189 Visa Requirements Australia

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most sought-after pathways to Australian permanent residency. Unlike other visas, it requires no sponsorship, no nomination, and no job offer. But meeting the 189 visa requirements Australia can be challenging.

Before you start, check whether you have enough points using our PR Points Calculator to see if the 189 visa is realistic for your situation.

What Is the 189 Visa?

The 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state, or a family member. It is entirely based on your skills, qualifications, and points score.

Key benefits of the 189 visa:

• Permanent residency from the day it is granted
• Live and work anywhere in Australia
• No sponsorship or nomination required
• Include your family in the application
• Pathway to Australian citizenship

Basic 189 Visa Requirements

1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Your nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list contains occupations that Australia needs on a long-term basis. Not all skilled occupations are on this list.

2. Skills Assessment

You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This proves that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your profession.

3. Minimum 65 Points

You need at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test. However, meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Most successful 189 applicants have 85 points or more.

4. Competent English

You must demonstrate at least Competent English. This typically means IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge tests. Higher English scores also give you more points.

5. Under 45 Years of Age

You must be under 45 when you receive your invitation. There is no flexibility on this requirement. If you are approaching 45, time is critical.

6. Health and Character Requirements

You and any family members included in your application must meet Australia's health and character standards. This includes medical examinations and police clearance certificates.

189 Visa Points Requirements

While the minimum is 65 points, the 189 visa is highly competitive. Here is what you need to know about the points:

Competitive Scores

Recent invitation rounds show that most 189 invitations go to applicants with 85+ points. Some occupations regularly require 90 or even 95 points.

Key Points Categories

For the 189 visa, focus on maximizing these categories:

• Age: 25–32 years gives maximum 30 points
• English: Superior English gives 20 points
• Work experience: Up to 20 points combined
• Education: Up to 20 points for highest qualification

Learn more about what is a good PR score for different visa pathways.

189 Visa Application Process

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Before you can apply, you need a positive skills assessment. Contact the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and submit your qualifications and work experience for evaluation.

Step 2: English Test

Take an approved English test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Cambridge). Your results must be valid (usually within 3 years) when you submit your EOI.

Step 3: Calculate Your Points

Use the PR Points Calculator to estimate your score. Make sure you have at least 65, preferably more.

Step 4: Submit EOI

Create an account on SkillSelect and submit your Expression of Interest. Include your skills assessment reference and English test results. Select the 189 visa as your preference.

Step 5: Wait for Invitation

The government runs invitation rounds, usually monthly. If your score is competitive for your occupation, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Step 6: Apply for Visa

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your complete visa application. Include all supporting documents, pay the fees, and wait for processing.

189 Visa Processing Time

Processing times for the 189 visa vary depending on your occupation, the completeness of your application, and current case loads. Generally:

• Most applications are processed within 6–12 months
• Complex cases may take longer
• Priority occupations may be processed faster

You can check current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

189 Visa Costs

The main visa application fee is charged per applicant. Additional costs include:

• Skills assessment fees (varies by occupation)
• English test fees
• Medical examination fees
• Police clearance certificates
• Professional fees (if using a migration agent)

Check the official Department of Home Affairs website for current visa application charges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting With Too Few Points

Many applicants submit EOIs with 65–70 points and wait indefinitely. Research the typical invitation scores for your occupation before submitting.

Expiring Documents

Skills assessments and English tests have expiry dates. Make sure your documents are valid when you receive an invitation.

Incorrect Occupation Selection

Choose the occupation that most closely matches your skills assessment. Selecting a different occupation will result in refusal.

189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Is Better?

The 189 visa offers the most freedom but is also the most competitive. If your score is below 85, consider whether the 190 or 491 visas might be better options.

Read our detailed 189 vs 190 vs 491 comparison to help you decide.

Check If You Qualify for the 189 Visa

The 189 visa is an excellent pathway if you meet the requirements and have a competitive points score. Check your eligibility now.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about 189 visa requirements Australia. Visa policies, occupation lists, and processing criteria change regularly. Always verify current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

This article does not constitute immigration advice. For personalised guidance, consider consulting a registered migration agent.