Subclass 189 Hong Kong Stream 2026–2027: Eligibility
Direct answer
The subclass 189 Hong Kong stream is not points-tested and does not use an MLTSSL occupation, EOI score or invitation round. The primary applicant must hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, meet the eligible-visa rule and have been usually resident in Australia for a continuous 4 years immediately before applying.
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 Hong Kong streamEligible passport and visa
At application, the primary applicant must hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport. They must hold an eligible subclass 457, 482 or 485 visa granted on the basis of satisfying the primary criteria and must have held that single eligible visa for at least four years. Multiple visas cannot be combined to reach four years.
Eligible visa validity
If the eligible visa was granted before 9 July 2020, it must not expire after 8 July 2025. If granted on or after 9 July 2020, it must be valid for five years. Check the current Home Affairs wording against the grant record; do not rely only on the visa subclass name.
Where do you sit in the 189 pool?
Enter your occupation and score to see how many 189 EOIs are ahead of you.
Four years of usual residence
The applicant must have been usually resident in Australia continuously for at least four years immediately before the application. Home Affairs considers physical residence—where the person eats, sleeps and has a home—and the intention to make that place home. Leases, rates notices and utilities are examples of evidence.
Other requirements
The applicant must have complied with eligible-visa conditions, meet health and character requirements, sign the Australian values statement where applicable, resolve Australian Government debt, and satisfy immigration-history rules. At decision, adults need functional English or must pay the second instalment when requested.
How many invitations does your occupation get?
Enter your occupation to see invitations per round and per financial year.
What this stream does not require
Do not tell Hong Kong stream applicants to obtain a points-tested skills assessment, reach 65 or 90 points, choose an MLTSSL occupation, submit an EOI or wait for a 189 invitation round. Those are points-tested-stream concepts and create the wrong search answer.
Official references: Home Affairs subclass 189 Hong Kong stream. 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.