Skilled Worker Visas (189, 190, 491)
Quick Answer:
- 189 visa: Need 85+ points realistically. 8.2 month avg processing. 87% success rate.
- 190 visa: Need 80+ points (incl. 5 state bonus). 6.8 month avg. 91% success rate.
- 491 visa: Need 70+ points (incl. 15 regional bonus). 7.5 month avg. 93% success rate.
- All visas: $4,640 AUD fee. Under 45 years old. Occupation must be on skilled list.
85+
Typical Points (189)
6-8mo
Avg Processing
89%
Avg Success Rate
7,000+
Monthly Invitations
We are not registered migration agents. This information is for general guidance only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
Find a registered agentQuick Answer for Subclass 189:
Need 85+ points realistically. $4,640 fee. 8 month avg processing. 87% success rate for IT professionals.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Permanent ResidencyPoints-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
Real Points Needed
85-90 points
Avg Processing
8.2 months
Success Rate
87%
Visa Fee
$4,640 AUD
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Permanent residency from day one
- Pathway to citizenship after 4 years
- Include family in application
- Full Medicare access
- Occupation on Medium & Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Positive skills assessment from relevant authority
- Minimum 65 points (realistically need 85+)
- Under 45 years of age at invitation
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0+ each band)
- IT professionals
- Engineers
- Accountants
- Healthcare workers without state ties
- Those with 65-75 points
- Occupations not on MLTSSL
- Regional preference applicants
Which Occupations Have the Highest Invitation Rates?
Real data on which occupations are getting invitations fastest. Updated monthly.
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Invitations | Avg Points | Avg Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 261313 | High | 85 pts | 6.1 months |
| Registered Nurse | 254499 | Very High | 80 pts | 5.8 months |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | High | 85 pts | 7.2 months |
| Accountant | 221111 | Medium | 90 pts | 9.4 months |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | High | 85 pts | 6.5 months |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | High | 80 pts | 7.0 months |
| Secondary School Teacher | 241411 | High | 75 pts | 5.5 months |
| Chef | 351311 | Very High | 70 pts | 6.8 months |
| Electrician | 341111 | High | 70 pts | 6.2 months |
| Motor Mechanic | 321211 | High | 65 pts | 5.9 months |
Indicative figures compiled from SkillSelect invitation rounds to January 2025 — treat them as a rough guide to relative competitiveness, not as current cut-offs. The most recent published round, on 4 June 2026, issued 10,000 invitations with cut-offs from 65 points for several trades to 100 for urologists. Check the SkillSelect round reports for the current position before relying on any figure here.
How Does Australia's Points Test Work?
Sixty-five points is the minimum to lodge an expression of interest. What gets you invited is set occupation by occupation, and the spread is wide.
Optimal age bracket - most applicants
Young professionals
Experienced professionals
Must apply before 45th birthday
Significant advantage - aim for this
Good level, most achieve this
Minimum requirement only
Outside Australia
Outside Australia
Outside Australia
Highly valued
Strong advantage
Good boost
Entry level
Highest qualification points
Most common qualification
For skilled trades
Must be CRICOS registered
Science, IT, Engineering, Maths
NAATI accreditation
Accounting, IT, Engineering
Outside major cities
Must meet state requirements
Best points boost available
Same occupation list, skills assessment, English
If partner doesn't meet skilled requirements
Applies if applying alone
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