Minimum Points for Subclass 189 Visa in Australia

TL;DR

1. Minimum Points Requirement: The Subclass 189 visa requires at least 65 points on the points test, but higher points improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
2. Points System: Points are awarded based on age, work experience, English proficiency, education, and other factors like study in regional Australia and partner skills.
3. Eligibility: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, have a valid passport, have a valid skill assessment and have valid English proficiency tests.
4. How to Boost Points: Improve your English score, gain more relevant work experience, pursue further education, or study in regional Australia to increase your points.
5. Invitations Based on Points: Meeting the 65-point threshold doesn’t guarantee an invitation; candidates with higher points will be prioritised.

Are you looking to make Australia your permanent home with the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa? Before you can start your journey, it’s important to understand how the points system works. The Subclass 189 visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia, but there’s one key step before you can apply: meeting the minimum points requirement. We understand that navigating the complexities of the points system can feel overwhelming and confusing, especially when your future depends on achieving the right score.

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly how many points you need, break down how the points system works, and share tips on how to boost your score. Ready to learn what it takes to qualify for this sought-after visa? Let’s get right in!

What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa that lets skilled workers live and work in Australia without the need for sponsorship from an employer or family member. It’s an ideal choice for skilled professionals who wish to make Australia their permanent home. This visa operates through a points-based system that evaluates applicants based on different factors.

Overview of the Subclass 189 Visa

There are three streams for this visa:

1. Points Tested Stream: For skilled workers invited based on a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
2. New Zealand Stream: Available to New Zealand citizens, but closed to new applications as of 1 July 2023.
3. Hong Kong Stream: For Hong Kong passport holders or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have stayed in Australia for at least four years.

This visa gives skilled workers the flexibility to live and work in any region of Australia, helping you secure a brighter future in the country.

Benefits offered

1. Permanent Residency: You can live and work in Australia permanently.
2. Flexibility in Work and Study: You get to work and study without any restrictions.
3. Medicare Access: Enjoy access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
4. Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor eligible family members to join you.
5. Travel Freedom: You get to travel to and from Australia for five years.
6. Path to Citizenship: You are eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Health and Character Requirements: You and any family members must pass health checks and provide police clearances to meet Australian standards.
2. Sign the Australian Values Statement: Agree to respect Australian laws and values.
3. No Visa Cancellations or Refusals: You must not have any visa cancelled or a previous application refused by the Australian Government. (In some circumstances, you may be eligible)
4. Clear Government Debts: All outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be paid.
5. English Language Proficiency: Must have competent English; proof of English proficiency (via IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) is required.
6. Valid Passport and Documentation: Provide a valid passport and all necessary documents to support your application.
7. Points System Criteria: You must score at least 65 points on the points test. These points are awarded based on criteria like work experience, qualifications, and age, with younger applicants and those with more experience and qualifications typically receiving higher points.

Meeting these criteria is important for a successful application and ensures that you can live and work in Australia permanently.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the points-based system, which plays an important role in securing your invitation to apply.

How Does the Points System Work?

Australia’s immigration system uses a points-based system to assess potential candidates for skilled migration. The points test takes into account several factors including:

1. Age
2. Work experience
3. English proficiency
4. Education and more.

The minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 visa is 65 points.

However, just meeting this threshold doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply, as candidates with higher points are more likely to receive an invitation.

Now that you’re familiar with the points system, let’s break down the specific factors that will contribute to your points score and how you can meet the minimum requirement for the Subclass 189 visa.

Breakdown of the Points System for Subclass 189

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors that contribute to your points score:

1. Age Points

Your age plays a significant role in your points tally. The younger you are, the more points you can score. Here’s how the points are allocated:

1. 18 to 24 years: 25 points
2. 25 to 32 years: 30 points
3. 33 to 39 years: 25 points
4. 40 to 44 years: 15 points

2. English Language Skills Points

Your ability to communicate in English is a critical part of the points test. Higher proficiency in English earns you more points:

1. Competent English: 0 points
2. Proficient English: 10 points
3. Superior English: 20 points

3. Skilled Employment Experience Points

Your work experience is one of the most important factors in the points system. You can earn points for both international and Australian skilled work experience. The more years of relevant experience you have, the more points you can earn.

Overseas Skilled Employment:

1. Less than 3 years: 0 points
2. 3 to 5 years: 5 points
3. 5 to 8 years: 10 points
4. 8+ years: 15 points

Australian Skilled Employment:

1. Less than 1 year: 0 points
2. 1 to 3 years: 5 points
3. 3 to 5 years: 10 points
4. 5 to 8 years: 15 points
5. 8+ years: 20 points

4. Educational Qualifications Points

Your level of education also contributes to your points score. Higher qualifications earn you more points:

1. Doctorate: 20 points
2. Bachelor degree: 15 points
3. Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points

5. Specialist Education Qualification Points

If you have completed a Master’s degree or Doctorate in a relevant field, you can claim additional points:

1. Master’s degree by research or Doctorate in a relevant field: 10 points
   

6. Australian Study Requirement Points

To earn points under this category, you need to have completed at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution. If you meet this criteria, you can earn 5 points.

7. Professional Year in Australia Points

Completing a Professional Year in Australia in fields such as Accounting, ICT/Computing, or Engineering gives you an additional 5 points, provided the program was completed within the last 4 years.

8. Credentialled Community Language Points

If you are accredited at a paraprofessional level or above for a community language, you can claim 5 points.

9. Study in Regional Australia Points

If you studied in an eligible regional area of Australia, you can earn 5 points. To qualify, your qualification must meet the Australian study requirement and have been obtained while living and studying in a regional area.

10. Partner Skills Points

If your spouse or de facto partner is also applying for the Subclass 189 visa and meets certain criteria, you can earn additional points based on their qualifications and English language proficiency. Here’s how it works:

1. Single Applicant: If you’re applying alone, you can earn 10 points.
2. Spouse or De Facto Partner with Competent English: If your partner has competent English (IELTS score of 6 or higher), you can claim an additional 5 points.
3. Spouse or De Facto Partner with Competent English + Skill Assessment: If your partner has competent English and has completed a valid skill assessment, you can earn 10 points.

Please Note: While the minimum points required for the Subclass 189 visa is 65, achieving this score doesn’t guarantee an invitation to apply. The number of points you score will impact your ranking in the SkillSelect pool. Those with higher scores will be invited before those with lower scores.

With a clearer understanding of how the points system works, let’s move on to the important topic of boosting your points and improving your chances of getting an invitation.

Boosting Your Points: Tips and Strategies

If you’re looking to strengthen your Subclass 189 visa application, there are several strategies to increase your points score. 

Here are some effective ways to boost your chances and make your application more competitive.

1. Improve Your English Language Skills: Achieving a higher score in your English proficiency test can significantly boost your points.
2. Gain More Work Experience: If possible, try to accumulate more relevant work experience in your nominated occupation, as this can help you earn additional points.
3. Pursue Further Education: Completing further qualifications, especially in areas in demand, can add valuable points to your score.
4. Consider Regional Study: Studying in regional Australia can give you extra points under the Australian study requirement.
5. CCL: If you are accredited at a paraprofessional level or above for a community language, you can earn an additional 5 points. This includes languages recognised by the NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters).

Having explored the various ways to boost your points, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on the Subclass 189 visa and the next steps you should take in your application journey.

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 189 visa offers skilled workers a great opportunity to live and work in Australia permanently, but the points requirement can be challenging. Understanding how the points system works, and how to maximise your points, is key to improving your chances of receiving an invitation.

If you need assistance in navigating the points system or want to ensure your application is as strong as possible, reaching out to a qualified migration agent like Knowbal is a wise decision. We can provide you personalised advice based on your individual circumstances.

Ready to start your Subclass 189 application process? Contact Knowbal today for expert assistance and make sure your application is on the right track!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum points requirement for the Subclass 189 visa?

To qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, you are required to score a minimum of 65 points on the points test. However, just meeting this threshold doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Candidates with higher points will have a better chance of receiving an invitation.

2. How is my points score calculated for the Subclass 189 visa?

Your points score is based on several factors, including your age, work experience, English proficiency, education, and other criteria such as study in regional Australia, partner skills, and professional year completion. The higher you score in these categories, the better your chances of being invited to apply.

3. Can I include my partner’s points in the Subclass 189 visa application?

Yes, if your spouse or de facto partner is also applying for the Subclass 189 visa and meets the age, English, and skills criteria, you can claim additional points for them, potentially earning 5 or 10 extra points depending on their qualifications and language skills.

4. How do I improve my chances of getting an invitation for the Subclass 189 visa?

To boost your points, focus on improving your English proficiency, gaining more work experience, completing further education in demand fields, or considering studying in regional Australia. The more points you earn, the higher your chances of receiving an invitation.

5. Can I apply for the Subclass 189 visa if I am over 45 years old?

Unfortunately, applicants over the age of 45 are not eligible for the Subclass 189 visa unless they are nominated under the New Zealand stream or fall under specific circumstances. If you are under 45, you can apply if you meet the age and points requirements.

Have more questions? Reach out to Knowbal to learn more!