The skilled independent visa – subclass 189 is one of the visas within the General Skilled Migration Program. You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply. You must have achieved a minimum of Competent English.

If a candidate has sufficient points and their occupation is on the specified occupation list then they can apply for this visa without support or invitation from a State or Territory Nominated Visa.

To be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa – subclass 189, your occupation must be on the specified occupation list and  you must satisfy the Skilled Migration Points Test for the occupation. The minimum points threshold across all occupations is 65 points, with points awarded based on factors such as your: 

  • Age 
  • English language ability 
  • Qualifications 
  • Employment experience 
  • Partner’s skills 

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.

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 is:

·       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

If your points are low, you may wish to apply for a special invitation/nomination from the State or Territory you wish to live in which will give you an extra 5 points. If you express an interest to reside in a regional area for the Subclass 491 visa, then you can get an extra 15 points.

There are several stages to the Subclass 189 visa.

  1. Skills Assessment – You must first be assessed as qualified to perform the occupation. Each occupation has its own assessing authority who will assess your level of experience and qualifications. A positive result must be received before proceeding to the next step.
  2. Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) – An EOI is required for the Governments to select the top candidates in monthly rounds. They will pick the candidates with the most points to pass through to the next round. Sometimes, candidates are waiting for 2 years and still do not receive an invitation. The Department conducts regular reviews of the Expressions of Interest submitted by prospective applicants and makes invitation rounds as they see fit. Further information can be found on the Department website at here.
  3. Visa Application – You can then lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation.

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