The skilled independent visa – subclass 189 is one of the visas within the General Skilled Migration Program. You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply. You must have achieved a minimum of Competent English.
If a candidate has sufficient points and their occupation is on the specified occupation list then they can apply for this visa without support or invitation from a State or Territory Nominated Visa.
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa – subclass 189, your occupation must be on the specified occupation list and you must satisfy the Skilled Migration Points Test for the occupation. The minimum points threshold across all occupations is 65 points, with points awarded based on factors such as your:
- Age
- English language ability
- Qualifications
- Employment experience
- Partner’s skills
You can use the points table to calculate an estimate of the number of points you may be eligible for in the skilled independent visa – subclass 189.
Points Table – Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
| Factor | Points |
Age | 18-24 | 25 |
25-32 | 30 | |
33-39 | 25 | |
40-44 | 15 | |
English | 0 | |
10 | ||
20 | ||
Skilled Employment – Overseas | < 3 years | 0 |
3-5 years | 5 | |
5-8 years | 10 | |
8 years + | 15 | |
Skilled Employment – Australia | < 1 year | 0 |
1-3 years | 5 | |
3-5 years | 10 | |
5-8 years | 15 | |
8 years + | 20 | |
Educational Qualifications | PhD from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 20 |
Bachelor degree from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 15 | |
Diploma or trade qualification from Australia | 10 | |
Qualification/award otherwise recognised by relevant assessing authority as being suitable for that occupation | 10 | |
Specialist education qualification | A Masters degree by research or a PhD from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years of study in STEM fields. (see below) | 10 |
Completed at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution for at least 2 academic years study. | 5 | |
Professional Year | Completion of Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Credentialled Community Language | Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community Language | 5 |
Study in Regional Australia | Completed the Australian study requirement for 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification whilst living and studying in a designated regional area | 5 |
Partner Skills Qualification | Spouse/De facto partner is: · Under 45 · Has competent English · Has suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list | 10 |
Spouse/De facto partner is: · Has competent English | 5 | |
Spouse/De facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident OR You are single | 10 | |
Invited by State/Territory visa | Subclass 190 visa | 5 |
| Subclass 491 visa | 15 |
If your points are low, you may wish to apply for special invitation/nomination from the State or Territory you wish to live in which will give you an extra 5 points. If you express an interest to reside in a regional area for the Subclass 491 visa, then you can get an extra 15 points.
There are several stages to the Subclass 189 visa.
- Skills Assessment – you must first be assessed as qualified to perform the occupation. Each occupation has its own assessing authority who will assess your level of experience and qualifications. A positive result must be received before proceeding to the next step.
- Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) – an EOI is required for the Governments to select the top candidates in monthly rounds. They will pick the candidates with the most points to pass through to the next round. Sometimes, candidates are waiting for 2 years and still do not receive an invitation. Currently, due to COVID, the Government is conducting quarterly rounds.
- Visa Application – you can then lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation
