Your CRS 328 is 177 below the latest cut-off (505)

    Close the gap with PNP, French, or job-offer points.

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    Australia Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa

    The Skilled Independent visa — permanent residence on day 1 with no state nomination and no job offer. The most competitive Australian skilled stream — invitations issue at 90+ points in 2026.

    65
    Min. Points
    80–95+
    Competitive Points
    9–18 months
    PR Processing
    No
    Job Offer Required?
    Free Australia Assessment Compare All Countries

    Choose Your Visa Subclass

    Three pathways to Australian permanent residence — each suits a different profile

    Subclass 189

    Skilled Independent

    +0 pts

    No state nomination required. Compete purely on your points score. The most competitive subclass — ideal for candidates with 90+ points.

    Residence Type: Permanent from day 1
    Processing: 12–18 months
    Competitive Score: 90+ points competitive
    Must Live: Anywhere in Australia
    Subclass 190

    State Nominated

    +5 pts

    State or territory nomination adds 5 points to your score. Must commit to living and working in the nominating state for 2 years.

    Residence Type: Permanent from day 1
    Processing: 9–15 months
    Competitive Score: 75–89 points competitive
    Must Live: Nominating state (2 years)
    Subclass 491

    Skilled Work Regional

    +15 pts

    Regional nomination adds 15 points — the biggest boost available. Provisional 5-year visa with pathway to permanent Subclass 191 after 3 years.

    Residence Type: Provisional (5 years) → Subclass 191
    Processing: 6–12 months
    Competitive Score: 65+ points + regional nomination
    Must Live: Designated regional area (3 years)

    Points Test Calculator

    Understanding how points are calculated under Australia's General Skilled Migration program

    FactorPoints
    Age 25–32+30
    Age 33–39+25
    Age 40–44+15
    IELTS 8+ (Superior English)+20
    IELTS 7–7.5 (Proficient English)+10
    PhD Degree+20
    Bachelor's Degree+15
    Diploma+10
    8+ years skilled experience (overseas)+15
    5–7 years skilled experience+10
    Australian bachelor's (study in Australia)+5
    Regional study (2+ years)+5
    State nomination (Subclass 190)+5
    Regional nomination (Subclass 491)+15
    Partner skills (partner under 45, skills assessed)+10
    Minimum to apply (EOI)65+

    Use our free calculator or book a free assessment to calculate your exact score.

    Skills Assessment Bodies

    Start your skills assessment early — it's mandatory and takes 2–6 months

    OccupationAssessing BodyProcessing Time
    IT & ComputingACS (Australian Computer Society)4–8 weeks
    EngineeringEngineers Australia (EA)8–12 weeks
    Accounting / FinanceCPA Australia or CAANZ4–8 weeks
    Nursing / HealthcareAHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation)4–12 weeks
    TeachingAITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching)6–12 weeks
    Other occupationsVETASSESS8–16 weeks

    Australia PR — Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the minimum points score for Australian PR in 2026?

    The minimum to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points. However, for Subclass 189 (independent), competitive scores in 2026 are 90+ points. Subclass 190 state nomination adds 5 points; Subclass 491 regional nomination adds 15 points. Most skilled occupations see invitations at 80–95+ points for Subclass 189.

    Do I need a skills assessment before applying for Australian PR?

    Yes. A skills assessment from the relevant assessing body (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineers, AHPRA for healthcare, VETASSESS for others) is mandatory before you can submit your EOI in SkillSelect. Start your skills assessment as early as possible — it takes 2–6 months.

    Can I apply for Australian PR without a job offer?

    Yes. Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) and Subclass 190 (State Nominated) do not require a job offer. You're selected based on your points score and occupation demand. Subclass 491 also doesn't require a job offer — just regional nomination.

    Which Australian state is easiest to get a nomination from?

    South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), and Northern Territory (NT) typically have shorter waiting periods and broader occupation lists than NSW or Victoria. They are often more accessible for Indian applicants in IT, engineering, and health occupations.

    How long does Australian PR take from India in 2026?

    Full timeline from India: Skills assessment (2–6 months) → EOI submission (immediate) → invitation (weeks to months based on points and occupation) → lodge visa application → processing (6–18 months). Total: 12–24 months for Subclass 189/190. Subclass 491 may be faster (6–12 months).

    Get Your Free Australia Points Assessment

    Our immigration experts will calculate your points score, identify the right subclass, and create your Australia PR roadmap — free consultation.

    Free Australia Assessment Australia Country Guide