The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is the most popular permanent residency pathway for skilled workers. It doesn't require employer sponsorship or state nomination, and there are no geographic restrictions — you can live and work anywhere in Australia. The catch? You need to score high on the points test and receive an invitation to apply.
How the points test works
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but in practice, invitation rounds in 2026 typically require 70-90+ points depending on your occupation. Points are awarded for:
Age (maximum 30 points)
- 18-24 years: 25 points
- 25-32 years: 30 points
- 33-39 years: 25 points
- 40-44 years: 15 points
- 45+ years: 0 points (not eligible)
English language (maximum 20 points)
- Competent (IELTS 6.0 each): 0 points
- Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each): 10 points
- Superior (IELTS 8.0 each): 20 points
Skilled employment (maximum 20 points)
For work experience in your nominated occupation:
- Overseas: 3 years = 5 points, 5 years = 10 points, 8+ years = 15 points
- Australian: 1 year = 5 points, 3 years = 10 points, 5 years = 15 points, 8+ years = 20 points
Qualifications (maximum 20 points)
- Recognised trade qualification or diploma: 10 points
- Bachelor's degree: 15 points
- Master's or doctorate: 20 points
Other factors
- Australian study requirement (2 years): 5 points
- Specialist education (STEM doctorate or master's): 10 points
- Credentialled community language: 5 points
- Professional year in Australia: 5 points
- Regional study: 5 points
- Partner skills (skilled occupation + competent English): 10 points
- Single applicant or partner is Australian citizen/PR: 10 points
- Partner with competent English (no skills assessment): 5 points
The invitation process
You don't apply directly for the 189. Instead:
- Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Wait for an invitation — DHA runs regular invitation rounds, prioritising the highest-scoring candidates
- Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application
Your EOI remains active for 2 years. If you don't receive an invitation in that time, you'll need to submit a new one. You can update your EOI at any time (for example, if you gain more work experience or improve your English score).
How to maximise your points
- Improve your English score — the jump from IELTS 7 to IELTS 8 is worth 10 extra points. Invest in preparation.
- Get more work experience assessed — ensure your reference letters are detailed enough for the assessing authority to count all your experience
- Consider a professional year — if you're already in Australia on a student visa, a professional year adds 5 points
- Partner points — if your partner has a skilled occupation and competent English, that's up to 10 extra points
- Apply for state nomination (190) — if your 189 score is borderline, the 190 adds 5 points through state nomination
Current invitation trends
Invitation scores fluctuate by occupation and program year. In 2026, competitive occupations like software engineers and accountants often require 85-90+ points, while less competitive occupations on the skilled list may receive invitations at 65-75 points. Check the latest invitation round results on the DHA website for your specific occupation.
A registered migration agent can assess your exact points score, identify opportunities to increase it, and advise on whether the 189, 190, or 491 pathway is most viable for your circumstances.