Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189 (Point tested stream)
The skilled independent visa – subclass 189 is for highly skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, State or Territory of Australia, or family member. Since there is no support from an employer or state or territory, you typically need to achieve a high points score to receive an invitation to apply for this visa.
If you are a New Zealand citizen you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream).
If you a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders you may be eligible to apply Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (Hong Kong stream).
Eligibility
- have a relevant occupation on the 189 occupation list (MLTSSL)
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
- meet the points test pass mark of 65 points
- Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
- have Competent English
- English language ability
- be invited to apply
- Meet health and character requirements
You can use the points table to calculate an estimate of the number of points you may be eligible for in the skilled independent visa – subclass 189.
To learn about the specific requirements for each visa, and to find out which one is most suitable for you, contact us at enquiries@panaceaimmi.com.au or book in a consultation to ensure you know all the options you have.
Your message has been sent, we will review and contact you within 2 business days.
Points Table – Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
| Factor | Points | |
| Age | 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 | |
| 33-39 | 25 | |
| 40-44 | 15 | |
| English | Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 | |
| Skilled Employment – Overseas | < 3 years | 0 |
| 3-5 years | 5 | |
| 5-8 years | 10 | |
| 8 years + | 15 | |
| Skilled Employment – Australia | < 1 year | 0 |
| 1-3 years | 5 | |
| 3-5 years | 10 | |
| 5-8 years | 15 | |
| 8 years + | 20 | |
| Educational Qualifications | PhD from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 20 |
| Bachelor degree from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification from Australia | 10 | |
| Qualification/award otherwise recognised by relevant assessing authority as being suitable for that occupation | 10 | |
| Specialist education qualification | A Masters degree by research or a PhD from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years of study in STEM fields. (see below) | 10 |
| Australian Study Requirement | Completed at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution for at least 2 academic years study. | 5 |
| Professional Year | Completion of Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled Community Language | Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community Language | 5 |
| Study in Regional Australia | Completed the Australian study requirement for 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification whilst living and studying in a designated regional area | 5 |
| Partner Skills Qualification | Spouse/De facto partner is: · Under 45 · Has competent English · Has suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list | 10 |
| Spouse/De facto partner has competent English | 5 | |
| Spouse/De facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident OR You are single | 10 | |
| Invited by State/Territory visa | Subclass 190 visa | 5 |
| Subclass 491 visa | 15 |
There are several stages to the Subclass 189 visa.
- Skills Assessment – you must first be assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation by the relevant assessing authority.
- Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) – an EOI is required for the Governments to select the best candidates. Sometimes, candidates are waiting for 2 years and still do not receive an invitation.
- Visa Application – you can then lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation.
Please Note：
Each of these visas has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and conditions. Before applying, it’s crucial to determine which visa best suits your travel intentions and meets the requirements. Our comprehensive guides on each visa subclass will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Australia.
Panacea Immigration Consulting 