Australia Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa — EOI Points Tested
No employer sponsor and no state nomination — gain Australian permanent residency in a single step.
The Australia Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is one of the most attractive skilled migration pathways available today, designed for applicants with professional skills who meet the points-tested requirements.
Whether you are applying through the points-tested stream or via the New Zealand or Hong Kong streams, Newstarsec can provide a professional assessment and end-to-end planning service.
Get a free 189 assessment →The three streams of the Subclass 189 visa
The Subclass 189 visa currently has three application streams, each designed for a different applicant background. Use the breakdown below to identify the stream that fits your situation.
1. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — Points Tested Stream
This is the most common pathway, open to skilled professionals worldwide. Candidates are filtered and invited from the EOI points-tested system.
- Scored on age, qualifications, work experience, and English ability
- Nominated occupation must be on the skilled occupation list
- No employer or state sponsorship required
- Highly competitive — generally requires a strong points score
2. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — New Zealand Stream
This stream is for New Zealand citizens who have lived long-term in Australia.
- Holds a Special Category visa (SCV)
- Meets the residence and employment-period requirements in Australia
- Generally no need to compete in the EOI points system
- Must meet the income and tax-record requirements
3. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — Hong Kong Stream
This stream is open exclusively to Hong Kong passport holders.
- Holds a valid Hong Kong passport
- Generally requires study or work completed in Australia
- More flexible policy settings
- Lower competitive pressure
Basic application requirements (Points Tested Stream)
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — Points Tested Stream uses the EOI points-and-invitation mechanism. Applicants generally need to meet the following core conditions:
1. Age requirement
- Applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Age is not just a threshold — it directly affects the EOI score (the younger you are, the higher your points)
2. Occupation requirement
- The nominated occupation must appear on Australia’s skilled occupation list
- The occupation must be closely aligned with the applicant’s qualifications or work experience
- The job title and duties must match the ANZSCO occupation definition
3. Skills assessment requirement
- A positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority is mandatory
- Common assessing authorities include ACS, Engineers Australia, CPA/CA, TRA, and others
- Assessments review qualifications, field-of-study alignment, and relevant work experience
- The skills assessment generally needs to be completed before the EOI is lodged
4. English requirement
- At least the “Competent English” level
- Typically demonstrated by IELTS 6 across all four components or equivalent
- Higher English results can be claimed for additional EOI points (e.g. Proficient or Superior English)
- If the spouse is included in the application, they may need to meet a basic English standard or pay a language charge
5. EOI points requirement
- EOI must be submitted via the SkillSelect system
- The minimum threshold is 65 points, but reaching it does not guarantee an invitation
- Actual invitation cut-offs are usually higher (80+ points is common in popular occupations)
- The score is determined by age, English, work experience, qualifications, partner factors, and more
6. Invitation mechanism
- You must first receive an Invitation from the Department before lodging the visa application
- Once invited, the formal application must usually be lodged within 60 days
- Whether you are invited depends on points ranking, occupation ceilings, and the round in question
7. Qualifications and work experience
- Full qualification details are required (field of study, institution, dates of study, etc.)
- Work experience must be relevant to the nominated occupation, supported by formal evidence
- Whether your years of experience are recognised directly affects EOI points
8. Health and character requirements
- The applicant and accompanying family members must pass health checks
- Police clearance and similar character documents must be provided
- These are baseline requirements for all permanent visas
9. Overall summary
- Subclass 189 uses a “points + ranking + invitation” mechanism
- Meeting the basic conditions only puts you in the candidate pool
- Success ultimately depends on the competitiveness of your score and overall application strategy
Not sure if you meet the requirements?
For Subclass 189 it isn’t just a question of “hitting the threshold” — what really matters is whether your score is competitive.
Many applicants misjudge their position at the assessment stage and miss out on an invitation later.
Newstarsec can offer:
- A quick eligibility check
- EOI points calculation
- Feasibility analysis and optimisation suggestions
Get in touch for a professional assessment.
Get a free assessment now →189 Points Tested Stream — full application process
The 189 Points Tested Stream follows a relatively clear roadmap. The process can generally be broken into the following core steps:
Step 1: Choose the right occupation
- Select a nominated occupation based on your qualifications and work background
- Confirm the occupation appears on the skilled occupation list
- Run an initial feasibility check and points estimate
Step 2: Complete the skills assessment
- Lodge the application with the relevant assessing authority
- Submit qualifications, transcripts, and employment evidence
- Obtain a valid skills assessment outcome
Step 3: Prepare your English results
- Sit IELTS, PTE, or another approved English test
- Reach the basic application requirement
- Aim for higher results if you need extra points
Step 4: Submit your EOI
- Submit the EOI through the SkillSelect system
- Complete your personal details and let the system calculate your score
- Enter the candidate pool and wait to be selected
Step 5: Receive an invitation
- Invitations are issued based on points ranking and occupation ceilings
- The higher your score, the better your chance of being invited
Step 6: Lodge the visa application
- Lodge the formal application within 60 days of being invited
- Submit all supporting evidence (qualifications, employment, English results, etc.)
Step 7: Health checks and processing
- Complete health checks and police clearances
- The Department reviews your evidence
Step 8: Visa grant
- Receive the Subclass 189 permanent residency grant
- Live, work, and settle long-term in Australia
Process notes
- Begin preparing your skills assessment and English results well in advance
- EOI information must be accurate and supported by evidence
- Time is tight after invitation — have your documents ready beforehand
Occupation List
A core requirement of the Subclass 189 visa is that the nominated occupation must be on Australia’s skilled occupation list. The occupation you choose determines not only whether you are eligible to apply, but also the difficulty of the assessment and the likelihood of being invited.
- Different occupations are tied to different assessing authorities and assessment standards
- The occupation list is updated periodically based on Australia’s labour market needs
Not sure whether your occupation is on the list?
Free occupation match consultation →Common occupation categories
- Information technology: software engineers, developers, data analysts, and similar roles
- Engineering: civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and similar roles
- Healthcare: registered nurses, doctors, and similar roles
- Education: primary and secondary school teachers, and similar roles
- Trades: electricians, chefs, automotive technicians, and similar roles
Important notes
- Invitation cut-offs differ significantly between occupations
- Popular occupations are highly competitive and usually require a higher EOI score
- Less common or in-demand occupations are often easier to receive invitations for
- Choosing the right occupation is one of the most important decisions in your migration plan
Skills Assessment
A skills assessment is a mandatory step for the Subclass 189 visa. Designated Australian assessing authorities review the applicant’s qualifications and work experience.
1. Basic requirements
- A positive assessment from the official authority for that occupation is mandatory
- The skills assessment generally needs to be completed before the EOI is lodged
- The assessment outcome must be valid (most assessments have an expiry date)
2. Common assessing authorities
- Information technology: ACS
- Engineering: Engineers Australia
- Accounting: CPA Australia, CA ANZ
- Trades: TRA
3. What is assessed
- Educational background and field-of-study relevance
- Authenticity and relevance of work experience
- Whether duties match the standards for the nominated occupation
- Some occupations also review course structure or project experience
4. Common documents required
- Qualifications and academic transcripts
- Employment evidence (reference letters, contracts, etc.)
- Salary or social-insurance evidence (required for some occupations)
- English results (required by some assessing authorities)
5. Common challenges
- Qualifications not fully aligned with the occupation
- Job-duty descriptions that do not match the assessment standard
- Employment evidence that is non-standard or incomplete
- Years of experience that are not fully recognised
Expression of Interest (EOI points system)
The EOI (Expression of Interest) is the core application mechanism for the Subclass 189 visa. Applicants submit their details into the system to receive a score, and the Department issues invitations from highest to lowest score.
1. How it works
- Submit the EOI through the SkillSelect system
- The system automatically calculates your score from the data you declare
- Reaching 65 points puts you in the candidate pool but does not guarantee an invitation
- Selection is based on score ranking and occupation ceilings
2. Major points categories
- Age
- Younger applicants generally receive a higher score
- English ability
- Higher English results bring more points
- Top-tier English results give a clear competitive edge
- Work experience
- Both Australian and overseas work experience can count
- The more closely it relates to the nominated occupation, the more points it earns
- Qualifications
- Higher qualification levels generally bring higher points
- Australian qualifications or specified majors may attract additional points
- Spouse or partner
- A partner’s English ability or occupation can add bonus points
Although the minimum threshold is 65 points, popular occupations usually require a higher score (80+ points) to have a strong chance of being invited.
Are you eligible for the Subclass 189 visa? Is your current score competitive?
A professional assessment can help you map a clearer migration pathway and lift your chances of success.
Newstarsec offers:
- One-on-one migration assessment
- Occupation and background analysis
- Strategies to lift your EOI score
- A tailored migration pathway
Get in touch for a personalised assessment plan.
Get your tailored assessment plan →Onshore vs offshore applications
The Subclass 189 visa allows applicants to apply either onshore (in Australia) or offshore. There are some practical differences in process and strategy.
| Comparison | Onshore application | Offshore application |
|---|---|---|
| Lodgement | EOI and visa application can be lodged from inside Australia | EOI and the subsequent application are lodged directly from outside Australia |
| Bridging visa | A Bridging Visa is normally available after invitation | No Bridging Visa is granted |
| During the wait | You can continue to live lawfully in Australia while the application is processed | You wait in your country of residence |
| Strategic advantage | For some applicants this makes it easier to build local experience or boost points | A more direct process, but without the local-transition advantage |
| Competitive position | More flexibility on strategy | More reliant on the strength of your existing background and score |
Key tips
- Onshore applicants are not necessarily more likely to be invited, but they have more strategic flexibility
- Offshore applicants must rely on hitting a strong score in one go
- Different backgrounds suit different pathways — plan around your individual circumstances
Secondary applicants (spouse and children)
The Subclass 189 visa allows the primary applicant to include family members, making it an important pathway for whole-family migration.
1. Who can be included
Family members who can be included on a 189 application:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children under 18
- Eligible children still in study
2. Partner points
In the points-tested system, a partner can bring additional points to the primary applicant:
- Partner has English ability
- Partner’s occupation is on the skilled occupation list
- Partner has passed a skills assessment
3. Basic requirements for secondary applicants
Standards applied to secondary applicants:
- Must meet the health and character requirements
- Secondary applicants aged 18 or over generally need to meet a basic English requirement or pay the relevant charge
- All family members must be declared truthfully and supply evidence
4. Notes on children
Children who can be included on the application:
- Dependent children under 18 can be included
- Adult children still in study can be included if they meet the criteria
- Children must meet the dependency and financial-dependency requirements
Planning your family structure carefully can strengthen your overall application.
Application cost overview
The total cost of a Subclass 189 application is generally made up of government fees and third-party fees. The exact amount varies with your circumstances (whether dependants are included, occupation type, and so on).
1. Government application fees
| Fee category | Amount (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary applicant | Approx. 4,640 | Paid when the visa application is lodged |
| Spouse (18 and over) | Approx. 2,320 | Paid as part of the application |
| Children | Approx. 1,160 | Slight variation by age |
| Second Instalment (English) | Approx. 4,885 | Applies to secondary applicants who do not meet the English requirement |
Fees shown are reference figures as at June 2026 — the latest officially published rates prevail.
2. Related application costs
| Fee category | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills assessment fee | Several hundred to several thousand AUD | Varies significantly by occupation and assessing authority |
| English test fee | Approx. AUD 300–400 per attempt | IELTS, PTE, etc. |
| Health check fee | Approx. AUD 300–500 per person | At a designated panel clinic |
| Police clearance | Country dependent | Costs vary by country |
| Notarisation and translation | Document dependent | Based on the volume of documents |
Fees shown are reference figures as at June 2026 — the latest officially published rates prevail.
3. Cost notes
- These figures are indicative — refer to official sources and your individual circumstances for actuals
- Whether you include a spouse and children directly affects the total
- Multiple test sittings or supplementary documents can add to the cost
- Different pathways and backgrounds produce significantly different overall budgets
Are you eligible for the Subclass 189 visa? Is your current score competitive?
A professional assessment can give you a clearer view of your strengths and viable pathways.
Newstarsec provides one-on-one migration assessments and tailored planning to lift your chance of success.
Get in touch for a personalised assessment plan.
Book a one-on-one assessment →A full-service partner for your 189 EOI application
From occupation matching to EOI points calculation, from document preparation to visa lodgement, Newstarsec’s team supports your migration plan end-to-end.
One-on-one assessment
A registered migration agent will combine your age, qualifications, work background, and English results into an EOI points estimate and strategy.
Skills assessment guidance
Tailored support for the differing standards of ACS, EA, CPA/CA, TRA, and other authorities — including evidence preparation, position-description review, and lodgement strategy.
EOI score optimisation
Custom plans built around English uplift, partner points, PY/NAATI points, and tracking of invitation rounds.
End-to-end migration agent service
From EOI lodgement to invitation, visa lodgement, health checks, supplementary requests, and the final grant — a dedicated agent follows every milestone.
Real reviews from 189 applicants
The cases below summarise feedback from clients; documents and outcomes vary case by case.
Newstarsec helped me lift my score from 75 to 90. The consultant re-verified my partner’s English and work-experience points, and I was successfully invited in an IT-stream round.
My EA assessment was stuck for a year. After moving to Newstarsec they rewrote my position description and added project evidence — three months later I had a positive assessment, and I was invited two months after the EOI.
I’m an accountant and my score wasn’t competitive at the start. The consultant suggested PY plus NAATI, which added 15 points overall — I was invited successfully and the process was transparent end-to-end.
189 EOI Points Tested FAQ
65 points is the minimum, but actual invitation cut-offs are usually higher — popular occupations generally need 80+ points.
1. Is the Subclass 189 visa still easy to apply for?
Subclass 189 is a competitive skilled-migration category. Whether it is easy to apply depends mainly on your occupation and EOI score. Popular occupations are highly competitive, while some in-demand occupations offer better chances.
2. How many points do you usually need for a Subclass 189?
Although the minimum threshold is 65 points, recent invitation rounds suggest most applicants need a higher score (such as 80+ points) to be competitive.
3. How long does the Subclass 189 visa process take?
Overall timing varies significantly case by case. From EOI lodgement to grant can take several months to over a year, depending on how quickly you are invited and Department processing times.
4. Does the Subclass 189 visa give permanent residency in one step?
Yes. Subclass 189 is a permanent visa (PR). Once granted, you have Australian permanent residency without needing to transfer to another visa.
5. Are there occupation-specific requirements for the Subclass 189?
Yes. Your qualifications and work background must align with the nominated occupation; otherwise the skills assessment and application outcome may be affected.
6. Can I update my EOI after lodgement?
Yes. Before being invited, you can update your EOI details — for example new English results or extra work experience — to lift your score.
7. Do I need a job offer before applying for skilled migration?
No. Subclass 189 does not require an Australian job offer before lodgement.
8. Can I still apply for a Subclass 189 if I’m older?
You can apply up to age 45, but older applicants attract fewer age points, so overall competitiveness can drop.
9. How long after grant do I need to enter Australia?
The grant letter normally specifies the initial entry date. You will usually need to enter Australia within that period to activate the visa.
10. What can I do if my points fall short during the application process?
You can lift your score by improving your English results, accumulating more work experience, optimising partner points, or adjusting your occupation strategy.
Start your 189 EOI assessment now
Whether you are in IT, engineering, accounting, or trades, Newstarsec can offer EOI points calculations, skills-assessment coaching, and end-to-end visa planning.
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