The Skilled Independent Visa (189 visa) is one of Australia’s most sought-after permanent residence pathways for skilled workers. It allows eligible professionals, tradespeople, and skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without employer, state, territory, or family member sponsorship.
This guide explains 189 visa requirements, benefits, costs, and application process in plain English.
Key Takeaways
- The visa 189 visa is a permanent residence visa for invited skilled workers.
- You do not need employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family sponsorship.
- You must score at least 65 points under Australia’s points test, although higher points are often required to receive an invitation.
- You must generally be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
- You can include eligible family members in your application.
- The visa provides permanent residence, full work rights, access to Medicare, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in Australia.
The visa allows successful applicants and their eligible family members to:
- Live permanently anywhere in Australia
- Work and study in Australia
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
The Subclass 189 visa is highly competitive, and invitations are issued based on points rankings and government planning levels.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must generally:
- Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply;
- Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List;
- Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation;
- Demonstrate at least Competent English;
- Score at least 65 points on the points test;
- Receive an invitation to apply; and
- Satisfy health and character requirements.
Skills Assessment Requirement
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can receive an invitation to apply.
The assessment confirms that your:
meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
Your skills assessment must be completed by the relevant authorised assessing authority and generally remains valid at the time you receive your invitation.
Examples of assessing authorities include:
- Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Trades Recognition Australia (TRA)
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
A positive skills assessment does not guarantee an invitation or visa approval.
English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate at least Competent English unless exempt.
Examples of Competent English include:
IELTS
Minimum score of 6.0 in each component.
PTE Academic
Minimum score of 50 in each component.
Higher English scores can significantly improve your points score:
Strong English results often improve your competitiveness during invitation rounds.
Points Test Requirement
You must score at least 65 points to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa.
Points can be awarded for:
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Specialist educational qualifications
- Credentialled community language qualifications
Important:
Meeting the minimum threshold of 65 points only makes you eligible to receive an invitation. Many occupations require significantly higher points scores due to high demand and limited invitation places.
Benefits of the 189 Visa
Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in Australia
Unlike many other skilled visas, the Subclass 189 visa does not require you to:
- Work for a specific employer;
- Live in a particular state; or
- Remain in a designated regional area.
You have the flexibility to settle and work anywhere in Australia.
Include Eligible Family Members
You can include eligible family members in your application, including:
- Your spouse or de facto partner;
- Certain dependent relatives in limited circumstances.
Family members included in your application generally receive the same permanent residence benefits.
Access to Medicare
Successful applicants and eligible family members can enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The Subclass 189 visa provides a pathway to Australian citizenship if you satisfy the relevant residence and eligibility requirements.
Visa Application Charges
Current government Visa Application Charges are:
Government charges are subject to periodic indexation and should be confirmed before lodging your application.
Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on:
- Completeness of documentation;
- Health and character checks;
The Department of Home Affairs currently advises applicants to use its Visa Processing Time Guide for an indication of the processing times for recently decided applications. Recently published data indicates that many Subclass 189 applications are being processed within approximately 6 to 12 months from the date of a complete application, although some applications may take longer.
Application Process for the Subclass 189 Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Determine whether you:
- Have an eligible occupation;
- Meet the age requirement;
- Can achieve a competitive points score; and
- Meet English language requirements.
Step 2: Obtain a Skills Assessment
Arrange a skills assessment through the relevant authorised assessing authority.
Step 3: Complete an English Test
Take an approved English language test if required.
Step 4: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
The EOI is not a visa application. It allows the Australian Government to assess your eligibility and ranking.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply
Invitations are generally issued to the highest-ranking candidates, based on government planning levels and invitation rounds.
Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application
If invited, you generally have 60 days to lodge your visa application and provide supporting evidence.
Subclass 189 vs Subclass 190
After Your Visa is Granted
Once granted, you can:
- Move to Australia permanently;
- Work and study anywhere in Australia;
- Sponsor eligible relatives;
- Travel internationally during the visa travel facility period; and
- Build a pathway towards Australian citizenship.
How Can CJMigration Assist?
Australia’s skilled migration program is highly competitive, and even minor errors can significantly affect your chances of receiving an invitation or visa approval.
CJMigration can assist by:
- Assessing your eligibility and migration options
- Calculating and maximising your points score
- Advising on the most appropriate occupation and visa pathway
- Assisting with skills assessment requirements
- Reviewing employment and qualification evidence
- Preparing and lodging your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Preparing and lodging your visa application
- Assisting with health, character, and documentary requirements
- Providing ongoing support and strategic advice throughout the process
Our team understands that every migration journey is unique. We work closely with our clients to develop practical, tailored strategies designed to maximise their prospects of achieving permanent residence in Australia.
Need Professional Assistance?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) offers exceptional opportunities for skilled individuals and families seeking permanent residence in Australia. However, navigating the eligibility requirements, points system, and documentation requirements can be complex.
Obtaining professional migration advice early can help you understand your options, avoid costly mistakes, and improve your prospects of successfully achieving your Australian migration goals.
| English Level | Points |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Applicant | Government Fee (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | From AUD $4,910 |
| Additional Applicant (18 years and over) | Additional charges apply |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18 years) | Additional charges apply |
| Additional Charges for Applicants with Less than Functional English | May apply |
| Feature | Subclass189 | Subclass 190 |
| Permanent Residence | Yes | Yes |
| State Nomination Required | No | Yes |
| Additional Nomination Points | No | 5 Points |
| Work Anywhere in Australia | Yes | Expected to live and work in the nominating state initially |
| Employer Sponsorship Required | No | No |