Skilled
independent
The fully independent points-tested pathway to permanent residence — no employer, no state, no sponsor. Invitation-only, and fiercely competitive.
A ground-up rewrite of the points test is under consultation, with a new test targeted for 2027. As at 3 July 2026 the current 65-point table still applies.
The Independent Pathway
The Subclass 189 lets you live and work anywhere in Australia permanently from day one. Because it requires no sponsorship, invitation rounds are highly competitive and concentrate on critical sectors such as healthcare, teaching and engineering. The 2026-27 program lifts Skilled Independent planning to 21,090 places (from 16,900), but recent rounds have typically required point scores well above the legal 65-point floor — often in the 85–100 range depending on occupation.
Strategic Requirements
- • A positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation before you claim points.
- • An invitation to apply, issued through a SkillSelect expression of interest (EOI).
- • Under 45 at the time of invitation, with competent English or better.
- • Every claimed point substantiated — employment references, payslips and qualifications are verified.
Fees & Charges 2026-27
Fees current as at 3 July 2026 (FY2026-27); the charge at your lodgement date applies — confirm at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Third-party fees are indicative only.
Common Questions
Is 65 points enough for a 189 invitation?
65 points is only the legal floor to lodge an EOI. Invitations are rank-ordered, and recent 189 rounds have typically gone to candidates scoring 85 points or more. We audit your profile for lawful, evidence-backed points you may be leaving on the table.
Should I lodge before the 2027 points test?
If your score is competitive under the current table, there is a strong argument for moving now — the shape of the 2027 test is not settled, and there is no assurance your profile scores better under it. We advise on timing case by case.
Can family be included?
Yes — partners and dependent children can be included in the application, with additional applicant charges payable per person. A skilled partner (or single status) can also add points to your own claim.
Compete on evidence
Every point in a 189 claim must survive departmental verification. We act in EOI strategy, skills assessments and lodgement for skilled professionals Australia-wide.