Top 7 Australia 189 Visa Requirements [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The Australia 189 visa is a points-based, permanent residency visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or state. You must score at least 65 points, hold a skilled occupation on the MLTSSL, be under 45, and have competent English. This guide covers all key requirements for 2025-2026.

1. What is the Australia 189 visa?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for highly skilled professionals who do not need sponsorship from an employer or a state government. Once granted, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, apply for citizenship later, and bring eligible family members. As a points-tested visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and be invited to apply.

According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Skilled Visa page, the 189 visa stream targets occupations in critical shortage and rewards candidates with higher points through age, English ability, work experience, and qualifications.

2. What are the mandatory Australia 189 visa requirements for 2025-2026?

You must meet all core criteria to be eligible for the 189 visa.

Key mandatory requirements:

• Age: Under 45 at the time of invitation.
• Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Skills assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
• English language: At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each band).
• Points test: Score a minimum of 65 points (realistically, you need 85–95 for a high chance of invitation).
• Health and character: Meet medical and police clearance requirements.

For a detailed breakdown of how your points are calculated, use our EOI Points Calculator to estimate your score.

3. Which occupations are on the MLTSSL for the 189 visa?

Your nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

The MLTSSL includes hundreds of occupations across IT, engineering, healthcare, trades, and more. Examples include:

• Software Engineer (261313)
• Registered Nurse (254412)
• Electrical Engineer (233311)
• Accountant (General) (221111)
• Carpenter (331212)

According to the Australian Government’s MLTSSL list, some occupations are capped annually, meaning even if you meet all requirements, invitation rounds may be competitive.

Key facts:

• The list is reviewed annually and updated based on labour market needs.
• Some occupations may have specific skill assessment requirements (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers).
• If your occupation is removed mid-process, you must wait for a new invitation or choose another visa pathway.

4. How many points do I need for the 189 visa in 2025-2026?

You need at least 65 points, but competitive invitations typically require 85–95 points.

The points test awards points for:

• Age: 30 points for 18–24 years, 25 points for 25–32 years, etc.
• English ability: 20 points for Superior (IELTS 8.0), 10 for Proficient (IELTS 7.0), 0 for Competent (IELTS 6.0).
• Work experience: Up to 20 points for 8+ years overseas.
• Qualifications: 20 points for a doctorate, 15 for a bachelor’s degree.
• Partner skills: 10 points if your partner meets age, English, and skills requirements.
• Other: Professional year in Australia, study in regional Australia, etc.

According to the Home Affairs Points Calculator, most successful applicants in recent rounds score 90–100 points.

To maximise your score:

• Aim for Superior English (IELTS 8.0) for 20 points.
• Complete a PhD if relevant to your field.
• Gain skilled work experience in Australia through a graduate visa.

Check your real-time points using our Visa Success Predictor to see your invitation probability.

5. What English language test results are accepted for the 189 visa?

You must demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) but higher levels boost points.

Accepted tests include:

• IELTS (Academic or General)
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• OET (for health professionals)

Key facts:

• Results are valid for 3 years.
• You can take multiple tests to achieve a higher score – only the best result is used.
• Superior English (IELTS 8.0) adds 20 points, significantly raising your competitiveness.

According to the Department’s English language requirements page, some assessing bodies also accept OET or Cambridge scores.

Use our English Level Guide to compare your score across tests and identify target bands.

6. How does the skills assessment work for the 189 visa?

You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Each occupation on the MLTSSL is assigned to a specific assessing body. For example:

• Engineers: Engineers Australia
• IT professionals: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
• Nurses: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
• Accountants: CPA Australia, CAANZ, or IPA

Key steps:

1. Check the ANZSCO code for your occupation (e.g., 261313 for Software Engineer).
2. Apply to the relevant assessing body with evidence of qualifications and work experience.
3. Wait 2–4 months for assessment outcome.
4. Use the positive assessment to lodge your EOI.

According to the Assessments page of the Home Affairs website, a positive assessment is valid for 2–3 years and must be current at the time of invitation.

8. Can I apply for the 189 visa without a job offer?

Yes – the 189 visa does not require a job offer or sponsorship.

This is a key advantage of the visa. You can:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Change employers freely.
• Start your own business.

However, you must still meet the points test and occupation requirements. Having a job offer does not give you extra points under current rules.

Conclusion

Meeting the Australia 189 visa requirements is a multi-step process, but with careful planning, you can succeed. Focus on boosting your points through English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Use free tools like NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor (starting at US $39/month) to get instant answers to your questions and real-time policy alerts.

“A skilled migration lawyer once told me: ‘The 189 visa is the gold standard – it rewards those who plan ahead and maximise every point.’”

Take action today:

1. Check your occupation on the MLTSSL.
2. Calculate your points using our EOI Points Calculator.
3. Book a skills assessment with your assessing body.
4. Prepare your English test – aim for Superior (IELTS 8.0).
5. Lodge your EOI and wait for an invitation.

Your Australian journey starts here. Let NovenAI guide you every step of the way.

Start your free assessment at NovenAI