Australia Subclass 189 in 2025: Detailed A–Z Skilled Independent Visa Guide

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa) is the only Australian migration visa that requires no state or employer sponsorship, with no geographic restrictions — it is the top-tier PR in the Skilled Migration group. In 2025, Australia issued around 30,000 places Subclass 189, with the Points Test cutoff ranging from 90-95 points. This article summarizes the full requirements and process.

Subclass 189 là gì?

Subclass 189 is an Australian permanent residency visa (Permanent Residency, valid indefinitely) for highly skilled workers, invited to apply through SkillSelect. Holders can live and work in any state, study/work freely, access Medicare, and sponsor relatives after 2 years.

Khác Subclass 190/491, Subclass 189 fully independent — no state nomination, no regional commitment, no sponsor.

Basic requirements for Subclass 189

• Under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
• Occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List) — a list of around 212 priority long-term occupations.
• A passing Skills Assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
• IELTS Competent (6.0 in each band) minimum.
• Points Test score of 65 or higher (in practice, 90+ is needed).
• Police clearance + panel health check meeting requirements.

Actual Subclass 189 point thresholds 2024-2025

Although the minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points, recent invitation rounds in practice show:

• Engineering (all engineering occupations): 95-100 points.
• IT / Software Developer (ANZSCO 261): 95-100 points.
• Accountant (221111): 95-105 points — a pro-rata occupation with high competition.
• Nurse Registered (254499): 85-90 points.
• Doctor / Medical Practitioner (253xxx): 80-85 points.
• ICT Business Analyst (261111): 95-105 points.
• Pro-rata occupations (Accountant, Auditor, Software Eng, Civil Eng…): The Department of Home Affairs allocates quotas every 2 weeks — the cutoff runs 5-10 points higher.

Common MLTSSL occupations for Subclass 189

• ICT: Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Analyst Programmer, ICT Business Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist.
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Mining, Petroleum, Chemical, Aeronautical.
• Healthcare: Registered Nurse (all specialties), GP, Specialist Physician, Dental Practitioner, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist.
• Education: Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher, Special Needs Teacher.
• Finance: Accountant (General/Management/Tax), Auditor, Actuary.
• Architecture & Planning: Architect, Urban Planner, Landscape Architect.
• Science: Statistician, Environmental Scientist, Geologist.

Refer to the official MLTSSL list at Department of Home Affairs.

How to increase your Points Test score for Subclass 189

1. Raise IELTS to Superior (8.0 in each band): +20 points (vs. Competent).
2. Gain an additional 2 years of experience: +5 points.
3. Study a Master’s/PhD in Australia: +10-20 points (degree + Australian Study Requirement).
4. NAATI CCL in Vietnamese: +5 points (test taken in Hanoi/HCMC or online).
5. Skilled spouse/partner: +10 points.
6. 2 years of Regional Study: +5 points.
7. Single (không partner): +10 points.

Step-by-step process for lodging Subclass 189

1. Skill Assessment (3–6 tháng) qua VETASSESS, ACS, Engineers Australia, AHPRA.
2. IELTS / PTE Academic: achieving a Competent / Proficient / Superior result.
3. Submit an EOI through SkillSelect: declare your points, choose 189. The EOI is valid for 2 years.
4. Wait for the ITA: one invitation round is held each month. Timing ranges from 1-24 months depending on points and occupation.
5. Lodge the 189 visa application: within 60 days of the ITA. Fee $4,640 per adult applicant.
6. Provide evidence: form 80, 1221, police clearance, panel health check, translated qualifications.
7. Department of Home Affairs xét: 6-12 months (typically 8 months).
8. Visa Grant + Initial Entry before the date specified (usually 6 months from the grant).

Subclass 189 cost for a family of 4

• Phí visa 189: main applicant 4,640 AUD + spouse 2,320 AUD + 2 children (1,160 AUD/child) = 9.280 AUD.
• Skill Assessment: 500-3,000 AUD depending on the occupation.
• IELTS / PTE: based on the fee schedule of the assessing body.
• Panel health examination: based on the designated clinic’s fee schedule.
• Migration agent consulting fee: 6,000-10,000 AUD depending on the scope of support.

Summary

Subclass 189 is the “pinnacle” of Australia’s skilled migration — permanent, independent PR with no ties. However, the high point threshold requires thorough preparation. Read more Australia skilled migration, 190 vs 491, occupation SOL. Need a Points Test estimate? Free assessment with an M2W migration specialist.

Read more: Overview of Australian migration · Germany vs. Australia migration comparison: which country to choose for skilled migration in 2026