Who Should Apply for Subclass 189?
The Subclass 189 is highly competitive and best suited for certain profiles. Find out if this is the right visa pathway for you.
? Ideal Candidates
1. High Points Scorers
Reality Check: While 65 points is the minimum, most invited applicants have 80-90+ points. If you have less than 75 points, consider the 190 or 491 visas instead.
You're a great fit if you have:
- Age 25-32 (maximum age points)
- Superior English (IELTS 8+ or equivalent)
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 8+ years skilled work experience
- Additional factors like partner skills, Australian study, or professional year
2. In-Demand Occupations
Your chances are better if your occupation is on the MLTSSL and has:
- High ceiling: Many invitation spots available
- Lower competition: Less popular occupations
- Critical skills: Healthcare, engineering, IT roles often have better chances
Tip: Check the latest invitation rounds on the Department of Home Affairs website to see which occupations are being invited and at what points scores.
3. City Dwellers
Choose Subclass 189 if you want to:
- Live in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
- Avoid regional commitments
- Have complete freedom of location from day one
4. Independ Professionals
Perfect for you if you:
- Don't have (or want) employer sponsorship
- Can't get state nomination
- Value complete work freedom
- Want to change careers or start your own business
?? Who Should Consider Alternatives?
Lower Points Score (65-75)
If your points are on the lower end, consider:
- Subclass 190: Get 5 extra points with state nomination
- Subclass 491: Get 15 extra points with regional nomination
- Employer sponsorship: Subclass 186 or 482 if you have a job offer
Over 45 Years Old
You cannot apply for Subclass 189 if you're 45 or older. Alternative options:
- Employer sponsorship visas (no age limit)
- Business and investment visas
- Partner or family visas
Occupation Not on MLTSSL
If your occupation isn't on the MLTSSL list:
- Check state nomination lists (often more occupations)
- Consider regional visas with broader occupation lists
- Look into employer sponsorship
Okay with Regional Living
If you're open to living in regional Australia, the 491 visa offers:
- 15 bonus points (much easier to get invited)
- Pathway to PR after 3 years
- Lower cost of living
- Great lifestyle benefits
?? Self-Assessment Questions
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have at least 80 points? (Check with calculator)
- Is my occupation on the MLTSSL?
- Am I under 45 years old?
- Do I want to live in a major city?
- Do I value complete independence (no sponsors)?
- Can I afford to wait potentially 6-12+ months for an invitation?
- Do I have the budget for the full application cost (~AUD $5,000-10,000)?
If you answered YES to most questions, Subclass 189 is likely right for you!
?? Strengthening Your Profile
If you're close but not quite there, consider:
Boost Your Points
- Improve English: Move from Proficient to Superior English = +10 points
- Gain more experience: Each year of experience adds points
- Partner skills: Add 10 points if your partner qualifies
- Professional Year: Complete a year in Australia = +5 points
- Australian study: Study in Australia = +5-15 points
- NAATI credential: Community language skills = +5 points
Wait for Better Timing
- Invitation rounds vary - sometimes lower points are invited
- Your occupation ceiling might increase
- New policy changes might favor your profile
Success Profile Example
Meet Sarah - Successful 189 Applicant
- Age: 28 years (25 points)
- English: IELTS 8 in all bands (20 points)
- Education: Bachelor's degree (15 points)
- Work Experience: 7 years overseas (15 points)
- Partner Skills: Partner also qualified (10 points)
- Total: 85 points
- Occupation: Software Engineer
- Result: Invited within 2 months
Ready to Proceed?
If the Subclass 189 fits your profile, let's learn how the application process works!