189 Visa Requirements 2026–2027: Eligibility Checklist
Direct answer
The subclass 189 points-tested stream is a permanent skilled visa with no employer or state nomination. The applicant must have an eligible MLTSSL occupation and suitable skills assessment, be under 45 when invited, have competent English, reach at least 65 points, submit an EOI and receive an invitation. The current main-applicant charge is AUD 6,135.
The NovenAI Data Team compared current subclass 189 legislation and eligibility with the 4 June 2026 invitation round, published scores and planning levels.
Based on official sources: Home Affairs subclass 189 points-tested streamCore eligibility
The applicant nominates an occupation on the MLTSSL and obtains the required skills assessment. They must be under 45 when Home Affairs invites them, meet competent-English requirements and score at least 65 under the points test. Health, character, debt and Australian-values requirements also apply.
EOI and invitation
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and keep it accurate. An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee invitation. Home Affairs chooses occupations and scores in invitation rounds. If invited, the applicant normally has 60 days to lodge and must evidence every claim used for the invitation.
Points strategy without promises
Age, English, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study, specialist education, community language and partner circumstances may contribute points under the current rules. Claim only points already supported at the relevant time. Improving a score can improve ranking but cannot guarantee an invitation or timing.
Where do you sit in the 189 pool?
Enter your occupation and score to see how many 189 EOIs are ahead of you.
Current fees and planning level
The main-applicant Visa Application Charge is AUD 6,135, with separate family, possible second-instalment and third-party costs. The 2026–27 Skilled Independent planning level is 21,090. That planning figure is not an invitation quota, monthly schedule or number of remaining places for one occupation.
Latest invitation context
The latest published 189 round was 4 June 2026, when 10,000 invitations were issued and occupation-level minimum scores were published. The next round is expected by 30 September 2026. Historical scores describe that round only.
How many invitations does your occupation get?
Enter your occupation to see invitations per round and per financial year.
Alternatives
Subclass 190 adds 5 points through state nomination and grants PR. Subclass 491 adds 15 points through state nomination or eligible regional-family sponsorship but is provisional. Employer-sponsored routes use different criteria. Compare alternatives early without representing any route as automatic.
Official references: Home Affairs subclass 189 points-tested stream; Home Affairs invitation rounds; Current skilled occupation instrument; 2026–27 Migration Program planning levels. Recheck the live source immediately before lodging or paying because rules, fees and published data can change.
Use the verified rules above as the starting point, then test the dates, evidence and points that apply to your profile with NovenAI. A calculator or estimate is not an invitation, nomination or visa decision.