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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 is Australia's most prestigious skilled migration visa, granting permanent residency from the day it is approved -- no employer sponsorship, no state nomination, and no obligation to live in a particular region. Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, but the competitive reality in 2026 is that 85-95 points are typically needed to receive an invitation. Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority. Invitation rounds have moved to a quarterly schedule for the 2025-2026 program year, with the Department of Home Affairs prioritising occupations in healthcare, IT, engineering, and education. Successful applicants receive unrestricted permanent residence: the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access to Medicare, and eligibility for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Points Test Detailed Breakdown

Age

25-32 years30
33-39 years25
18-24 years25
40-44 years15
45+ years0 (ineligible)

English Language Ability

Superior (IELTS 8+ each band)20
Proficient (IELTS 7+ each band)10
Competent (IELTS 6+ each band)0 (minimum required)

Skilled Employment - Overseas

8-10 years15
5-7 years10
3-4 years5
Less than 3 years0

Skilled Employment - Australian

8-10 years20
5-7 years15
3-4 years10
1-2 years5

Educational Qualifications

Doctorate (PhD)20
Bachelor's degree or Master's15
Diploma or trade qualification10
Recognised qualification or award10

Bonus Points

Australian STEM qualification (research)10
Specialist education qualification5-10
Credentialled community language (NAATI)5
Study in regional Australia5
Professional year in Australia5
Partner skills (occupation + English)5-10
Single applicant or partner is citizen/PR10

Recent Invitation Rounds (2025-2026)

SkillSelect invitation rounds moved to a quarterly schedule. The Department issues invitations based on points score (highest first), then date of effect (earliest first). Pro rata occupations have separate ceilings.

RoundInvitedMin ScoreTop Occupations
December 2025~1,50085Software Engineers, Registered Nurses, Civil Engineers, Accountants
September 2025~1,80085ICT Security Specialists, Mechanical Engineers, Teachers, Medical Practitioners
June 2025~2,00080Software Engineers, Nurses, Electricians, Construction Managers
March 2025~1,60085Accountants, Engineers, Developers, Registered Nurses

Application Process

1

Check your occupation is on the MLTSSL

Your nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. The list covers approximately 212 occupations. Check via the Department of Home Affairs website or SkillSelect.

2

Obtain a skills assessment

Apply for a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS for general professions). Processing: 6-16 weeks.

3

Take an English language test

Sit IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Minimum: Competent (IELTS 6.0 each band). For maximum points: Superior (IELTS 8.0 each band, worth 20 points).

4

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Create a SkillSelect profile and submit your EOI with your points claim. The system will rank you against other applicants. Keep your EOI updated -- it remains active for 2 years.

5

Receive an invitation to apply

If your points are competitive, you will receive an invitation during a quarterly round. You then have 60 days to lodge your visa application with full supporting documents.

6

Lodge visa application and await decision

Submit your application via ImmiAccount with all evidence: skills assessment, English test, employment references, identity documents, health examination, and police clearances. Processing: 3-9 months.

Fees & Costs (2026)

ItemAmount
Visa application (primary applicant)AUD $4,640
Additional applicant (18+)AUD $2,320
Additional applicant (under 18)AUD $1,160
Skills assessment (varies by authority)AUD $300-$1,500
English language testAUD $300-$400
Health examinationAUD $350-$500
Police clearance certificatesAUD $50-$200 per country
Migration agent fees (optional)AUD $3,000-$8,000

The Subclass 189 visa application fee is among the highest in Australia's skilled migration program because it grants permanent residence immediately. Second instalment fees may apply if English requirements are not met by secondary applicants.

FAQ

What is the realistic points score needed for Subclass 189 in 2026?
While the official minimum is 65 points, the competitive reality in 2026 is that you need 85-95 points to receive an invitation in a reasonable timeframe. Applicants with 95+ points are typically invited within 1-2 quarterly rounds (3-6 months). Those at 85 points may wait 6-12 months depending on their occupation. Below 85 points, you should consider Subclass 190 (state nomination, +5 points) or Subclass 491 (regional, +15 points) as alternatives.
How often are invitation rounds held?
From the 2025-2026 program year, SkillSelect invitation rounds moved to a quarterly schedule (approximately September, December, March, and June). Previously they were monthly. Each round typically issues 1,500-2,000 invitations. Invitations go to the highest-scoring EOIs first, then by date of effect for applicants with the same score.
Do I need an employer to sponsor me for Subclass 189?
No. The Subclass 189 is entirely independent -- you do not need an employer or a state/territory government to sponsor or nominate you. This is one of its key advantages. You apply based solely on your own points score, skills assessment, and qualifications.
What happens after I receive the 189 visa?
The Subclass 189 grants permanent residence from day one. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions. You are eligible for Medicare (public healthcare), can enrol children in public schools, can sponsor eligible relatives, and can apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years of residence (including 1 year as a permanent resident). Your travel facility allows unlimited travel for 5 years.
Can I include my family in the Subclass 189 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children (under 23, or any age if incapacitated). Your partner can contribute up to 10 points if they have a skilled occupation with competent English, or you receive 10 points as a single applicant. All family members included in the application receive permanent residence.

Official Sources

Last updated: 2026-03-25