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Permanent · Points tested

Subclass 189Skilled Independent visa

A permanent visa run entirely on the points test — no employer, family, or state sponsorship needed.

The 189 is the cleanest PR pathway on paper — no sponsor required — but it's also the most competitive. Invitation rounds are tiered by occupation, and cut-offs typically sit well above the 65-point pass mark.

Check 189 eligibility Calculate your points
At a glance

The essentials

Visa type
Permanent, points-tested
Sponsorship required
None
Pass mark
65 points (shared with 190 / 491)
EOI validity
2 years, updatable
Special stream
New Zealand stream for eligible NZ citizens
Eligibility

Do you qualify?

  • Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
  • Nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled list at time of invitation
  • Under 45 at invitation
  • At least Competent English
  • 65+ points on the shared points test (competitive scores usually run higher)
  • Health and character requirements met
Process

How to apply

  1. 1
    1. Skills assessment
    Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated ANZSCO occupation.
  2. 2
    2. Lodge EOI
    Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect with a complete claim.
  3. 3
    3. Wait for invitation
    Australia currently runs a four-tier invitation round system through 2026 — priority tiers move first.
  4. 4
    4. Lodge visa application
    Provide skills assessment, English test results, qualifications, and employment references within the 60-day invitation window.
Shared points test — 189 / 190 / 491

Points test

The 189 uses the same points test as the 190 and 491. You need 65+ to be considered; competitive rounds settle well above the pass mark.

Pass mark: 65 points. Live from the SkillX admin console — updates here update the calculator.
FactorTierPoints
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Australian work experience only counts if the work is in the nominated occupation or a "closely related" occupation (same ANZSCO unit group, a recognised career-advancement pathway, or explicitly recognised by the assessing authority), performed at least 20 hours/week, and — for Australian-based work — held on a substantive visa or Bridging A/B visa with conditions met. There is a cap on total employment points claimable.
Occupations that qualify

Which occupations open the 189 door?

See every ANZSCO occupation currently mapped to subclass 189 on the SkillX Skilled Occupation List — filtered, searchable, sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation.

Browse 189 occupations
FAQs

Common questions

Is 65 points enough?+

It clears the pass mark but is rarely competitive in the general stream. Most invited applicants score materially higher for their ANZSCO.

Do I need a sponsor?+

No — the 189 is independent by design.

What if my occupation is only on STSOL / CSOL?+

You may still be eligible for the 190 or 491 (state nominated) or an employer-sponsored 482 / 186.

Ready to test your 189 chances?
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Figures last updated 1 July 2026. Visa policy moves — verify against the Department of Home Affairs before lodgement.