Imagine standing at the airport, passport in hand, about to board a flight that will change your life forever. No employer is waiting to sponsor you. No state government nomination. No family invitation. Just you — your skills, your qualifications, and the dream of building a new life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
This isn’t a fantasy. It’s the promise of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) — a pathway to permanent residency in Australia based entirely on your professional merit.
For many, this visa represents freedom — the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia, to choose your own career path, and to build a stable, secure, and prosperous life for yourself and your family. But to unlock that opportunity, there’s one key challenge: scoring at least 65 points on the immigration points test.
So how do you get there? Let’s explore the path to turning your ambition into reality.
What Is the Skilled Independent 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent visa designed for highly skilled professionals whose occupations appear on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It allows you to live and work anywhere in the country — whether that’s the vibrant streets of Sydney, the creative energy of Melbourne, or the peaceful beauty of Perth.
Unlike many other migration pathways, the 189 visa requires no employer, state, or family sponsorship. Instead, your eligibility depends entirely on your skills, experience, and personal attributes.
Once granted, the visa opens the door to countless opportunities:
- Permanent residency from day one
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- The ability to study at any Australian institution
- The option to sponsor family members
- And, eventually, the chance to apply for Australian citizenship
In essence, the Skilled Independent Visa is a bridge between your professional potential and a brighter, more secure future.
How the Journey Begins: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Your pathway starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted through the SkillSelect system.
Here, you share details about your age, qualifications, English language ability, and work experience. The system uses this information to calculate your points score — your personal scorecard in Australia’s skilled migration race.
If you meet or exceed 65 points, you become eligible for an invitation to apply for the visa. The higher your score, the better your chances of being selected from the applicant pool.
And that’s where every point starts to matter.
The Points Test: Your Ticket to a New Life
Think of the points test as your golden key — it determines whether you qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa.
Points are awarded across five main categories:
- Age
- English Language Skills
- Skilled Employment Experience
- Educational Qualifications
- Partner Skills
Every factor reflects how your background contributes to Australia’s economy and society. Let’s break each one down so you can understand how to maximise your points.
1. Age: The Advantage of Youth and Experience
Your age is one of the most significant factors in your score — and it rewards those who can contribute for many productive years ahead.
Here’s how it’s structured:
- 18–24 years: 25 points — young professionals full of potential
- 25–32 years: 30 points — the golden range, offering the maximum points
- 33–39 years: 25 points — experienced, skilled, and career-ready
- 40–44 years: 15 points — still valuable, bringing expertise and leadership
- 45 and above: 0 points — not eligible for age-based points
If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, you’re in the prime zone for scoring big here. For older applicants, the key is to compensate through experience, education, and language proficiency.
2. English Language Proficiency: Turning Words into Points
In Australia, English isn’t just a means of communication — it’s your passport to better opportunities. Strong English proficiency doesn’t just make settling easier; it also adds valuable points to your visa application.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Competent English: 0 points (minimum eligibility level)
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
A high IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic score can be the difference between waiting and winning. Many applicants retake their English test to achieve a higher band — and those extra points often make all the difference.
Think of your language test as an investment in your future career, confidence, and lifestyle in Australia.
3. Skilled Employment Experience: Your Career Speaks for You
Every year of work you’ve done counts toward proving your readiness for Australia’s professional landscape.
Overseas Work Experience
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3–4 years: 5 points
- 5–7 years: 10 points
- 8 years or more: 15 points
Australian Work Experience
Experience gained inside Australia is even more valuable:
- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1–2 years: 5 points
- 3–4 years: 10 points
- 5–7 years: 15 points
- 8 years or more: 20 points (maximum)
To qualify, your work must have been in your nominated occupation or a closely related field, for at least 20 hours per week, on a valid visa.
These points reward consistency, skill, and dedication — qualities that Australia values in its workforce.
4. Educational Qualifications: The Power of Knowledge
Your education tells your story — not just what you’ve studied, but how prepared you are for success in Australia.
Here’s how the Department of Home Affairs assigns points:
- Doctorate (from Australia or a recognised overseas institution): 20 points
- Bachelor’s degree (from Australia or recognised overseas): 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification (from Australia): 10 points
- Other qualifications (recognised as suitable for your occupation): 10 points
Only your highest qualification is counted, but it can provide a strong boost toward the 65-point goal.
For many skilled migrants, higher education — especially Australian study — not only earns points but also builds credibility in the eyes of employers and assessing authorities.
5. Partner Skills: Double the Potential
If you apply with your partner, their skills can strengthen your profile.
You can claim up to 10 points if your partner:
- Is under 45 years old
- Has competent English
- Has a skilled occupation on the same Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Holds a positive skills assessment
If your partner has only competent English, you still gain 5 points.
And if you’re single — or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident — you can still claim 10 points.
In other words, your relationship status and your partner’s career can both play a role in shaping your success.
Why Every Point Matters
It’s easy to see the points test as just numbers — but behind every point lies strategy, preparation, and potential.
That extra English test retake, that skills assessment, that documented work experience — they’re all small steps toward the same goal: a life of stability, growth, and opportunity in Australia.
In SkillSelect, competition is real. Applicants with higher points are prioritised for invitations. So even if you meet the 65-point minimum, pushing for 70, 75, or 80 points increases your chances dramatically.
Each point is a step closer to your Australian dream — to working in your field, owning a home, raising a family, and belonging to a community that values your contribution.
The Bigger Picture: Building a Future, Not Just Earning a Visa
The Subclass 189 Visa isn’t just a migration category — it’s an invitation to start over with purpose. It’s a chance to turn your professional achievements into a new beginning.
Imagine establishing your career in one of the world’s strongest economies, enjoying world-class education for your children, and accessing healthcare, safety, and freedom every day.
Many who once applied for this visa now call Australia home — thriving professionals who came with ambition and stayed because of opportunity.
Your skills are your ticket. Your determination is your passport. And your points are the bridge between today’s dream and tomorrow’s reality.
Final Thoughts: Turning Ambition into Action
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) remains one of the most sought-after and respected pathways to Australian permanent residency. It rewards merit, values expertise, and welcomes individuals who are ready to contribute to Australia’s growth story.
Reaching that 65-point threshold might seem challenging, but with the proper guidance, it’s completely achievable.
At Immi Visa, we understand that behind every application is a dream of a better life, a stable career, and a brighter future. Our team of migration experts helps you calculate your points accurately, strengthen your profile, and submit a decision-ready application that maximizes your chances of success.
Because Australia isn’t just a destination — it’s a new beginning waiting for those brave enough to take the first step.
