Australia is a popular destination for skilled workers who want permanent residency. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based visa option that allows qualified foreign professionals to live and work in Australia permanently, without the need of a sponsorship from an employer, territory, or state.

This visa subclass is useful for individuals with skills and qualifications that are in high demand within the Australian job market. But many wonder, "Is 75 points, enough for a 189 visa?" Let's delve into the details of the 189 visa and answer this critical question.

Understanding the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is a merit-based system that assesses candidates based on factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and nominated occupation. Applicants need to score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to apply.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

  1. Permanent residency in Australia:
  2. Enjoy the freedom to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

  3. Family sponsorship:
  4. Include your spouse and dependent children in your visa application.

  5. Travel flexibility:
  6. Travel freely within and outside Australia.

  7. Pathway to citizenship:
  8. After meeting the eligibility criteria, apply for Australian citizenship.

The Points System: How Many Points Do You Need?

While 65 points is the minimum requirement to apply for the 189 visa, a higher score significantly increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA). The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) conducts invitation rounds at regular intervals, issuing ITAs to candidates with the highest points.

Factors Affecting Your 189 Visa Points

  1. Age:
  2. Points are awarded based on your age, with younger applicants receiving a higher score.

  3. Skills Assessment:
  4. A positive skills assessment from an authorized assessing authority is crucial and can earn you valuable points.

  5. English Language Proficiency:
  6. Demonstrating a strong command of English through tests like PTE or IELTS can significantly boost your score.

  7. Work Experience:
  8. Skilled work experience in your nominated occupation can add valuable points to your application.

  9. Education Qualifications:
  10. Your educational qualifications, such as degrees and diplomas, can contribute points to your total score.

  11. State Nomination (optional):
  12. Getting nominated by a specific Australian state or territory can award additional points.

Want to Immigrate to Australia? Check your eligibility in the Australia PR Points Calculator.

So, Is 75 Points Enough for an 189 Visa?

While 75 points meet the minimum eligibility requirement, it might not be enough to secure an invitation to competitive rounds. Recent trends suggest that the cut-off score for receiving an ITA can be higher.

Here's a breakdown to consider:

  1. Lower chances with 75 points:
  2. With 75 points, your chances of receiving an ITA are generally lower, especially for popular occupations.

  3. PMSOL exception:
  4. During emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, there might be exceptions for specific occupations in high demand (PMSOL – Profession, Manager, Skilled Occupation List). In such cases, even with 65 points, you might receive an ITA.

Alternatives with 75 Points

  1. State-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 190 & 491):
  2. If your score falls short of the 189 visa cut-off, consider exploring state-sponsored visa options (Subclass 190 & 491). These visas require nomination from a specific state or territory, potentially increasing your chances with 75 points.

Maximizing Your Chances: How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) can be a complex process. Visa Solutions 4u can assist you throughout your visa journey:

  1. Eligibility Assessment:
  2. We can assess your eligibility and recommend the most suitable visa pathway based on your profile.

  3. Points Maximization:
  4. Our experts can help you strategize to maximize your points through skills assessments, educational qualifications, and other factors.

  5. Visa Application Guidance:
  6. We provide comprehensive guidance on the visa application process, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Conclusion

While 75 points meet the minimum eligibility for the Subclass 189 visa, a higher score strengthens your application. Consider seeking professional guidance from a migration agent like Visa Solutions 4u to optimize your points and navigate the visa application process effectively.