Getting more points for a 189 visa is vital as thousands of students move to Australia yearly. They all aim to get permanent residency.
The Australian PR points system needs at least 65 points for skilled migration visas. Every extra point can improve your chances of success by a lot. Your English skills can get you up to 20 points for superior scores. Relevant work experience adds up to 20 more points to your application.
Here’s something interesting – you can get 5 extra points by completing your qualification in a regional area. Your age is a significant factor too. Applicants between 25-32 years can score up to 30 points. Australian degrees or diplomas add 5 more points to your total.
You might wonder if 75 points is enough for a 189 visa or want to check where you stand right now. This piece shows you proven ways to boost your score. We’ll help you strengthen your Australian PR application for 2025. You’ll learn everything from improving your English to making the most of regional study options.
Start with a Clear Points Assessment
Your 189 visa strategy’s success depends on knowing your points score. A full picture of your current standing helps plan improvements effectively.
How to calculate points for 189 visa
The Australian immigration points system assesses applicants through several factors:
- Age: Maximum points for applicants aged 25-32
- English proficiency: Superior English can earn up to 20 points
- Work experience: Both overseas and Australian experience combined can earn up to 20 points
- Educational qualifications: Higher qualifications receive more points
- Partner skills: Being single or having a skilled partner can boost your score
Each element adds specific points to your total. Younger applicants score higher points, just as those with better English test results do. This system helps you identify areas where you can improve your score.
Tools and resources to check your score
The Department of Home Affairs‘ official website features a points calculator that gives the most accurate score assessment. You can input your details and get instant points estimates.
Here are other trusted resources:
- The ANZSCO Search points test calculator
- Migration agent websites with updated PR Points calculators
- SkillSelect system for official EOI submissions
Note that these calculators serve as guides only. The actual points might differ when immigration authorities make their formal assessment.
Is 75 points enough for 189 visa?
The minimum requirement stands at 65 points, but this rarely leads to an invitation. Recent patterns show that 75 points might not be enough for competitive occupations.
Invitations go to the highest-ranked EOIs from the Department of Home Affairs. Applicants with 80+ points usually receive invitations faster. Your chances of success improve by a lot when you aim above 75 points.
Occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) are different. These have sometimes received invitations at lower scores during specific periods.
Build a Strong Profile with Core Criteria
Your 189 visa application needs competitive core criteria points. These fundamental areas will help boost your overall score.
Boost your English proficiency
English language skills offer one of the fastest ways to increase your points. The Australian Department of Home Affairs uses a three-tier point system:
- Competent English: 0 points (minimum IELTS score of 6 in each component)
- Proficient English: 10 points (minimum IELTS score of 7 in each component)
- Superior English: 20 points (minimum IELTS score of 8 in each component)
Passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland meet the Competent English requirement without testing. Everyone else can prove their proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced tests.
Preparation is vital even if English is your first language. IDP IELTS Melbourne’s data shows that 90% of test takers found computer-delivered IELTS easier than paper-based tests.
Gain relevant work experience
Your skilled employment should meet these criteria:
- Match your nominated occupation or a closely related field
- Include paid work for at least 20 hours weekly
- Align with your skills assessment
You can earn points from both Australian and overseas experience, though Australian experience carries more weight. Only the last 10 years of experience before your invitation counts.
The good news is that work periods don’t need to be continuous. The immigration department combines your total experience. For example, you could claim five years of relevant experience if you worked as an accountant for two years, studied for two years, then worked again for three years.
Upgrade your educational qualifications
Your highest qualification affects your points:
- Doctorate degree: 20 points
- Bachelor’s degree: 15 points
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
Australian education offers extra points through these pathways:
- Australian study requirement: 5 additional points for completing at least a diploma at an Australian institution
- Specialist education qualification: 10 points for completing a Master’s by research or Doctorate in STEM or ICT fields, with minimum two years of academic study
Your skills assessment authority will evaluate if your overseas qualifications match Australian standards.
Add Bonus Points with Strategic Actions
Several strategic actions beyond basic qualifications can boost your 189 visa application score. These extra steps could make all the difference between getting an invitation or facing rejection.
Get nominated by a state or territory
A state nomination adds 5 points to your score for the Subclass 190 visa. Australian states have their own occupation lists, so you should research where your skills are needed. You’ll need to submit a complete Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect first. State agencies will then assess your application based on their specific criteria.
State nominations work best in regions with less competition. Your application becomes invalid if the state agency withdraws your nomination after submission.
Study in a regional area
You can earn 5 additional points by completing your studies in Australia’s designated regional areas. You must have at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification that meets the Australian study requirement. The qualification should come from studying and living at a campus in regional Australia.
Regional areas from 2025 include Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, and other locations outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Studies completed through distance education don’t qualify for these regional points.
Take the Credentialed Community Language test
The NAATI Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test checks your skills between English and another language, giving you 5 points. You’ll need upper intermediate language skills (B2 level) in both languages.
The assessment involves interpreting two pre-recorded conversations between native speakers. A passing score requires 63 or more points, with at least 29 marks for each dialogue. You’ll get your results by email within 4-6 weeks. Any credentials issued after August 9, 2022 stay valid for five years.
Include a skilled partner in your application
Your partner can add up to 10 points to your application. They can contribute 5 points by showing competent English skills. Another 5 points are possible if they pass a skills assessment in an occupation from the same skilled list as yours.
Your partner must:
- Be under 45 years old
- Have competent English
- Not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be included in your visa application
You can’t combine points for your partner’s skills and English.
Plan Ahead for 2025 Success
Your 189 visa application success in 2025 needs more than just point accumulation. Australia’s shift to a four-year migration planning model from 2025-26 means you need to keep up with trends.
Track occupation list updates
The Skilled Occupation List changes based on Australia’s workforce needs. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) now lists 212 occupations eligible for the 189 visa. These updates will affect your eligibility, whatever your points total.
The Department of Home Affairs plans to line up migration planning with infrastructure, housing and services planning across government levels from 2025. Housing availability will become a major factor that shapes long-term migration plans.
Set calendar reminders to check the official Department of Home Affairs website every three months. Changes to the occupation list might affect your application if you haven’t received an invitation yet.
Prepare documents early
Document preparation can slow down your visa processing. Applications move faster when all supporting documents are ready. Here’s what you need to gather right away:
- Valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- English language test results (IELTS/PTE/equivalent)
- Educational certificates and academic transcripts
- Employment references, contracts and payment evidence
- Police clearances from countries where you’ve lived for 12+ months
- Health assessment records
Police certificates take time to arrive, especially if you need them from several countries. Your application moves faster when you complete medical tests right after getting your HAP ID.
Think about professional migration advice
Each application gets a unique review. Migration agents are a great way to get current insights about policy changes that could affect your application.
A registered migration agent helps you with:
- Custom guidance for your situation
- Document preparation and submission help
- Tips to maximise your points score
- Latest immigration policy updates
Yes, it is worth getting professional advice when you face complex situations or worry about meeting the competitive points thresholds for invitation rounds.
The Department of Home Affairs has hired new staff and focused on visa processing. Planning ahead helps you benefit from faster processing times.
Conclusion
Getting enough points for your 189 visa takes smart planning and hard work. This piece shows you how to check your score, build up key areas, and grab extra points to stand out among other applicants in Australia’s competitive immigration system.
You need 65 points to qualify, but scoring 80+ points will boost your chances by a lot. Language skills can earn you up to 20 points – making it one of the fastest ways to increase your score. Work experience and higher education are also vital contributors to your total.
Several smart moves can give your application an edge. Studying in regional areas adds 5 points, while state backing and language skills each bring another 5 points. Your partner’s qualifications could add up to 10 points, so their skills matter too.
Success comes down to good preparation. Start collecting your documents early, keep an eye on occupation lists, and get professional migration advice if needed. Australia’s new four-year migration plan starting 2025-26 makes it essential to stay updated on policy changes.
Getting permanent residency in Australia takes effort, but every point counts toward your goal. These strategies will help position you well for a 189 visa invitation. Start preparing now and focus on scoring points wherever possible. Your Australian dream is within reach.