Subclass 485 to 189: The Real Points Table, Fees and Processing Times (2026)

How the points that actually matter for a subclass 189 work while you're on a subclass 485 — Australian work experience tiers, partner points, English points, skills-assessment fees, and Home Affairs' own processing times. Figures as at September 2026.

Read the full guide, with official sources →

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Chapters

  1. 0:00 Turning a 485 into a 189
  2. 0:15 Australian work experience points
  3. 0:31 Partner points: 10, 5, or 10
  4. 0:47 Proficient → Superior:
  5. 0:58 Professional Year: 5 points,
  6. 1:09 Skills assessment: costs vary
  7. 1:28 Your EOI is valid for 2 years
  8. 1:38 189 processing, once invited
  9. 1:55 Not every occupation on a skilled list
  10. 2:11 Where to read more

Transcript

On a subclass 485 and wondering about permanent residence? The subclass 189 needs a minimum of 65 points — and your 485 is the best window you'll get to build them.

Australian skilled work experience is worth real points. 1 to 3 years adds 5. 3 to 5 years adds 10. 5 to 8 years adds 15. 8 or more years adds 20 — and that's the maximum.

Your partner's points matter too. A partner who's also an applicant and meets the age, English and skills-assessment criteria adds 10 points. One with only competent English adds 5. And if you're single, you still get 10.

English matters directly too. Move from Proficient English, worth 10 points, to Superior English, worth 20 — that's another 10 points from a stronger test result.

A Professional Year in accounting, ICT or engineering adds 5 points. It has to run at least 12 months, and be completed within 4 years of your invitation.

Skills assessment cost and timing vary a lot by authority. ACS is $1,498 and takes 4 to 6 weeks. Engineers Australia is $1,034 and generally takes 15 weeks. VETASSESS is $1,146 offshore.

Once you lodge your Expression of Interest, it sits in SkillSelect for 2 years. If you're not invited in that time, you lodge a fresh one.

Once you're actually invited and you apply, Home Affairs' own numbers for the points-tested 189 show 6 months for the fastest 25 percent, 7 months for half, 8 months for 75 percent, and 9 months for 90 percent, for the period to 30 June 2026.

Here's the mistake people make: being on a skilled occupation list doesn't automatically mean a subclass 189 is open to you. Only occupations on the MLTSSL qualify — some teaching and nursing occupations are, others aren't, no matter your points.

The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description.

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