Who is Eligible for 189 Visa? [Complete Strategies] for 2025-26

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is one of Australia's most sought-after permanent residency pathways. This points-based visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents without requiring sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, application strategies, and recent trends.

189 Eligibility

Basic Eligibility Requirements for 189 Visa

To be eligible for the 189 visa, you must meet these core criteria:

• Age: Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation

• Occupation: Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

• English Language: Meet the minimum English proficiency requirements (at least Competent English)

• Points: Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test

• Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements

Understanding the Points System

The 189 visa uses a points-based system to rank candidates. While the minimum requirement is 65 points, the competitive nature of this visa typically means successful applicants need scores of 80-90+ points. Points are awarded for:

Factor	Maximum Points
Age	30
English language proficiency	20
Skilled employment experience	20
Educational qualifications	20
Australian study experience	5
Specialist education qualification	10
Community language	5
Study in regional Australia	5
Partner skills	10
Professional Year in Australia	5

Strategies to Maximize Your Points Score

English Language Proficiency

One of the most effective ways to boost your score is through English language testing. While IELTS is well-known, the PTE Academic often provides better opportunities for higher scores. Many applicants find PTE's computerized marking system more predictable than IELTS's human examiners.

• Superior English (PTE 79+ in all components): 20 points

• Proficient English (PTE 65+ in all components): 10 points

• Competent English (PTE 50+ in all components): 0 points

Work Experience

Relevant work experience in your nominated occupation significantly impacts your points total:

• Overseas experience: Up to 15 points (for 8+ years)

• Australian experience: Up to 20 points (for 8+ years)

Even international students studying in Australia should consider gaining work experience through internships or part-time roles to strengthen their future applications.

Educational Qualifications

Higher qualifications yield more points:

• Doctorate degree: 20 points

• Master's degree: 15 points

• Bachelor's degree: 15 points

• Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

Regional Study and Professional Year

Consider these additional strategies:

• Study in regional Australia: 5 points

• Complete a Professional Year program: 5 points

Recent Invitation Trends

According to the Department of Home Affairs invitation round data, invitation thresholds have remained high. The most recent rounds show:

• Most occupations require 85+ points for an invitation

• IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals receive more invitations

• Accounting and business-related occupations face extremely high competition

You can monitor peer EOI and invitation data through the official SkillSelect EOI Data tool.

A Realistic Path: Ming's 189 Visa Journey Planning

Ming is a 23-year-old Chinese accounting student in his final year at a university in Melbourne. After consulting with NovenAI, he realized that immediate eligibility for the 189 visa would be challenging due to:

1. Limited work experience in his field

2. Current points calculation of only 70 points

3. High competition in the accounting sector

Ming's Strategic Plan

Instead of rushing an application, Ming developed a 2-year strategic roadmap with NovenAI's guidance:

• Improve English scores: Prepare for PTE Academic to achieve 79+ in all components (20 points)

• Gain relevant experience: Secure a post-study work visa and obtain at least 1 year of Australian onshore accounting experience (5 points)

• Complete Professional Year: Enroll in a Professional Accounting program (5 points)

• Obtain skills assessment: Apply for assessment through a recognized accounting body

• Submit EOI strategically: Time the submission based on invitation round patterns

This approach would potentially raise Ming's points to 85+, making him competitive for a 189 visa invitation by 2027.

How NovenAI Made the Difference

Ming initially found conflicting information on multiple government websites and forums. Migration agents quoted $3,000-5,000 for consultation services with long waiting periods.

NovenAI provided Ming with:

• Personalized pathway analysis: Based on his specific circumstances, not generic advice

• Data-driven recommendations: Using success patterns from 680+ similar cases

• Detailed timeline planning: Breaking down each step with realistic timeframes

• Alternative backup options: Including possible 190 and 491 visa pathways if 189 invitation trends change

How NovenAI Helps 189 Visa Applicants

Traditional sources of migration advice often fall short:

• Government websites: Provide general information but lack personalization and strategic guidance

• Migration agents: Expensive ($200-400 per hour) with long waiting periods

• Online forums: Filled with outdated or misleading anecdotal advice

NovenAI offers significant advantages for 189 visa applicants:

1. AI-Powered Points Assessment: Instantly calculate your current points and identify opportunities to increase your score

2. Personalized Roadmap Creation: Develop a step-by-step plan tailored to your specific circumstances

3. Occupation-Specific Insights: Receive data-driven advice based on your nominated occupation's invitation patterns

4. Documentation Guidance: Get clear instructions on required evidence for skills assessments and visa applications

5. Real-Time Policy Updates: Stay informed about changes to occupation lists and invitation thresholds

The platform is built on 680+ successful cases and provides guidance that is 49% more accurate than general immigration information.

Comparing 189 with Other Skilled Visa Options

While the 189 visa offers the advantage of no sponsorship requirements, it's worth considering alternatives if your points score is borderline:

• 190 State Nominated Visa: Requires state nomination but provides 5 additional points and potentially lower thresholds for invitation

• 491 Regional Visa: Offers 15 additional points but requires living in regional areas for 3+ years before transitioning to permanent residency

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme: Requires employer sponsorship but has no points threshold requirement

Learn more about these alternative pathways in our detailed comparison of Australian skilled migration visas.

Application Process and Timeline

The typical 189 visa application process follows these steps:

1. Skills Assessment: 1-4 months (varies by assessing authority)

2. EOI Submission: Submit through SkillSelect (valid for 2 years)

3. Invitation: Receive an invitation based on points ranking (uncertain timeframe)

4. Visa Application: Lodge application within 60 days of invitation

5. Medical Examination and Police Clearances: After lodgment

6. Decision: Usually 6-12 months after application

Conclusion

The 189 visa provides an excellent pathway to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers. However, strong competition means successful applicants need careful planning, strategic point-building, and patience.

For personalized guidance on your eligibility and strategies to maximize your chances of success, explore NovenAI's immigration assistant, which provides tailored advice based on your unique circumstances.

For official information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs' 189 visa page.