Guides / Subclass 189 / How It Works

How Does the Subclass 189 Work?

The Subclass 189 follows a points-based system with a structured application process. Here's exactly how it works from start to finish.

The Complete Process

1. Skills Assessment
Get your qualifications and experience assessed by the relevant authority for your occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your profile through SkillSelect with all your details and documents.
3. Points Calculation
System automatically calculates your points based on age, English, experience, education, etc.
4. Invitation Round
Department issues invitations to highest-scoring candidates in monthly rounds.
5. Visa Application
60 days to submit your complete application with all supporting documents.
6. Assessment & Grant
Department assesses your application and grants the visa if successful.

?? How Points Work

Minimum Requirement

65 Points Required: This is the minimum to submit an EOI, but most invited applicants have 80-90+ points.

Points Categories

  • Age (Max 30 points): 25-32 years = maximum points
  • English (Max 20 points): Superior English = 20 points
  • Work Experience (Max 20 points): 8+ years = maximum
  • Education (Max 20 points): Doctorate = 20 points
  • Partner Skills (Max 10 points): If partner also qualifies
  • Other factors: Australian study, professional year, NAATI, etc.

The Points Test in Detail

Your points are calculated automatically when you submit your EOI. The system evaluates:

Core Factors (Required for everyone)

  • Age: Must be under 45 when invited
  • English: Minimum Competent level required
  • Occupation: Must be on MLTSSL
  • Skills Assessment: Positive assessment required

Additional Points (Optional but crucial)

  • Australian work experience
  • Educational qualifications in Australia
  • Specialist educational qualification
  • Professional year program
  • Credentialed community language
?? Important: Having 65 points doesn't guarantee an invitation. Invitations depend on ranking within your occupation and available places.

Invitation Rounds

How Invitations Work

The Department conducts invitation rounds (typically monthly) where they:

  1. Look at all EOIs with 65+ points
  2. Rank candidates by points score within each occupation
  3. Issue invitations to the highest scorers
  4. Continue until occupation ceiling is reached

Occupation Ceilings

Each occupation has a yearly limit on invitations:

  • High-demand occupations: Higher ceilings (e.g., 4,000+ places)
  • Popular occupations: Medium ceilings (e.g., 1,000-3,000 places)
  • Less in-demand: Lower ceilings (e.g., 200-1,000 places)
Strategy Tip: Check recent invitation rounds to see what points your occupation needs. This helps you decide whether to wait or improve your score.

? Timing Considerations

EOI Validity

  • EOIs remain active for 2 years
  • You can update your EOI anytime (age will auto-update on your birthday)
  • Higher points automatically move you up the ranking

Invitation Response Time

  • 60 calendar days to apply after invitation
  • Cannot extend this deadline
  • Must have all documents ready

What You Need Ready

Before submitting your EOI, gather:

Essential Documents

  • Valid skills assessment
  • English test results (within 3 years)
  • Educational qualifications
  • Work experience evidence
  • Identity documents

Supporting Evidence

  • Employment references and contracts
  • Payslips and tax documents
  • University transcripts
  • Professional memberships
  • Any additional qualifications claimed for points
?? Critical: All claims in your EOI must be supported with evidence when you apply. False claims can lead to visa refusal and 3-year ban.

Success Tips

  • Maximize your points: Every point counts - aim for 80+
  • Choose timing wisely: Submit EOI when points are optimized
  • Prepare documents early: Have everything ready before invitation
  • Stay updated: Monitor invitation rounds for your occupation
  • Professional help: Consider migration agent for complex cases

Next Steps

Ready to understand the costs and timeline? Let's break down the financial commitment and processing times.

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