Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Points Tested Stream
Complete guide to Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (189) Points Tested stream. Requirements, points calculator, occupation lists, processing times and application process.
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Get 189 Visa AssessmentKey Features
The Points Tested stream is the traditional pathway for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), designed for highly skilled workers who can contribute to Australia’s economy without requiring sponsorship.
Stream Highlights
This stream operates through Australia’s SkillSelect system, where candidates compete based on points scores. Higher scores receive priority invitations during monthly rounds.
Who Should Apply
- Skilled professionals with occupations on the MLTSSL
- High-scoring candidates with 85+ points
- Candidates with superior English (IELTS 8.0+ in all bands)
- Experienced workers with 8+ years in their field
- Those seeking complete independence without sponsorship obligations
Current Invitation Trends
Reality Check: While 65 points is the minimum, successful invitations currently require:
- 85-90 points for most occupations
- 90-95 points for pro-rata occupations
- 95+ points for highly competitive fields like accounting
Core Requirements
Mandatory Criteria:
- Age: Under 45 years when invited
- Occupation: Listed on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Skills Assessment: Positive assessment from relevant authority
- Points: Minimum 65 (realistically 85+)
- English: Competent minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band)
- Health & Character: Pass all checks
Points Breakdown
| Factor | Points Range | Competitive Target |
|---|---|---|
| Age (25-32 years) | 0-30 | 30 |
| English | 0-20 | 10-20 |
| Overseas Experience | 0-15 | 10-15 |
| Australian Experience | 0-20 | 5-10 |
| Education | 0-20 | 15-20 |
| Australian Study | 0-5 | 5 |
| Partner Skills | 0-10 | 5-10 |
| Other | 0-15 | 5-10 |
| Total | 65 min | 85-95+ |
MLTSSL Occupations
High-Demand Occupations:
- Software Engineers & Programmers
- Registered Nurses
- Civil & Mechanical Engineers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Medical Practitioners
Pro-Rata Occupations (limited monthly invitations):
- Accountants
- Auditors
- Electronics Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- ICT Business Analysts
English Requirements
Point Levels:
- Competent (0 points): IELTS 6.0 each
- Proficient (10 points): IELTS 7.0 each
- Superior (20 points): IELTS 8.0 each
Accepted Tests:
- IELTS (Academic or General)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for medical professionals)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
Points Test Calculator
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Skills Assessment
Get qualifications assessed by relevant authority for your MLTSSL occupation
4-12 weeksCalculate Points
Score minimum 65 points across age, English, experience, and qualifications
Self-assessmentSubmit EOI
Lodge Expression of Interest through SkillSelect system
ImmediateReceive Invitation
Wait for invitation based on points score and occupation demand
1-6 monthsLodge Application
Submit visa application within 60 days of invitation
60 days deadlineVisa Decision
Complete health, character checks and await final decision
6-8 monthsSkillSelect Process
How EOI Works:
- Create EOI in SkillSelect (free)
- System ranks all EOIs by points
- Monthly invitation rounds (usually 11th)
- Highest scorers receive invitations
- 60 days to lodge visa application
Invitation Round Strategy
Timing Considerations:
- Submit EOI when points are maximized
- Update EOI if circumstances improve
- EOI valid for 2 years
- Can have multiple EOIs for different visas
After Invitation:
- 60-day deadline is strict (no extensions)
- Gather all documents beforehand
- Complete health examinations early
- Lodge complete application to avoid delays
Processing Timeline
Typical Timeline:
- Skills Assessment: 4-12 weeks
- EOI to Invitation: 1-6 months
- Application to Decision: 6-8 months
- Total: 8-14 months
Fast-Track Tips:
- Score 90+ points for quicker invitation
- Submit decision-ready application
- Complete health checks upfront
- Provide certified documents
Required Documents Checklist
Interactive checklist of required documents for your 189 application. Print or save as PDF from the checklist page.
This checklist includes all mandatory documents organized by category:
Government Application Fees
Main applicant fee
Spouse or partner
Each child under 18
Other Mandatory Costs
Varies by assessing authority
IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL
Per person, panel doctor fees
Per country lived 12+ months (ages 16+)
Per document by NAATI translator
These costs are required but vary based on individual circumstances.
Optional Professional Services
Professional representation
If initial assessment negative
To improve test scores
Not available for this visa
Professional assistance can significantly improve your chances of success.
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Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Points Tested Stream
189
Permanent VisaNext Steps
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Points Tested Stream
189
Permanent VisaNext Steps
Maximizing Your Points
Quick Wins:
- Superior English: Worth 20 points - intensive preparation pays off
- Partner Skills: Up to 10 points if partner has positive assessment
- NAATI CCL: 5 points for community language credential
- Professional Year: 5 points (IT, Engineering, Accounting only)
Strategic Planning
Before Age 33:
- Submit EOI before 33rd birthday (lose 5 points)
- Complete 8 years experience for maximum points
Document Preparation:
- Start skills assessment early (can take 3 months)
- Get employment references with detailed duties
- Book English test 2-3 months ahead
Common Pitfalls
❌ Claiming unverifiable points ❌ Wrong ANZSCO code selection ❌ Expired English test results ❌ Incomplete employment evidence
Alternative Strategies
If points are insufficient:
- State Nomination (190): Adds 5 points
- Regional (491): Adds 15 points
- Gain Australian experience: Worth up to 20 points
- Further study: Masters/PhD for extra points
Frequently Asked Questions
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