WarningSubclass 189Permanent Residence
🇦🇺
Australia
Points test restructured
Home Affairs has heavily weighted regional study and partner English skills.
Effective date
15 Jul 2026
Announced
25 Jun 2026
Impact
Skilled independent candidates
Previous rule
Regional study: 5 points. Partner English: 5 points.
New rule
Regional study: 10 points. Partner English: 10 points.
Summary of Regulation
In an effort to disperse skilled migrants, the Subclass 189 visa points test has been recalibrated. Studying in a designated regional area now awards double points, and partner English competency is heavily incentivised.
Implications & Other Details
Grandfathering provisions apply to existing EOIs.
Maximum points remain capped.
Designed to alleviate metropolitan housing stress.
Verified against official source
Home Affairs · reviewed by Radar Editorial
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