What Is the Skilled Independent Visa 189 and Who Can Apply?
Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) grants you permanent residency without needing an employer, state government, or family member to sponsor you. Your points score alone determines whether you receive an invitation to apply. In 2026, the Department of Home Affairs continues to issue invitations through its SkillSelect system, which ranks candidates by points score and occupation demand.
The visa fee for the primary applicant is AUD 4,640 (approximately USD 3,000) as of 2026. Processing times currently average 8 to 14 months from invitation to decision, depending on how quickly you submit documents and how complex your case is.
You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive your invitation. You also need a skills assessment from a recognised Australian assessing authority and a valid nomination on the Skilled Occupation List.
How the Skilled Independent Visa Points Calculator Works
The skilled independent visa points calculator assigns scores across six criteria. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but most candidates invited in 2026 score between 75 and 90 points.
Points Breakdown by Category
- Age: Up to 30 points. The highest score (30 points) applies to applicants aged 25 to 32. Applicants aged 45 or over receive zero points.
- English language proficiency: Up to 20 points. A score of 8 or above in each band of the IELTS (or equivalent in PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT) earns the full 20 points. A competent score earns 10 points.
- Skilled employment (overseas): Up to 15 points. Three to four years of overseas experience earns 5 points, while eight or more years earns 15 points.
- Skilled employment (in Australia): Up to 20 points. One to two years in Australia earns 5 points, and eight or more years earns 20 points.
- Educational qualifications: Up to 20 points. A doctorate earns 20 points. A bachelor’s degree earns 15 points. A diploma or trade qualification earns 10 points.
- Partner skills: Up to 10 points. If your partner has a nominated skilled occupation, a competent English level, and a skills assessment, you receive 10 points. If you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you receive 10 points.
“The 189 visa is entirely demand-driven. Your occupation, your points score, and the invitation round timing all shape your outcome.” – Australian Department of Home Affairs
How to Use the Official Points Calculator
- Go to the official Department of Home Affairs points calculator.
- Enter your age, qualifications, work experience, and English test scores.
- Review your total score and compare it to recent invitation rounds for your occupation.
- Submit an EOI through SkillSelect if you meet the 65-point minimum.
Step-by-Step Application Process for 2026
Step 1: Get a Skills Assessment
Each occupation has a designated assessing body. Software engineers go through Engineers Australia. Accountants apply to CPA Australia or CA ANZ. Nurses contact the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. Allow 8 to 12 weeks for your assessment to be completed.
Step 2: Take an Approved English Test
Book your IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT test. Aim for the highest band scores you can achieve. Every extra point from English proficiency directly improves your invitation chances.
Step 3: Submit Your Expression of Interest
Create a SkillSelect profile and submit your EOI. You do not apply for the visa at this stage. You simply enter the pool of candidates. The Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds regularly, drawing the highest-scoring candidates for each occupation.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation and Apply
Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your formal visa application. Gather your skills assessment, English test results, identity documents, health examination results, and police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Salary Expectations After You Arrive
Salaries vary by occupation and city. In 2026, software engineers in Sydney or Melbourne earn between AUD 95,000 and AUD 145,000 per year. Registered nurses earn between AUD 72,000 and AUD 95,000. Electricians earn between AUD 80,000 and AUD 110,000. Accountants typically earn between AUD 75,000 and AUD 105,000.
Q: Can I apply for the 189 visa without a job offer in Australia?
A: Yes. The Subclass 189 requires no employer sponsor and no job offer. Your points score, occupation, and skills assessment are all you need to submit an EOI.
Q: How long does it take to get an invitation after submitting an EOI?
A: It depends on your occupation and your points score. High-demand occupations with scores above 85 can receive invitations within weeks. Lower-scoring profiles in less critical occupations may wait 12 months or more. Check SkillSelect invitation data regularly to track cutoff scores for your occupation.
Q: Does the 189 visa lead to Australian citizenship?
A: Yes. The 189 grants permanent residency immediately. After living in Australia for four years (including at least one year as a permanent resident), you can apply for Australian citizenship.
Visit the official government or programme website to apply, and consult a licensed immigration adviser if you need personalised help.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees, and scholarship deadlines change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official government or institution websites before applying.
