Subclass 189 visa requirements: an evidence-first guide

Core requirements at the invitation stage

Treat the invitation date as a control point. Home Affairs assesses several requirements by reference to that date, not the date you first created an EOI.

1. Eligible occupation: your nominated occupation must be eligible for the 189 points-tested stream on the current combined occupation list.
2. Suitable skills assessment: it must relate to the nominated occupation and be valid for migration purposes. A graduate or provisional assessment designed for another visa may not be suitable.
3. Age: you must be under 45 when invited. A birthday between EOI submission and invitation can also change the number of age points claimed.
4. English: at least Competent English is required unless an applicable form of passport evidence or other rule applies. Higher verified levels may add points.
5. Points: the EOI must reach at least 65. The invitation identifies the score that the application must substantiate, which may be above 65.

What the EOI does — and does not do

An EOI is a record of interest in SkillSelect, not a visa application. It contains claims about your occupation, English, employment, qualifications, partner status and other points factors. Home Affairs says an EOI remains active for two years and can be updated before invitation when circumstances change.

Use the EOI score as an evidence checklist, not a target to round up. Confirm which employment periods can count, whether an English result is valid, and whether relationship status changes the partner-points category. Our points calculator can organise the categories, but it cannot validate evidence.

A safer application sequence

1. Identify the occupation and confirm the 189-eligible list entry and assessing authority.
2. Obtain the correct migration skills assessment and check its validity period.
3. Obtain acceptable English evidence and record the test date and component scores.
4. Audit every points claim against dated evidence before submitting the EOI.
5. Keep the EOI current until invitation; do not leave improved or reduced points unrecorded.
6. If invited, compare the invitation score with the evidence again before lodging within the stated 60-day period.
7. Complete the identity, family, health, character and other requirements shown in ImmiAccount.

Invitation risk and responsible planning

There is no universal “safe” 189 score. Occupation demand, program priorities and invitation settings change. Official invitation-round data is historical. It can show what happened in a stated round, but it cannot establish what will happen to your EOI. Keep other genuinely available pathways under review rather than assuming a future invitation.

Evidence issues that commonly need attention

• Employment dates or duties that do not match references, tax or payroll records.
• A skills assessment that is expired, provisional or for a different occupation.
• English results that do not meet every required component score.
• Qualifications or Australian study claims that do not meet the relevant definition.
• Partner or single-applicant points that no longer match the family situation.
• Assuming the online points estimate is the same as a legal eligibility assessment.