What is the minimum points score for a subclass 189 invitation?

You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but the actual score needed for an invitation moves with each round depending on demand and how many places are available — 65 is the entry threshold, not a guarantee of selection.

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (189) 2026: Full Guide

Q: Do I need a sponsor or job offer for the subclass 189 visa?

No. The 189 is a points-tested visa that doesn't require sponsorship by an employer, family member, or state or territory government — you qualify on your own points score and occupation.

Q: Does my occupation need to be on a skilled occupation list?

Yes. Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for subclass 189 and you generally need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for that occupation.

Who this suits

The subclass 189 is Australia's purest points-tested route: you qualify on your own occupation, skills, age, English ability and experience — no employer sponsor, no family sponsor, and no state or territory nomination required. It grants permanent residence directly, letting you live and work anywhere in Australia.

Core requirements

Nominated occupation — your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list for this visa.
Skills assessment — a positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, confirming your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
Points test — at least 65 points from factors including age, English language ability, skilled employment experience, and qualifications, to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Age — generally under 45 at the time of invitation.

65 points is the minimum to enter the pool, not a guarantee of an invitation — the actual score needed moves with each round depending on demand and available places, so a stronger score genuinely improves your real-world chances.

How the process works

Skills assessment — obtained from the authority relevant to your nominated occupation.
Submit an EOI — through SkillSelect, including your points-test claims.
Wait for an invitation — the government invites the highest-scoring candidates in each round.
Apply for the visa — including health and character checks, within the window after invitation.

A note on accuracy: occupation lists, invitation rounds and points-test settings are reviewed regularly, and the government has flagged a review of the points test itself for the 2026-27 budget cycle. Nothing on this page is legal advice — your matched migration agent will confirm your current points score and occupation eligibility.

Common questions

Do I need a sponsor or job offer for the subclass 189 visa?

No — it's points-tested and doesn't require sponsorship by an employer, family member, or state government.

What is the minimum points score for an invitation?

65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but the score actually needed for invitation moves with each round based on demand.

Does my occupation need to be on a skilled occupation list?

Yes, and you generally need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for that occupation.

Skilled Independent Visa (189)

Who this suits

Core requirements

How the process works

Common questions

Do I need a sponsor or job offer for the subclass 189 visa?

What is the minimum points score for an invitation?

Does my occupation need to be on a skilled occupation list?

Think your points score is competitive?