What are the English Language requirements for an Australian visa (in plain English)? (Updated on: 8 August 2025) 189190EnglishGuidelinesImmigration

What are the English Language requirements for an Australian visa (in plain English)? (Updated on: 8 August 2025)

Depending on the visa you apply for in Australia, as a visa applicant you may need to provide the Department with evidence of your English language ability. Which visa are you applying for and what are the English requirements? The below table sets out the general English requirements for some common visa applications (noting that certain applicants may be exempt…
Mihan Hannan
8 August, 2025
Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa checklist 189General Skilled Migration

Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa checklist

The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa is a points tested application (unless applying through the New Zealand or Hong Kong streams) which can lead directly to permanent residence. Although anyone can submit an expression of interest through Skill Select, it is an invitation only application where the Department selects the highest scoring candidates out of the eligible pool. What are…
Mihan Hannan
15 December, 2022
What were the 24 May 2021 changes to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa in the New Zealand stream? australian resident visa189General Skilled MigrationImmigrationNew Zealand

What were the 24 May 2021 changes to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa in the New Zealand stream?

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted Australia’s labour market, with many employees being stood down or having their hours reduced. This disruption extends to New Zealanders residing in Australia. On 24 May 2021, the Department released a legislative instrument to address the disadvantages to the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (189) visa applicants in the New Zealand stream who would have,…
Emily Young
7 July, 2021
The point of the points test: Australia’s skilled migration program 189190191491General Skilled Migration

The point of the points test: Australia’s skilled migration program

The General Points Test set out a myriad of attributes which are assessed by the Department of Home Affairs when considering visa applications for general skilled migration visas (which include Skilled Independent - Subclass 189, Skilled Regional Provisional - 489, Skilled Nominated - Subclass 190 and Permanent Residence Skilled Regional - Subclass 191 visas). The minimum pass marks to enter…
Mihan Hannan
24 November, 2019