Understanding the 189 Visa Points System
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is Australia's primary pathway for skilled workers who want to migrate permanently without employer sponsorship. Unlike the 190 or 491 visas, the 189 does not require state sponsorship, which makes it highly competitive. Your points score determines whether you'll receive an invitation to apply. The Department of Home Affairs uses a points calculator to assess your age, English language ability, work experience, and qualifications. Understanding how points work is essential before you invest time and money in the application process.
The 189 visa requires a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for invitation. However, the actual cutoff score varies by occupation and changes monthly based on application demand. Some occupations have cutoff scores of 75, 80, or even higher. Sydney occupations in high demand, such as software engineers and accountants, typically require significantly more points than the minimum.
Stage 1: Check Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Before you calculate your points, you must confirm that your occupation appears on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). The SOL is the official list of occupations eligible for the 189 visa. Not all occupations qualify, and the list changes regularly based on Australia's labour market needs.
To find your occupation, visit the Department of Home Affairs website and search the current SOL. Your occupation must match exactly or very closely to an occupation code on the list. For example, if you work as a Software Engineer, you would look for ANZSCO code 261313. If your job title does not match any occupation on the SOL, you cannot apply for the 189 visa.
Sydney-based occupations that commonly appear on the SOL include:
- Software Engineer (261313)
- Accountant (121111)
- Registered Nurse (254412)
- Mechanical Engineer (233512)
- Architect (232111)
- Business Analyst (261111)
- Electrician (341111)
- Plumber (333111)
- Aged Care Worker (411715)
Once you confirm your occupation is on the SOL, check the current points cutoff for that occupation. The cutoff changes monthly as invitations are issued. A higher cutoff means you need more points to receive an invitation.
Stage 2: Calculate Your Points Across Five Categories
The 189 points calculator assesses you across five main areas: age, English language ability, work experience, qualifications, and state sponsorship (which does not apply to the 189). Here is how points are allocated.
Age Points
Age points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation. The maximum is 30 points for applicants aged 25 to 32 years old. Points decrease as you age beyond 32 and increase if you are younger than 25.
- 18 to 24 years: 25 points
- 25 to 32 years: 30 points
- 33 to 37 years: 25 points
- 38 to 42 years: 15 points
- 43 to 44 years: 10 points
- 45 years and over: 0 points
If you are 45 or older, you cannot earn age points. This is a hard barrier for older applicants. Plan your application timeline carefully if you are approaching 45.
English Language Points
English language ability is assessed through recognised tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. You must achieve a minimum score to qualify for the 189 visa. Points range from 0 to 20 depending on your test results.
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 overall): 0 points
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 overall): 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0 overall): 20 points
If English is your first language or you hold a degree from an English-speaking country, you may qualify for Competent English without taking a test. However, you will not earn points unless you achieve Proficient or Superior English. Many Sydney applicants take IELTS or PTE to boost their English points.
Work Experience Points
Work experience points are awarded for time spent working in your nominated occupation. You must have at least one year of work experience in the past ten years to be eligible. Points increase with more experience.
- 1 to 2 years: 5 points
- 3 to 4 years: 10 points
- 5 to 7 years: 15 points
- 8 years or more: 20 points
Work experience must be paid employment in your nominated occupation. Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count. If you worked part-time, the hours are calculated pro-rata. For example, two years of full-time work equals 5 points, but four years of part-time work (20 hours per week) might equal only 2.5 points.
Qualification Points
Qualification points depend on the level and field of your education. A qualification must be recognised by the Australian education system or equivalent. Points range from 10 to 20.
- Bachelor degree or higher in a relevant field: 15 points
- Diploma or associate degree in a relevant field: 10 points
- Trade qualification or certificate: 10 points
Your qualification must be relevant to your nominated occupation. If your degree is in an unrelated field, you may not earn qualification points. Many Sydney applicants have degrees from overseas universities. You may need to apply for skills assessment to confirm your qualification is recognised in Australia.
Other Points
Additional points can be earned through:
- Partner skills (5 points if your partner meets the requirements)
- State sponsorship (not applicable to 189 visa)
- Professional year (5 points for completing an accredited professional year program in Australia)
- Community language (5 points for speaking a language other than English)
The professional year option is popular with Sydney-based graduates. Completing a professional year in your field can add 5 points and improve your work experience record.
Stage 3: Use the Official Points Calculator and Check Current Cutoffs
The Department of Home Affairs provides an official points calculator on its website. Enter your details across all five categories to see your total score. This calculator is free and gives you an accurate estimate of your points.
After calculating your points, compare your score to the current cutoff for your occupation. The cutoff is published monthly by the Department of Home Affairs. If your points are below the cutoff, you have two options: wait for the cutoff to drop, or improve your points by taking an English test, gaining more work experience, or completing a professional year.
Sydney occupations with high demand often have cutoffs of 80 to 90 points or higher. For example, Software Engineers in Sydney typically require 85 to 95 points to receive an invitation. Accountants often require 75 to 85 points. These cutoffs change based on the number of applications received each month.
Check the Department of Home Affairs Skilled Migration Planning page for the latest cutoff scores. This page is updated monthly and shows historical trends. Understanding the trend helps you decide whether to apply now or wait.
Stage 4: Prepare Your Application and Submit
Once your points meet or exceed the current cutoff, you are eligible to receive an invitation. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations in monthly rounds. Invitations are sent to applicants with the highest points first, within each occupation.
To be invited, you must have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system. The EOI is free and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You do not need to submit your full application until you receive an invitation.
When you receive an invitation, you have 7 days to accept it. After accepting, you have 60 days to submit your full visa application. This is when you provide evidence of your points: qualifications, work references, English test results, and skills assessment.
Common documents required include:
- Skills assessment report from the relevant assessing authority
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
- Certified copies of educational qualifications
- Work references and employment letters
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination results
- Proof of identity (passport)
Gather these documents before you submit your EOI. Having them ready speeds up the process once you receive an invitation. Processing times for the 189 visa typically range from 8 to 12 months, though some applications are decided faster.
Sources
For more information about the 189 visa and points calculator, visit these official Australian government sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points score needed for a 189 visa?
The minimum is 65 points, but the actual cutoff for your occupation is usually higher. Cutoffs change monthly and vary by occupation, ranging from 65 to 95+ points depending on demand.
Can I apply for a 189 visa if my occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List?
No, your occupation must be on the SOL to be eligible for the 189 visa. You can check the current list on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How long does it take to get a 189 visa decision?
Processing times typically range from 8 to 12 months, though some applications are decided faster. The Department of Home Affairs publishes current processing times on its website.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a 189 visa?
No, the 189 visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You apply based on your skills and points alone.
Can I improve my points score after submitting my EOI?
Yes, you can update your EOI if your circumstances change, such as gaining more work experience or achieving a higher English test score. However, you cannot change your occupation.
What is a skills assessment and do I need one?
A skills assessment confirms your qualification and work experience meet Australian standards for your occupation. Most occupations require a skills assessment before you can apply for the 189 visa.
How much does it cost to apply for a 189 visa?
The visa application fee is approximately AUD 4,500 for the main applicant, plus additional fees for partners and dependants. Costs vary, so check the Department of Home Affairs website for current fees.
Can I include my partner in my 189 visa application?
Yes, your partner can be included as a dependent. If your partner also meets the occupation requirements, they can earn additional points for the application.
This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.