How many points do I need for the 189 visa?

The legislated minimum to enter the SkillSelect pool is 65 points. However, the 189 is rank-based — each invitation round invites the highest-scoring candidates from the pool, so the effective score sits well above 65 (typically 75–90+ depending on occupation). Reaching 65 gets you in the pool; reaching a competitive score gets you invited.

When do age points change?

Age points drop on your birthday — the exact day. At 33 you drop from 30 to 25 points. At 40 you drop from 25 to 15. At 45 you become ineligible for the 189. Plan your EOI submission so your total remains competitive after the birthday drop.

What is a competitive 189 score in 2025?

Across most occupations, 80–90 points has been the competitive range in recent rounds. Some in-demand occupations (nurses, engineers) have seen invitations at 70–75 points. High-competition ANZSCO codes regularly require 90+. Use our Points Expiry Planner to know your effective score through time.

How long is my skills assessment valid?

Most assessing authorities issue assessments valid for 3 years from the date of assessment (not the date of application). Some bodies (e.g. Engineers Australia CDR) are valid indefinitely but require an updated Professional Membership or Provisional Membership date. Check your specific authority — this affects when you must submit your EOI.

Can I improve my score while in the pool?

Yes. You can update your EOI at any time. Common upgrades: gaining an extra year of Australian work experience, re-sitting an English test to reach Superior, completing a Professional Year, or your partner completing a skills assessment. Each update resets your tie-breaking date (date of invitation), so weigh the score gain against the time cost.

What is the 189 tie-breaking rule?

When candidates share the same points score, DHA invites those who submitted their EOI earliest — date-of-invite tie-breaking. This means that if you have 85 points and are unlikely to reach 90, submitting your EOI immediately is beneficial so your tie-breaking position improves with time.

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Skilled Migration · Points-Tested

Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189

A points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers — no employer or state sponsor required. The purest pathway to Australian PR through the points system.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

Book a Consultation Calculate your points

Quick Answer

The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a points-tested permanent visa that does not need employer or state sponsorship, as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. Applicants need a positive skills assessment and a competitive points test score. Compare with Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) under skilled migration.

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

At a Glance

Subclass 189 — Key Facts

Visa typePermanent Residence

Minimum points65 (pool entry)

Effective cutoff (2025)75–90+ depending on occupation

Age limitUnder 45 at invitation

Sponsor requiredNo — fully independent

State nominationNot for 189 (use 190/491)

Work rightsUnlimited — anywhere in Australia

MedicareImmediate access

Pathway to citizenshipYes — 4 years PR residence

Govt fee (2024–25)AUD $4,640 (primary applicant)

Interactive Tool

Your Points Builder

Select your situation in each category. Your total updates in real time.

Age at time of invitation

English proficiency

Overseas skilled employment

Australian skilled employment

Educational qualifications

Partner situation

NAATI community language

Professional Year in Australia

points

In the Pool (65+)

Breakdown

Age+30

English+10

Overseas—

Australian—

Educational+15

Partner+10

NAATI—

Professional—

Total65

2025 Benchmarks

Pool entry minimum65 pts

Recent round avg.80 pts

High competition occ.90 pts

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Registered Agent · MARN 2619467

The Moat Feature

Points Expiry Planner

Your 189 score is not static. Age points fall on your birthday. English tests expire. Skills assessments lapse. Enter your dates below — we map every event that changes your competitive position.

No competitor computes "when your points change"

Exact birthday-level precision for age drops

Expiry warnings with months remaining

Plan your EOI submission before the cliff

Enter your dates

Date of birth *

English test date

Skills assessment date

Professional Year completion

Start with date of birth

Age is the most volatile component of your 189 score — it drops exactly on your birthday.

DHA Official 2024–25

Complete Points Schedule

Age

18–24+25

25–32+30

33–39+25

40–44+15

45+0

English

Competent (IELTS 6)0

Proficient (IELTS 7)+10

Superior (IELTS 8)+20

Skilled Employment (overseas)

< 3 years0

3–4 years+5

5–7 years+10

8+ years+15

Skilled Employment (in Australia)

1–2 years+5

3–4 years+10

5–7 years+15

8+ years+20

Educational Qualifications

PhD — Australian / Recognised+20

Bachelor or higher — Australian+15

Diploma or trade — Australian+10

Recognised qualification+10

Study in regional Australia+5

Other Factors

Community language (NAATI)+5

Professional year (Australia)+5

Partner skills assessment + English+10

Single / partner no points+10

State/territory nomination (190)+5

SkillSelect

Recent Invitation Rounds

DHA runs monthly invitation rounds. The lowest score invited each round gives you the real floor — not the 65-point legislative minimum. Rounds vary by occupation group.

Tie-breaking rule: When candidates share the same score, DHA invites those whose EOI was submitted earliest. Submit as soon as you reach a competitive score.

Month

Lowest Score

Invitations Issued

Jul 2025Latest85 pts1,750

Jun 202585 pts1,820

May 202580 pts1,690

Apr 202585 pts1,580

Mar 202580 pts1,740

Feb 202580 pts1,610

Jan 202585 pts1,450

Dec 202475 pts1,820

* Indicative figures. Actual scores vary by ANZSCO code. Source: DHA SkillSelect.

How It Works

The 189 Journey

Skills Assessment

Get your occupation assessed by the relevant authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).

4–16 weeks

English Test

Sit IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or OET to meet at least Competent (IELTS 6) — aim for Superior for +20 pts.

1–4 weeks

Calculate & Plan

Use our Points Builder. Know your current score and your expiry timeline before submitting.

Your call

Submit EOI

Lodge your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Positions you in the pool for monthly invitation rounds.

Instant

Invitation → Apply

Receive an invitation from DHA. You have 60 days to lodge a full visa application with documents.

12–36 months

Common Questions

189 FAQ

Thinking about the 189 visa?

Navpreet Aulakh (MARN 2619467) can assess your points score, identify whether your occupation is on the list, and advise on your realistic chances of receiving an invitation in the current round.

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MARA-registered · MARN 2619467 · General information only

General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189

A points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers — no employer or state sponsor required. The purest pathway to Australian PR through the points system.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

Recent Invitation Rounds

DHA runs monthly invitation rounds. The lowest score invited each round gives you the real floor — not the 65-point legislative minimum. Rounds vary by occupation group.

Tie-breaking rule: When candidates share the same score, DHA invites those whose EOI was submitted earliest. Submit as soon as you reach a competitive score.