Subclass 189
Skilled Independent
A permanent points-tested pathway that does not require state, territory or family nomination.
← All migration pathways
Skilled migration
Turn your skills into a carefully tested migration strategy.
Understand occupations, skills assessments, points, SkillSelect and nomination before relying on a skilled pathway.
Start with eligibility
Points are important—but they are not the whole application.
Points-tested skilled migration requires several elements to align: an eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment, English ability, age, points and an invitation.
State or territory nomination and regional pathways add their own criteria. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.
Common skilled pathways
Independent, nominated or regional?
Availability, invitation outcomes and nomination criteria can change.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated
A permanent points-tested pathway requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional
A provisional regional pathway involving state or territory nomination or eligible family sponsorship.
SkillSelect
Expression of Interest
The system used to express interest and be considered for invitation for relevant skilled visas.
Build a defensible profile
Support every point you claim.
- ✓Select the occupation that genuinely matches your qualifications and work.
- ✓Obtain the correct skills assessment before the relevant deadline.
- ✓Keep English, employment and points evidence accurate and current.
Common misconceptions
Eligibility does not equal invitation.
- ×Do not claim points that cannot be evidenced at invitation time.
- ×Do not assume one state’s nomination rules apply nationally.
- ×Do not let key documents expire without checking their required validity.
Preparing your evidence
Make the EOI and visa evidence match.
An invitation can create a short application window, so evidence planning should start early.
- 01 Identity and civil documents
- 02 Suitable skills assessment
- 03 English-language test evidence
- 04 Detailed employment records
- 05 Qualifications and transcripts
- 06 Points calculation evidence
- 07 State or territory nomination evidence
- 08 Health and character documents
Application journey
From first check to a decision.
-
01
Test the occupation
Check the occupation list and correct assessing authority.
-
02
Calculate eligibility
Review age, English, skills assessment, points and nomination options.
-
03
Submit an accurate EOI
Keep SkillSelect information updated while awaiting an outcome.
-
04
Respond to invitation
If invited, lodge within the stated period with matching evidence.
Costs and timing
Check current information before you act.
Budget for the visa charge plus skills assessment, English testing, translations, police checks and health examinations. Official charges and processing estimates change.
Common complications
Small inconsistencies can create large questions.
- • Occupation and duties do not align
- • Points are overstated or evidence dates do not match
- • State nomination criteria change
- • Assessment, English test or invitation timing conflicts
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common starting questions.
Is 65 points enough to receive an invitation? +
It is the general minimum threshold for points-tested visas, but it does not guarantee invitation. Competitive scores and nomination requirements vary.
Can I submit an EOI before a skills assessment? +
For the relevant skilled pathways, you generally need a suitable skills assessment when invited and must make only accurate claims. Check the specific EOI and visa rules before submitting.
How long do I have after invitation? +
Home Affairs currently states that invited applicants have 60 days to lodge the visa application. Always check the invitation itself and current guidance.
Does state nomination guarantee a visa? +
No. Nomination supports the relevant pathway, but Home Affairs separately assesses the visa criteria.
Authoritative sources
Check the official rules.
The following official pages were used to prepare this guide.
Sources last checked: 24 July 2026.
Your next step
Would you like clarity before you apply?
Tell us about your circumstances. We can help you identify the questions and evidence that deserve attention.
General information only: This page does not provide personal migration advice or guarantee eligibility, processing time or an outcome. Requirements and government information can change. Check current official information and consider professional advice for your circumstances.