I have a positive skills assessment but my points score is not high enough to receive an invitation. What can I do?

There are several ways to increase your points score, including improving your English language test score, gaining additional work experience, obtaining a qualification at a higher level, or obtaining state/territory nomination (which would change your visa pathway to the subclass 190 or 491). I can review your profile and advise on the best strategy.

My skills assessment was rejected. Can I appeal?

Yes. Most assessing authorities have a review or reassessment process. You can provide additional evidence or submissions to support your application. I can advise you on the best approach for your specific assessing authority and occupation.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 2026 Guide

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after permanent visas in Australia. It allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without needing a sponsor or nomination from a state or territory government.

How Does the Subclass 189 Work?

The 189 visa operates through a points-based system:

Check your occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Receive an invitation to apply based on your points score
Lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation

The Points Test

You must score at least 65 points to be eligible, but in practice, competitive scores are much higher. Points are awarded for:

Current Invitation Rounds

Invitation rounds occur regularly, but the minimum points score for an invitation varies by occupation. In recent rounds:

Accountants: 90-95 points
Software Engineers: 80-85 points
Registered Nurses: 75-80 points
Civil Engineers: 80-85 points

Tip: The higher your points score, the sooner you will receive an invitation. If your score is borderline, consider ways to increase it — such as improving your English test score or gaining additional work experience.

Skills Assessment

Before submitting your EOI, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation. Common assessing authorities include:

Engineers Australia — for engineering occupations
ACS — for ICT occupations
CPA/CA/IPA — for accounting occupations
ANMAC — for nursing occupations
VETASSESS — for various professional occupations

Common Pitfalls

Claiming points you are not entitled to — the Department will verify every claim
Not meeting the English language requirement — most occupations require at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band)
Skills assessment issues — ensure your qualifications and experience are assessed correctly
Waiting too long to apply — invitation rounds are competitive and scores can increase
Not disclosing all relevant information — non-disclosure can result in refusal under PIC 4020

How I Can Help

I can assess your eligibility, help you maximise your points score, guide you through the skills assessment process, and prepare your visa application. The 189 visa is highly competitive — professional guidance can make the difference.

Questions and answers

I have 70 points. Is it worth submitting an EOI?

At 70 points, you are unlikely to receive an invitation for most occupations in the current climate. However, it costs nothing to submit an EOI, and scores can change. I would recommend exploring ways to increase your score — improving your English test result is often the quickest way to gain additional points.

Can my partner's skills help my 189 application?

Yes, if your partner has a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant list and has at least Competent English, you can claim up to 10 additional points. If your partner does not meet these requirements but has Competent English, you can still claim 5 points.

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