Eligibility Requirements

Before you can apply for a Subclass 189 visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. This page outlines all the requirements you need to satisfy.

? Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet ALL of the following requirements:

?? Age Requirement

Age is one of the most critical eligibility factors:

• Maximum Age: Under 45 years at time of invitation
• When It's Assessed: At the time you receive your invitation, not when you submit your EOI or visa application
• Points Impact: Age also affects your points score (25-32 years old receive maximum 30 points)

Occupation Lists

Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

What is the MLTSSL?

The MLTSSL contains occupations that Australia needs for the medium to long term (generally 2+ years). This list is for skilled independent migration and gives you full freedom to work anywhere in Australia.

Popular Occupations on MLTSSL

• ICT: Software Engineers, Developers, ICT Business Analysts, Systems Analysts
• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineers
• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Medical Practitioners, Physiotherapists
• Accounting: Accountants (General), Management Accountants
• Other: Architects, Chefs, Electricians, Plumbers, Teachers

?? Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment is mandatory and must be obtained before submitting your EOI.

What is Skills Assessment?

Skills assessment is an evaluation by a relevant assessing authority that confirms:

• Your qualifications are suitable for your nominated occupation
• Your work experience is relevant and of sufficient duration
• You have the skills to work in that occupation in Australia

Common Assessing Authorities

??? English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate at least Competent English to be eligible (though higher scores earn more points).

Competent English Minimum

• IELTS: 6.0 in each of the four components
• PTE Academic: 50 in each of the four components
• TOEFL iBT: 12 (Listening), 13 (Reading), 21 (Writing), 18 (Speaking)
• OET: B in each component
• Cambridge: 169 in each component

Test Validity

Test results must be less than 3 years old at the time of invitation.

Points Score Requirement

You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an EOI, but competitive scores are much higher:

• 65-75 points: Eligible but lower priority
• 80-85 points: Competitive for most occupations
• 90+ points: Excellent chance of invitation

?? Health Requirement

All applicants must meet Australia's health requirement. This typically involves:

• Medical examination by an approved panel physician
• Chest X-ray (for applicants 11 years and over)
• HIV test (for applicants 15 years and over)
• Additional tests if required based on country of residence or medical history

?? Character Requirement

You must be of good character. This involves:

• Police Certificates: From every country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years
• AFP Check: Australian Federal Police check if you've lived in Australia
• Declaration: Disclosure of any criminal history, charges, or character concerns

What Can Affect Character Assessment?

• Criminal convictions
• Outstanding charges or warrants
• Association with individuals or groups of security concern
• Previous visa cancellations or immigration violations

Financial Capacity

While not a formal requirement, you should have sufficient funds to:

• Pay visa application fees (AUD $4,640+ for main applicant)
• Cover health examinations and police checks (approximately AUD $500-1,000)
• Support yourself initially in Australia (recommended AUD $20,000+ for single applicant)

? Eligibility Quick Check

Next Steps

Now that you understand the eligibility requirements, learn how the points system works and calculate your exact score!