Considering applying for the Subclass 189 visa in 2026? There are quite a few crucial requirements you have to keep in mind for eligibility, like a skill listed in the skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment, good command of the English language, and 65 points in the points test of Australia, and an invitation through SkillSelect. These are the most essential 189 visa requirements, but meeting these criteria does not guarantee an invitation. Keep reading this guide, as we will share everything you need to know about this visa.
What Is The 189 Skilled Independent Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points system-based visa designed to grant permanent residency status to skilled workers who have no sponsorship from an employer, state/territory government, or family members.
There are two streams of this visa-
1. New Zealand Stream– For New Zealand citizens residing in Australia who satisfy certain criteria of residency and income, providing a clear path to PR without requiring a points test.
2. Hong Kong Stream– For individuals holding a Hong Kong passport (or BNO passport) who are already living in Australia under some specific visas, offering a pathway to permanent residency without having to take the points test.
The 189 visa requirements do not include any nominations. You apply completely on the basis of your skills. Upon acceptance, you and your family will have permission to stay and work in Australia indefinitely.
Your choice of profession must be present on the subclass 189 occupation list when you submit your EOI application. Check out the complete list here.
Latest 189 Visa Updates
From 25 July 2026, the applications will be assessed using the provisions of Ministerial Direction 119. Ministerial Direction 119 replaces Ministerial Direction 105 and applies to all pending applications. Applications assessed under Ministerial Direction 119 are assessed based on both the occupation of the applicant and the location from which they apply.
Processing priority is given in the following order:
- Occupations that support Australia’s law enforcement and defence sectors receive the highest priority, followed by roles in construction, healthcare, and education.
- Applicants who are already in Australia are generally processed ahead of those applying from overseas.
Who Is Eligible In 2026 To Apply For The 189 Visa For Australia?
In order to meet the subclass 189 visa eligibility criteria, you must adhere to the following:
- Age: You must not be above 45 years old when you receive your invitation.
- Occupation: Your chosen job must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, which is also known as MLTSSL.
- Skills assessment: A positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, TRA, IML), valid at the time of invitation.
- English proficiency: At least “Competent English” (or higher, for extra points) via IELTS, PTE, or an equivalent test.
- Points test: A minimum score of 65 points, though real-world invitations often need far more.
- Expression of Interest: Submitted through SkillSelect, this is not the same as a visa application.
Even after meeting all eligibility criteria, a lot of people do not get accepted. This is often due to the fact that the documents lodged were incorrect or incomplete. A lot of people therefore turn to a migration agent in Perth, WA, like Immigration Agent Perth for expert guidance.
Does Meeting 65 Points Guarantee An Invitation?
Meeting the minimum points needed for a 189 invitation, which is 65, doesn’t mean you will get invited. In 2026, most competitive occupations are seeing invitation cut-offs of 80 to 95+ points, so treat 65 as an entry ticket, not a finish line.
Also Read: Skilled Visa Income Threshold Update: July 2026
Skilled Independent 189 Visa Points Test
The points test scores you across age, English ability, skilled employment, qualifications, and a few bonus categories like Australian study or partner skills. Here is the complete Points Table 189 Visa:
Age
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18 to under 25 years | 25 |
| 25 to under 33 years | 30 |
| 33 to under 40 years | 25 |
| 40 to under 45 years | 15 |
English Language Skills
| English Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Overseas Skilled Employment (Outside Australia)
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| 3 to under 5 years | 5 |
| 5 to under 8 years | 10 |
| 8 years or more | 15 |
Australian Skilled Employment (In Australia)
| Years of Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| 1 to under 3 years | 5 |
| 3 to under 5 years | 10 |
| 5 to under 8 years | 15 |
| 8 years or more | 20 |
Educational Qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate (recognised standard) | 20 |
| Bachelor degree (recognised standard) | 15 |
| Australian diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
| Qualification recognised by the assessing authority | 10 |
Specialist Education Qualification
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Australian Master’s by Research or Doctorate in an eligible field | 10 |
Australian Study Requirement
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Meets the Australian study requirement | 5 |
Professional Year In Australia
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Completion of a Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Credentialled Community Language
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Recognised qualification in a credentialled community language | 5 |
Study In Regional Australia
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Meets the regional Australia study requirement | 5 |
Partner Skills
| Partner Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Partner meets age, English, and skills assessment requirements | 10 |
| Partner has competent English | 5 |
| You are single, or your partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident | 10 |
What Documents Do You Need For The 189 Visa?
Missing or expired documents are one of the most common reasons for subclass 189 visa delays in Australia. Here is a 189 visa checklist for the required documents:
- Valid passport and identity documents for all applicants
- Positive skills assessment letter
- English test results (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL, etc.)
- Evidence of skilled employment (payslips, references, contracts)
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Police clearance certificates from each and every country where you have spent over 12 months
- Health examination results (organised via ImmiAccount)
- Partner and dependent child documents, if applicable
Also Read: What Is The Current 189 Visa Processing Time In Australia?
Do You Need A Health Check For The Skilled Independent Permanent Visa Subclass 189?
Yes, a health examination is compulsory for the main applicant and any included family members. Home Affairs arranges this through approved panel physicians once your ImmiAccount is set up, and it must be completed before a final decision is made.
How Much Does The 189 Visa Cost In 2026?
| Visa Stream | Main Applicant | Each Eligible Family Member |
|---|---|---|
| Points-Tested Stream | AUD 6,135 | AUD 4,885 |
| New Zealand Stream | N/A | N/A |
| Hong Kong Stream | AUD 6,135 | AUD 4,885 |
Important:
For the Points-Tested and Hong Kong streams, an additional English language charge may apply for any applicant aged 18 or older who does not have functional English.
From 1 July 2026, eligible citizens of selected Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste may qualify for a reduced visa application charge.
Countries Eligible For The Reduced Visa Application Charge
The countries that are eligible for a 189 visa fee concession are-
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Nauru
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
What Is The Processing Timeline For The 189 Visa?
Given that you have submitted a complete application with correct information and meet all 189 visa requirements, then:
| Visa Stream | 50% of Applications Processed | 90% of Applications Processed |
|---|---|---|
| Points-Tested Stream | 7 Months | 9 Months |
| New Zealand Stream | 53 Months | 61 Months |
Common Mistakes That Delay 189 Visa Applications
- Confusing the 65 minimum points for 189 visa with the actual invitation threshold
- Letting a skills assessment lapse before receiving an invitation
- Submitting incomplete police clearances from previous countries of residence
- Failing to update circumstances (like marital status) that affect claimed points
- Missing the 60-day window to lodge after invitation
Also Read: Difference Between 190 and 189 Visa Australia In 2026
Final Thoughts
The 189 visa requirements for 2026 haven’t changed in structure, but the competition certainly has higher fees, higher invitation cut-offs, and a planning level that fills up fast. If you meet the basics but aren’t sure how competitive your profile is, get in touch with a migration agent for expert advice and submit your application with confidence.
Not Sure Where To Start With Your 189 Visa?
Points scores and occupation lists shift often. Getting advice early can save you months of back-and-forth.
Get in touch with us via:
Immigration Agent Perth
Email: contact@immigrationagentperthwa.com.au
Phone No: (08) 6245 1246
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Disclaimer: This content is general information only, not migration advice. Immigration rules are updated regularly, so speak with a professional before submitting your application.
FAQs
What Age Group Scores Best On The 189 Points Test?
Applicants aged 25 to 32 receive the full 30 points, the single highest-weighted factor in the whole test. If you’re outside this bracket, you’ll need to make up ground through English scores, work experience, or qualifications.
Can I Apply For The 189 Skilled Independent Visa Australia Without A Job Offer?
Yes. The 189 visa is entirely points-tested and independent, meaning no employer, state, or family sponsorship is required.
Is The Subclass 189 Visa Still Open For New Applications In 2026?
Yes, invitation rounds are ongoing, with the 2026–27 planning level set at 21,090 places and the next round expected by 30 September 2026.
What Happens If My EOI Doesn’t Get An Invitation Within Two Years?
Your EOI simply expires automatically, and you’ll need to submit a new one, ideally after improving your points for 189 visa.
Do I Need A Skills Assessment Before Submitting My EOI?
Yes, your skills assessment should generally be completed and valid before you submit your EOI, since it directly supports your nominated occupation and points claim.
