What is the minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 visa?

The minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is 65 points. This is the legal minimum to submit an Expression of Interest. In practice, invitation rounds often require higher points depending on your occupation.

Do I need state or employer sponsorship for the 189?

No. The Subclass 189 does not require nomination by a state, territory, or employer. You are assessed purely on your points and must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an EOI through SkillSelect.

Is the Subclass 189 a permanent visa?

Yes. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence visa. Once granted, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely and apply for citizenship when eligible.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa

Direct permanent residence without state or employer sponsorship

Subclass 190 Subclass 491

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and, if you meet the points threshold and receive an invitation, you can apply for this visa without needing nomination from anyone.

Because there is no nomination requirement, the 189 is often the most competitive of the three main skilled visas: you are competing purely on points. Invitation rounds are run periodically by the Department of Home Affairs, and the minimum points required in each round depend on your occupation and the number of EOIs in the pool. Having at least 65 points makes you eligible to be in the pool, but many occupations see invitations only at higher scores (e.g. 85–95+).

How points work for the 189 visa

The legal minimum to submit an EOI for the 189 visa is 65 points. Your points come from age, English language ability, skilled employment (overseas and in Australia), qualifications, and other factors such as Australian study, partner status, and specialist education. Our points table is aligned with the official Department of Home Affairs criteria.

For the Subclass 189 you do not receive any nomination bonus. Your total points are your "base" points only. That means every point you can gain from English (e.g. Proficient or Superior), work experience, education, or other bonuses directly improves your ranking in the invitation queue.

Age is one of the largest factors: the maximum points are typically for ages 25–32 (30 points). English at Superior level adds 20 points, and Australian skilled work experience can add up to 20 points (subject to the employment cap).

The 189 has no nomination component, so your points are base points only (0 nomination bonus).

Eligibility at a glance

You must have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, be under 45 at the time of invitation, meet the English requirement (usually Competent English minimum), and score at least 65 points. You must be invited by the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an EOI; you cannot apply for the 189 without an invitation.

Health and character requirements apply to all applicants. For the full and current eligibility criteria, occupation lists, and invitation process, always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs information.

Official criteria on Department of Home Affairs

Practical tips for the 189

Aim above the minimum

65 points only makes you eligible to be in the pool. Check recent invitation rounds for your occupation to see typical minimum points; often improving English to Superior or gaining more years of skilled work can make a real difference.

Keep your EOI up to date

If you gain more experience, better English, or another qualification, update your EOI so your points reflect your current situation. Higher points can mean an earlier invitation.

Compare with 190 and 491

If you are close to the 189 cutoff, a state nomination (190) or regional visa (491) can add 5 or 15 points and may give you a faster path to permanent residence. Use our calculator to see your points for all three.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 visa?: The minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is 65 points. This is the legal minimum to submit an Expression of Interest. In practice, invitation rounds often require higher points depending on your occupation.
Do I need state or employer sponsorship for the 189?: No. The Subclass 189 does not require nomination by a state, territory, or employer. You are assessed purely on your points and must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an EOI through SkillSelect.
Is the Subclass 189 a permanent visa?: Yes. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence visa. Once granted, you can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely and apply for citizenship when eligible.

Calculate your points for Subclass 189

See your estimated points and compare with 190 and 491 in one go.

Go to calculator

Also explore Subclass 190, Subclass 491 to compare your options.