Australia is one of the top destinations for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Among its various immigration pathways, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) stands out.
It offers permanent residency without the need for sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. But to qualify, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements — and that’s where the 189 Visa Points Calculator becomes your best friend.
Whether you’re planning to migrate or just exploring your chances, understanding how the 189 points system works is the first and most crucial step. In this article, we’ll break it all down for you.
What is the 189 Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited workers with skills Australia needs. It allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
There are two streams under this visa:
- Points-tested stream – for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family member.
- New Zealand stream – for eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
This article focuses on the Points-Tested stream, which uses a points-based system to rank applicants.
Why the 189 Visa Points Calculator is Important
To be eligible for the 189 visa, you must:
- Score at least 65 points on the points test.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select.
- Receive an invitation to apply based on your points and occupation demand.
The 189 Visa Points Calculator helps you estimate your current score based on key selection factors. This gives you a clear idea of your chances before applying.
Factors Considered in the 189 Visa Points Calculator
Here’s how your score is calculated:
- Age (Maximum 30 Points)
| Age Range | Points |
| 18–24 | 25 |
| 25–32 | 30 |
| 33–39 | 25 |
| 40–44 | 15 |
| 45–49 | 0 |
- English Language Ability (Maximum 20 Points)
| Test Result | Points |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Note: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and OET scores are accepted.
- Skilled Employment (Work Experience) (Maximum 20 Points)
Australian Work Experience
| Experience | Points |
| 1–2 years | 5 |
| 3–4 years | 10 |
| 5–7 years | 15 |
| 8–10 years | 20 |
Overseas Work Experience
| Experience | Points |
| 3–4 years | 5 |
| 5–7 years | 10 |
| 8–10 years | 15 |
- Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 Points)
| Qualification | Points |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor or Master’s degree | 15 |
| Australian Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 |
| Recognized qualification (related field) | 10 |
- Australian Study Requirement (5 Points)
- If you’ve completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia.
- Professional Year in Australia (5 Points)
- For applicants who completed a Professional Year Program in accounting, IT, or engineering.
- Credentialed Community Language (CCL) (5 Points)
- For those who pass a NAATI test in an eligible language.
- Study in Regional Australia (5 Points)
- If you studied in a designated regional area.
- Partner Skills or Single Status (Maximum 10 Points)
| Partner Criteria | Points |
| Partner is under 45, skilled, and competent English | 10 |
| Partner has competent English only | 5 |
| You are single or your partner is an Australian citizen/PR | 10 |
How to Use the 189 Visa Points Calculator?
Using a 189 visa calculator is simple and gives you an accurate idea of where you stand:
- Access the calculator tool (many available on official and migration agent sites).
- Enter your details for age, education, language test results, and work experience.
- Review your total score and identify areas to improve.
- Compare your score with the latest invitation rounds (cut-off scores vary monthly).
What is the Minimum Score Required for the 189 Visa?
The minimum requirement is 65 points, but that doesn’t guarantee an invitation. In practice:
- Highly competitive occupations like IT, engineering, or accounting may require 85–95 points.
- Lower-demand occupations may be invited with 65–75 points.
Always check the latest invitation rounds from the Department of Home Affairs.
How to Improve Your 189 Points Score?
If you fall short of the required points, consider these options:
- Retake your English test for a higher score.
- Gain more work experience in your nominated occupation.
- Complete a Professional Year Program in Australia.
- Study a regional course to claim regional study points.
- Apply with a skilled partner or claim single status points.
- Pass the NAATI CCL test for community language points.
Final Step: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you’ve calculated and optimized your points:
- Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
- Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA).
- After receiving the ITA, submit your visa application within 60 days.
Conclusion:
The 189 Visa Points Calculator is an essential tool for anyone looking to migrate to Australia through the Skilled Independent Visa route. It helps you assess your eligibility, plan your next steps, and boost your chances of getting a visa invitation. With proper guidance, planning, and points optimization, your Australian PR dream can become a reality.
FAQs:
What is the minimum score for 189 visa in 2025?
The minimum required score is 65, but recent trends show that invitations are often sent to applicants scoring 80 or more, depending on the occupation.
Is 189 visa permanent residency?
Yes, the subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Can I increase my 189 visa points after submitting EOI?
You cannot edit an EOI once submitted, but you can withdraw and re-submit with updated information, such as improved test scores or new qualifications.
How long does it take to get PR after 189 visa invitation?
After receiving an invitation, it typically takes 6 to 12 months to process the visa, depending on your application’s completeness and background checks.
Can my spouse help me get more 189 points?
Yes, if your partner is under 45, has a skilled occupation, and proficient English, you may claim up to 10 additional points.
