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Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: 2026 invitation cut-offs

Subclass 189 - the Skilled Independent visa - is the most popular points-tested permanent visa for skilled migrants with no state or employer sponsorship. In 2026, 189 invitation rounds continue monthly, but the cut-off points have drifted upward and occupation-specific ceilings bite harder than in previous years.

The basic 189 framework

  • Points-tested, with minimum 65 points to be invited
  • Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Invitation is competitive: Home Affairs issues invitations to top-scoring candidates each round
  • Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application

2026 invitation cut-offs (indicative, updated by Home Affairs monthly)

Recent round data suggests:

  • Engineers, software, telecoms: 80-85 points typical cut-off
  • Accountants: 85-95 points cut-off (oversupply)
  • Nurses, midwives: 65-70 points (still in demand)
  • Secondary teachers: 65-70 points (STEM areas)
  • Health professionals (other): 70-80 points
  • Trades (electrician, plumber): 65-75 points

The higher cut-offs compared to 2019-2021 reflect higher application volumes. The “softer” occupations (nursing, teaching, some trades) remain accessible; the traditionally high-demand ICT and accounting pathways require 80+ points.

The points matrix in summary

Core points:

  • Age (25-32): 30 points
  • English (IELTS 8.0 equivalent): 20 points
  • Skilled employment offshore (3+ years): 5-15 points
  • Australian work experience (1-3 years): 5-15 points
  • Qualifications: 10-20 points (degree, masters, PhD)
  • Australian study: 5-10 points
  • NAATI CCL: 5 points
  • Partner skills: 10 points (if partner also skilled, with full assessment)
  • Professional year: 5 points

Achieving 85+ points typically requires:

  • Age 25-32 (30)
  • English Superior/IELTS 8.0 (20)
  • Bachelor degree (15)
  • 3+ years offshore skilled experience (10)
  • NAATI CCL (5)
  • Partner skills (10) or Australian study + professional year (15)

The lending angle

Once 189 is granted, you are a Permanent Resident and qualify for full mainstream lending:

  • 95% LVR options (with LMI) or 80% LVR without LMI
  • Access to First Home Guarantee (now includes PRs since 2023)
  • All major lenders available
  • Standard owner-occupier and investor rates

During the 189 processing period (usually 8-18 months for offshore applicants), you can apply for some lending with restrictions, especially if you have bridging visa A or similar with work rights.

The 485 to 189 pathway

Many applicants first obtain a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), work in Australia for 1-3 years accumulating points (Australian work experience + Australian study + potentially NAATI), and then apply for 189. This pathway is the most common route for international students.

Waiting times

Processing times (indicative, 2026):

  • Offshore applicants: 9-16 months from invitation to grant
  • Onshore applicants with 485 bridging: 6-12 months

Waiting for 189 while on a bridging visa is common. Lenders have policies for bridging visa applicants - some treat bridging visa A holders favourably (if transitioning from 485 to 189), others don’t lend at all until PR granted.

When to push, when to wait

If your points are 65-70:

  • Invitations are unlikely in the near term for most occupations
  • Consider alternative pathways: 190 (state nominated), 491 (regional), employer sponsorship (482 + 186), or adding to your points profile (professional year, NAATI, better English)

If your points are 75-85:

  • Monitor invitation rounds for your occupation code specifically
  • Consider adding 190 or 491 applications as parallel pathways
  • Understand that invitations can come 6-18 months from EOI submission

If your points are 85+:

  • Near-term invitation very likely
  • Ensure your EOI is current and all claims are documented
  • Be ready to lodge within 60 days

The 2026 outlook

Net migration targets under both major parties remain elevated through 2026-2028. The 189 stream has modest increases planned, but most new places are going to 482 (employer sponsored) and 491 (regional). For independently skilled migrants without state or employer sponsorship, 189 will remain tight. Building a competitive profile (85+ points) is the realistic planning target.