The Points-based category of the Subclass 189 Australian Skilled Independent visa provides a pathway for highly qualified professionals without sponsorship from employers, Australian states/territories, or family members to gain permanent residency in Australia. The application process begins with obtaining a positive skills assessment for your chosen occupation, followed by submitting an Expression of Interest. If your submission meets the criteria, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Our team can provide support throughout each phase of your skilled visa application process.

Key Eligibility Requirements for the Points-based Category

When you receive your invitation to lodge a Subclass 189 visa application, you must:

⦁ Be younger than 45 years of age
⦁ Select an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
⦁ Have received a positive assessment from the relevant Australian skills assessment authority for your nominated profession
⦁ Demonstrate competent English language proficiency through one of these methods:
⦁ Valid passport as a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, OR
⦁ Language test results with minimum scores in all components:
⦁ IELTS: 6 in each component
⦁ OET: B in each component
⦁ TOEFL iBT: 12 listening, 13 reading, 21 writing, 18 speaking
⦁ PTE: 50 in each component
⦁ CAE: 169 in each component

IMPORTANT: Language tests must have been completed within three years before submitting your visa application.

⦁ Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the points assessment (evaluating factors including age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience)

Applications for this visa category through the Points-based stream require an official INVITATION from the Department of Home Affairs. To qualify for this invitation, you must submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) documenting how you satisfy the applicable requirements.