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Subclass 189 Visa 2026: Points, Invitations and Skilled Independent Pathway
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is Australia's principal points-tested permanent visa that does not depend on state or territory nomination. Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and can lodge the visa only after receiving an invitation.
The 65-point threshold is only the starting point
Home Affairs states that subclass 189, 190 and 491 applicants need at least 65 points to be eligible for invitation. Points can arise from age, English, skilled employment, qualifications and other recognised factors. A score of 65 does not guarantee an invitation because invitation outcomes depend on the program settings and competing EOIs.
What happened in the June 2026 invitation round?
Home Affairs reports that the 4 June 2026 SkillSelect invitation round issued 10,000 subclass 189 invitations. Minimum scores varied significantly by occupation. Some occupations received invitations at 65 points, while others required much higher scores. This illustrates why applicants should not treat the statutory threshold as a likely invitation score.
See the official SkillSelect invitation-round page for the latest published round data.
Core subclass 189 steps
Identify an eligible skilled occupation and obtain the required skills assessment.
Calculate the points score and submit an accurate SkillSelect EOI.
Keep EOI claims updated if circumstances change.
Receive an invitation before lodging the visa application.
Prove the claims made in the EOI and satisfy the visa's other criteria.
189 versus 190 and 491
Subclass 189 does not require state nomination. Subclass 190 does, while subclass 491 can involve state nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship and carries regional residence, work and study requirements. Compare those pathways with our State Nomination 2026–27 Tracker and Skilled Migration Statistics Australia 2026.
Permanent residence and travel facility
The Migration Regulations describe subclass 189 as a permanent visa. As with other permanent visas, the travel facility operates for the period specified by the grant framework, and permanent residents may later need a Resident Return visa to re-enter Australia after the travel facility ends.
Primary sources: Home Affairs subclass 189 guidance, SkillSelect EOI guidance, and the Migration Regulations 1994.
