, subject to the visa requirements that apply to them.
The requirements in context
What needs to line up.
A strong starting point brings your occupation, assessment, points and evidence together. The main checks for the points-tested primary applicant include:
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Under 45 at invitation
Your age is assessed when Home Affairs invites you, so a birthday can affect your planning while you wait.
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An eligible occupation
Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant list for this pathway and match the skills you are claiming.
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Suitable skills assessment
Plan to have suitable, valid assessment evidence ready for your EOI. Check the timing requirements and any issue specific to your assessment.
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At least Competent English
Check the accepted evidence for your circumstances. Higher English levels can contribute additional points.
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At least 65 points
You need to meet the minimum threshold and prove the points score stated in any visa invitation you receive.
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Health, character and application requirements
Review family evidence, visa history and your ability to make a valid application from your location.
Meeting the minimum is a starting point.
A score of 65 does not guarantee an invitation. Federal invitation rounds depend on the program's needs, occupation settings and the EOIs being considered.
We look at both your claimed score and the documents behind it. You can compare your profile with published invitation outcomes, while keeping alternatives in view.
A plan you can follow
From your profile to the next step.
We explain the work involved, what depends on selection and the evidence to prepare before you proceed.
Submitting an EOI does not give you a bridging visa. If you are in Australia, your current visa expiry needs its own plan.
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Review your profile
Start with your duties, qualifications, work history and current visa. Identify the occupation and points claims worth examining.
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Prepare the evidence
Work through the skills assessment, English and document requirements. Check that dates and claimed experience line up.
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Submit your EOI
Record an accurate Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and keep it current as your circumstances change.
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Wait for selection
Home Affairs manages the relevant invitation rounds. An EOI does not extend your stay in Australia or create a bridging visa.
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Apply after invitation
If invited, lodge within 60 calendar days and provide the evidence needed to support your claims and the other visa criteria.
Preparation that makes sense
Bring the right evidence together.
Your checklist should reflect the claims you make. Depending on your circumstances, it may include:
- Passport, identity documents and relevant visa history.
- Qualifications, academic records and suitable skills assessment evidence.
- Accepted English evidence for the level claimed.
- Employment references and supporting records for claimed work periods.
- Relationship and dependent-family evidence, where relevant.
- Health, character and any additional evidence required for your circumstances.
A little more clarity
Your 189 questions, made clearer.
These answers are a starting point. Your circumstances and the current requirements need to be considered together.
Is this the same as the Hong Kong or New Zealand stream?
This page focuses on the points-tested stream. The Hong Kong stream has separate criteria. The 189 New Zealand stream closed to new primary applications on 1 July 2023, so it should not be treated as a current application option.
Can I apply while I am overseas?
The points-tested pathway can be pursued from outside Australia, subject to the applicable requirements. If you are in Australia, your visa status and conditions need to be checked before planning an onshore application.
Can I improve my points while my EOI is active?
You can update your EOI before receiving an invitation, including for eligible new work experience, qualifications or English results. Every claim still needs suitable evidence.
What if I am not invited?
An invitation is not assured. Depending on your profile, it may be useful to consider the 190 or 491 pathways and any separate nomination or regional commitments. We explain the practical differences before you choose your next step.
Your next step starts with you
Let's put your skills into perspective.
Tell us about your experience and plans. We will help you understand the 189 pathway and the next step that fits your situation.