Australian Skilled Visa Subclass 189: The Complete 2026 Guide
The Australian Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after permanent residency pathways in Australia. It allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in the country without needing an employer sponsor, a state or territory nomination, or a job offer. If you are granted this visa, you become a permanent resident from day one.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Subclass 189 in 2026 — from eligibility and the points test to invitation rounds, costs, and a step-by-step application process. Always verify the latest details directly on the Department of Home Affairs official page, as rules and allocations change regularly.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme. It is designed for skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in Australia and who can demonstrate their skills through a formal assessment process.
Unlike the Subclass 190 and 491 visas, the Subclass 189 does not require state or territory nomination, making it the most flexible permanent skilled visa available.
Three Streams of the Subclass 189
- Points-tested stream — The main pathway for most skilled migrants. Competitive and points-based.
- New Zealand stream — For certain New Zealand citizens already living in Australia.
- Hong Kong stream — For eligible Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
This guide focuses on the points-tested stream, which is the most commonly pursued pathway.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 189
- Permanent residence granted from the day of visa grant — no provisional period.
- Right to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with no location or employer restrictions.
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system.
- A five-year travel facility to enter and exit Australia.
- Ability to include a partner and dependent children in your application.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 points-tested stream, you must meet all of the following criteria at the time of invitation:
- Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Occupations only on the STSOL, ROL, or CSOL do not qualify for the Subclass 189.
- You must obtain a positive skills assessment from a designated assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA, ANMAC).
- You must score at least 65 points on the points test to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Note: meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation — in practice, most occupations required 80–95+ points in 2026 rounds.
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- You must have at least Competent English (higher scores earn more points).
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You must be invited to apply through the SkillSelect system before lodging a visa application.
The Points Test Explained
The points test is the foundation of the Subclass 189 application. Points are claimed in your Expression of Interest and verified when you lodge your visa application. Here is a full breakdown of how points are awarded:
| Factor | Detail | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–24 years | 25 |
| 25–32 years | 30 | |
| 33–39 years | 25 | |
| 40–44 years | 15 | |
| English Language | Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 | |
| Overseas Skilled Employment (last 10 years, ≥20 hrs/week) | 3 to less than 5 years | 5 |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 10 | |
| 8 years or more | 15 | |
| Australian Skilled Employment (last 10 years, ≥20 hrs/week) | 1 to less than 3 years | 5 |
| 3 to less than 5 years | 10 | |
| 5 to less than 8 years | 15 | |
| 8 years or more | 20 | |
| Educational Qualifications | Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor degree or higher | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 | |
| Australian Study Requirement | At least 2 years study in Australia | 5 |
| Specialist Education | STEM/ICT Masters by research or PhD from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Professional Year | Accounting, ICT, or Engineering | 5 |
| Study in Regional Australia | Eligible regional study | 5 |
| Credentialled Community Language | NAATI accreditation | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Partner meets age, English, and skills assessment requirements | 10 |
| Partner has competent English only, or applicant is single | 5 |
Note: The maximum combined employment points (overseas and Australian) is 20. Points are assessed at the time of invitation and must be substantiated with evidence at visa lodgement. See the official Subclass 189 Points Table for the authoritative breakdown.
Occupation List: What Qualifies for Subclass 189?
Only occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) are eligible for the Subclass 189 points-tested stream. Some occupations on the MLTSSL have additional caveats or restrictions — for example, Accountant (General) has specific conditions attached.
Occupations that appear only on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Regional Occupation List (ROL), or Combined Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) are not eligible for this visa subclass.
Always check the current occupation list and your specific assessing authority requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website before submitting an EOI.
Skills Assessment: What You Need to Know
A positive skills assessment from a designated authority is mandatory before you can submit an Expression of Interest. The relevant authority depends on your occupation. Common examples include:
- Engineers Australia — Engineering occupations
- ACS (Australian Computer Society) — ICT occupations
- VETASSESS — A wide range of professional and trade occupations
- AHPRA — Medical, nursing, and allied health professions
- ANMAC — Nursing and midwifery
- CPA Australia / CA ANZ / IPA — Accounting occupations
Skills assessments typically lapse after three years. If your assessment expires before you receive an invitation, you may need to renew it.
How the SkillSelect and Invitation System Works
The Subclass 189 uses a two-stage process: first you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, then you wait to be invited to apply.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect is free. You declare your points, occupation, and personal details. You can update your EOI at any time before receiving an invitation — but your EOI submission date resets if you make certain changes, which can affect your position in the queue.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Invitations are issued in rounds. The Department of Home Affairs selects the highest-scoring EOIs in each round, taking into account occupation demand and government priorities. If two applicants have the same score, the one who submitted their EOI earlier is invited first (the tie-break date).
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application online through ImmiAccount. If you do not lodge within 60 days, the invitation lapses.
2026 Invitation Rounds: Latest Results and What to Expect
The most recent Subclass 189 invitation round was held on 4 June 2026 — the final round of the 2025–26 migration programme year. In that round, 10,000 invitations were issued, with a tie-break date of April 2026.
Points cut-offs varied significantly by occupation in 2026:
- Some trade occupations received invitations at the minimum 65 points.
- Most professional occupations required 80–95 points to be competitive.
- Highly competitive specialist roles (such as Urologists) required up to 100 points.
From 2026, Australia moved to a structured quarterly invitation model, meaning applicants compete in approximately four major invitation windows per year. The next round after June 2026 is expected by 30 September 2026.
Rounds are not always predictable in timing or volume. Maintaining the highest possible points score and submitting your EOI as early as possible gives you the best chance of receiving an invitation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check your occupation — Confirm it is on the MLTSSL and identify your designated skills assessing authority.
- Obtain a skills assessment — Apply to the relevant authority and receive a positive assessment before proceeding.
- Take an English language test — Sit an approved test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET) and achieve at least Competent English. Higher scores earn more points.
- Calculate your points — Use the official points table to estimate your score honestly. Consider whether you can improve your score before submitting.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) — Log in to SkillSelect and submit your EOI. This is free. Claim only points you can substantiate with evidence.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — Monitor SkillSelect. Invitations are issued in rounds. High-scoring EOIs in high-demand occupations are prioritised.
- Lodge your visa application — Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge online through ImmiAccount. Provide all supporting documents: skills assessment, English results, employment records, qualification certificates, health examinations, and police clearances.
- Pay the visa application charge — Fees must be paid at lodgement.
- Await a decision — The Department will assess your application. You may be asked for additional information.
Visa Costs in 2026
Visa application charges increased on 1 July 2026. The primary applicant fee is currently from AUD 6,135. Additional charges apply for a partner and dependent children, meaning total household costs can exceed AUD 10,000 before accounting for other expenses.
Additional costs to budget for include:
- Skills assessment fee (varies by authority)
- English language test fee
- Medical examination costs
- Police clearance certificates (for each country you have lived in)
- Migration agent fees (if applicable)
Use the official Visa Pricing Estimator on the Department of Home Affairs website for an accurate cost estimate for your household.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 189 vary depending on occupation and application volume. As a general guide:
- Most applications are processed within 5–12 months after lodgement.
- High-volume occupations such as accounting and ICT can take longer.
- Approximately 90% of applications are processed within 15 months.
Check the official visa processing times tool on the Department of Home Affairs website for current estimates, as these figures change regularly.
Annual Migration Programme Allocation
The Subclass 189 sits within Australia’s permanent Migration Programme. The 2026–27 permanent Migration Programme has been set at 185,000 places across all skilled and family visa categories. The number of Subclass 189 places allocated within that total is determined by the government each programme year and directly affects how many invitations are issued.
How Does the Subclass 189 Compare to Other Skilled Visas?
The Subclass 189 is just one of several skilled visa pathways available. If you do not score enough points for the 189, or if your occupation is not on the MLTSSL, other options may be more accessible. For a full comparison of your options, see our guide to Australian Skilled Visa Subclasses: 189, 190, 491 and 482 Compared.
If you are considering employer-sponsored pathways, our complete guide to the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa covers that route in detail.
Tips to Maximise Your Points Score
- Achieve Superior English — Moving from Proficient to Superior English adds 10 points and is one of the fastest ways to boost your score.
- Gain Australian work experience — Australian skilled employment earns more points than overseas experience and can be decisive in competitive rounds.
- Complete a Professional Year — If you are in Accounting, ICT, or Engineering, completing a Professional Year adds 5 points.
- Study in Australia — Meeting the Australian study requirement adds 5 points, and a STEM/ICT postgraduate research degree from an Australian institution adds 10.
- Include a skilled partner — If your partner meets the skills and English requirements, you can claim up to 10 additional points.
- Obtain NAATI accreditation — If you are proficient in a credentialled community language, NAATI certification adds 5 points.
- Submit your EOI early — When points scores are tied, the earlier submission date wins the invitation. Do not delay once you are ready.
Important Warnings
- Accuracy is essential. Your EOI must be truthful. Claiming points you cannot substantiate with evidence can result in visa refusal, cancellation, or a ban from applying again.
- Occupation list changes. The MLTSSL is reviewed and updated periodically. An occupation that qualifies today may be removed or have caveats added. Check the current list before and after submitting your EOI.
- Skills assessment expiry. If your skills assessment lapses before you receive an invitation, you may need to renew it at additional cost and time.
- Invitation rounds are competitive. Meeting the 65-point minimum does not mean you will be invited. In most occupations, you need significantly more points to be competitive.
Do You Need a Migration Agent?
While it is possible to apply for the Subclass 189 without professional help, many applicants choose to work with a registered migration agent (MARA-registered). An agent can help you assess your eligibility accurately, avoid costly errors, and navigate complex situations such as gaps in employment history or previous visa refusals.
For a broader overview of how to navigate the Australian skilled migration system, see our complete guide to getting a skilled visa to Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points score for the Subclass 189?
The official minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points. However, in practice most occupations required 80–95+ points to receive an invitation in 2026. Some specialist roles required 100 points.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your Subclass 189 application. They will also receive permanent residence if the visa is granted, though additional visa application charges apply.
How long does it take to get the Subclass 189?
From EOI submission to visa grant, the total timeline varies widely. Skills assessment and English testing can take several months before you even submit an EOI. After lodging the visa application, processing typically takes 5–15 months depending on your occupation and circumstances.
Is the Subclass 189 truly permanent?
Yes. The Subclass 189 grants permanent residence from the day of grant. There is no requirement to live in a specific region or work for a specific employer. It also provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.
What happens if I do not lodge my application within 60 days of the ITA?
Your invitation lapses and you will need to wait for a new invitation in a future round. Your EOI remains active in SkillSelect, but your submission date may be affected depending on whether you made any changes.
Summary: Is the Subclass 189 Right for You?
The Subclass 189 is the gold standard of Australian skilled migration — a fully independent permanent visa with no strings attached. But it is also highly competitive. Success depends on having an MLTSSL occupation, a valid skills assessment, strong English, and a points score that is genuinely competitive for your occupation category.
If your score is not yet high enough, consider whether you can improve it through additional Australian work experience, a higher English score, or other point-earning activities. Alternatively, explore whether the Subclass 190 or 491 might offer a faster pathway given your current profile.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules, occupation lists, fees, and invitation round details change frequently. All information in this article should be verified against the official Department of Home Affairs website before making any decisions. This article does not constitute migration advice.