{"id":21879,"date":"2024-07-03T23:09:34","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T17:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/explore\/?p=21879"},"modified":"2025-09-27T10:49:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T10:49:40","slug":"189-visa-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leverageedu.com\/explore\/visa\/189-visa-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"189 Visa Requirements: Points, English, Eligibility & Documents Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Australian 189 visa <\/strong>is a popular work visa available to skilled professionals. The visa lets you live, work, and study in Australia permanently. To apply for this, you must meet the 189 Visa requirements. There are 3 streams of visa, namely the Points-tested stream (available to Indian nationals), the Hong Kong stream, and the New Zealand stream. The requirements vary depending on the visa you are applying for. In this blog, we have covered the requirements in detail. You will learn about the points requirements for the 189 visa, English language requirements, eligibility criteria, and the documentation to be submitted. Keep reading to learn about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa Types <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before getting to know about the Australia 189 Visa Requirements, you must know about the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa types. There are 3 different types of Skilled Independent Visas. They are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (Points-tested stream):<\/strong> This visa is given to invited workers who have the skills the country needs. The visa allows a person to live, and work permanently in Australia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (Hong Kong Stream):<\/strong> British National (Overseas) passport holders or Hong Kong nationals can apply for this visa. The visa allows such a person to live and work in Australia permanently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (New Zealand stream):<\/strong> As the name suggests, this visa was only for New Zealand citizens. This visa has expired.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Eligibility Requirements for 189 Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Australia 189 visa eligibility requirements are as follows. You must meet these requirements to obtain an Australian visa. Only those who meet these requirements can apply. Note: we are not taking into account the New Zealand stream as the visa application has been permanently closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You must have an Eligible Visa <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This means that you need an eligible visa to apply. For example, for the Point tested stream visa you need to have any 1 of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. a substantive visa<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Bridging visa C – BVC – (subclass 030)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Bridging visa B – BVB – (subclass 020)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Bridging visa A – BVA – (subclass 010)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Those who have either held or last held any of these visas need to have held the same for 3 years to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      1. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        For the Australia 189 Hong Kong stream <\/em>visa:. The visa must have been held for the last 4 years. However, multiple visa holders and visas of the same subclass are not counted. An eligible visa would be a subclass 482, 457, or 485 visa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Invitation to Apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You can only apply for this visa if an invitation is sent for the same. This is one of the main Australia 189 Visa Requirements. To receive an invitation you must submit an Expression of Interest or EOI on the official website of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Once, your application has been received it will be ranked against other applicants. An invitation is generally sent through Skillset. This is a mandatory requirement for the point stream applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Hold an Eligible Passport <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        For the  Australia 189 Visa-Hong Kong visa stream, the eligible passport means a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport. On the other hand, for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream any passport holder can apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Meet the Age Requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Another Australia 189 visa requirement is meeting the age criteria.  There is no age criterion set for the Hong Kong stream visa. However, to apply for the Points-tested stream visa, you must be below the age of 45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Meet the Skill Requirement, and Conduct Skill Assessment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        This criterion is only for the Point-tested visa stream.That is, your occupation must come under the list of skilled occupations, and secondly, you must conduct a skill assessment at the time of invitation. A skill assessment must be conducted within 60 days. An example of the skills assessment test is the  Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency’s full registration for medical and legal practitioners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Secure 65 Points or More <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Australia 189 Visa Requirements (only for point-tested stream) include securing 65 points or more.  This is because the Subclass 189 Visa (point-tested stream) is points-based. At the time of submission of EOI (Expression of interest) in SkillSelect, you must indicate that you meet this requirement. Otherwise, you will not be invited to apply for this visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Meet the Health, Character & English Language Requirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The Subclass 189 visa (both streams) requires you to meet the health requirement, character requirement, and English langauge requirement. That is, you and your family members (aged 16 and above) must provide evidence of good character, be healthy (conduct examinations for the same), and must be able to speak functional English (clear English proficiency tests like IELTS\/TOEFL<\/strong><\/a>) to prove the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Must-Have Lived in Australia for 4 years <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The Hong Kong Stream visa applicants only need to fulfil this criterion. The requirement is that you must have lived in the country for at least 4 years before the date of application. Where the person stays \u2018residence\u2019 of the applicant is taken into account for this purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Meet Additional Australia 189 Visa Requirements <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Apart from the requirements provided above, you must meet the additional requirements. These requirements are as follows. Note: this is for all visa streams<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        1. You & your family  must have paid back your debt to the Australian Government (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Sign the Australian Values Statement (Those above the age of 18 or 18 must have read the Life in Australia booklet & signed the Australian Values Statement)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Additionally, you must never have a visa refused or cancelled in the past.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          For clarity, we have explained the Australia 189 Visa Requirements(Eligibility)  in detail below<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Eligibility Requirements <\/td>Subclass 189 (Hong Kong stream)<\/td>Subclass 189 visa (Points-tested stream)<\/td><\/tr>
          Eligible Passport <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Invitation to Apply<\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Age Requirement<\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Meet the Skill Requirement, and Conduct Skill Assessment<\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Secure 65 Points or More <\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Health, Character & English Language Requirement<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Lived in Australia for 4 years 
          <\/td>          		Yes<\/td>No<\/td><\/tr>
          Pay back debt to the Australian Government<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          Sign the Australian Values Statement <\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
          No visa refusal or cancellation<\/td>Yes<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Points Requirements for 189 Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Indian nationals can only apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)- Points-tested Stream. One of the requirements for this stream is meeting the points required. Applicants who meet the points required are often invited to apply. For this reason, you must know how to calculate your points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The table below provides you with a \u2018189 visa points calculator<\/em>\u201d. You can go through the table and calculate your own points. Overall, you need at least 65 points<\/strong> to be invited to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Factor<\/strong><\/td>Requirement<\/strong><\/td>Points<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
          Age<\/td>18\u201324 years<\/td>25<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>25\u201332 years<\/td>30<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>33\u201339 years<\/td>25<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>40\u201344 years<\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
          English language skills<\/td>Competent<\/td>0<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Proficient<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Superior<\/td>20<\/td><\/tr>
          Overseas skilled employment (last 10 yrs)<\/td><3 years<\/td>0<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>3\u20134 years<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>5\u20137 years<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>\u22658 years<\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
          Australian skilled employment (last 10 yrs)<\/td><1 year<\/td>0<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>1\u20132 years<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>3\u20134 years<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>5\u20137 years<\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>\u22658 years<\/td>20<\/td><\/tr>
          (Max combined for employment experience = 20 points)<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
          Educational qualifications<\/td>Doctorate (PhD)<\/td>20<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Bachelor\u2019s degree (or higher)<\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Diploma\/trade qualification (AUS)<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Recognised qualification for nominated occupation<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          Specialist education qualification<\/td>Australian study requirements<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          Australian study requirement<\/td>Degree\/diploma\/trade qualification meeting AUS study requirement<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          Professional Year in Australia<\/td>Completion in Accounting, ICT or Engineering (within 4 yrs)<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          Credentialled community language<\/td>NAATI-certified language skills<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          Study in regional Australia<\/td>Qualification obtained while living & studying in regional area<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          Partner skills<\/td>Partner meets age, English & skills criteria<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Partner has competent English<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
          <\/td>Applicant single or partner is AUS citizen\/PR<\/td>10<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          English Requirements for 189 Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          One of the important subclass 189 visa requirements is to be competent in English<\/a><\/strong>. You will not qualify for this visa if you do not meet the minimum English proficiency levels. The table below showcases the accepted tests in Australia you can take. Ensure that you take the selected exam in person. Often the online\/at home tests are unacceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          English Language Test<\/strong><\/td>Minimum Score Requirement (per component)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
          Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)<\/td>Listening: 163
          Reading: 163
          Writing: 170
          Speaking: 179<\/td><\/tr>
          CELPIP General<\/td>Listening: 7
          Reading: 7
          Writing: 7
          Speaking: 7<\/td><\/tr>
          IELTS Academic<\/td>Listening: 6
          Reading: 6
          Writing: 6
          Speaking: 6<\/td><\/tr>
          IELTS General Training<\/td>Listening: 6
          Reading: 6
          Writing: 6
          Speaking: 6<\/td><\/tr>
          Michigan English Test (MET)<\/td>Listening: 56
          Reading: 55
          Writing: 57
          Speaking: 48<\/td><\/tr>
          Occupational English Test (OET)<\/td>Listening: 290
          Reading: 310
          Writing: 290
          Speaking: 330<\/td><\/tr>
          LANGUAGECERT Academic<\/td>Listening: 57
          Reading: 60
          Writing: 64
          Speaking: 70<\/td><\/tr>
          PTE Academic<\/td>Listening: 47
          Reading: 48
          Writing: 51
          Speaking: 54<\/td><\/tr>
          TOEFL iBT<\/td>Listening: 16
          Reading: 16
          Writing: 19
          Speaking: 19<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Also Read: Australia Working Holiday Visa for Indians<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          10 Documentation Requirements for 189 Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          The following are the documentation requirements for the subclass 189 visa (point-tested stream). You need to present these documents to apply for the visa. We have not included the documentation needed for the Hong Kong Stream visa (not applicable for Indians), or the New Zealand Stream visa (already expired).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Identification Documents <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          One of the main  Australian 189 visa requirements ( Points-tested stream) is the identification documents. Applicants must provide their current passport showcasing the photograph, personal details, passport issue, and expiry date. Additionally, they must also provide a marriage\/divorce certificate and proof of a change of name for identification purposes. Some of the documents required for identification purposes are a marriage or divorce certificate, an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, or relevant overseas authority documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Relationship Documents<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Another important 189 visa requirements are the relationship documents. The relationship documents have to be presented by those who have been married, divorced, widowed, or permanently separated. Some of the acceptable proofs for the same are marriage certificates,  death certificates,  divorce documents, statutory declarations, or separation documents.  In case the dependent children or the partner have not been included the reasons for the same must be presented. For example, they are already an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Character Documents<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Character Documents are another one of the 189 visa requirements.  An Australian police certificate must be presented by those who have spent a minimum of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16. The embassy or consulate only accepts certificates or national police certificates issued by Australian state or territory police. The police clearance certificate will be valid for 12 months. Additionally, the applicant must present  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Overseas police certificates issued from the home country (from every other country) where the person has spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years after turning 16. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Those who have served in the military\/armed forces of any country must present military service records or discharge papers, and submit Form 80 Personal Particulars for assessment, including character assessment, and Form 1221 Additional Personal Particulars information<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Partner Documentation <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Another important 189 visa requirement is the partner documentation. The partner’s identity and the relationship with the applicant must be assessed. For this purpose, the applicant can submit the following documents of the partner: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Identification documentation and photographs <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Marriage certificate,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Character documents <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            4. Documentation regarding other relationships (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            5. De Facto relationships provide proof of a relationship as registered by an Australian State or Territory, or sufficient evidence proving that the applicant has been in a de facto relationship <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            6. Additionally, provide proof that the relationship is genuine. For example, joint bank account statements, joint leases or mortgages, billing accounts in joint names, and documents stating that the applicant and his\/her partner has stayed in the same address. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Proof of English Language Proficiency <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Another important 189 visa requirement is English language proficiency. Applicants must present proof that they are proficient in English. For this, they can present proof of IELTS<\/strong><\/a>\/TOEFL examination scores<\/strong><\/a>. Apart from this, the applicant must submit proof that the partner\/dependent child has functional English proficiency. The English language proficiency is not needed if the partner is a citizen of the  UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand. If the proof that the partner has functional English proficiency cannot be presented, then the applicant must pay for the second installment of the visa application charge when required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Watch the video below to learn why IELTS is so important<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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