The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have the skills Australia needs. Depending on the relevant stream and eligibility requirements, it is available to invited skilled workers and certain eligible New Zealand citizens, Hong Kong passport holders and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
The Subclass 189 visa allows eligible visa holders to live, work and study permanently in Australia. As an independent skilled migration visa, the points-tested stream does not require sponsorship or nomination from an Australian employer, state or territory government, providing greater flexibility to live and work across Australia.
This visa comes in three different streams:
1. Point-tested Stream
2. New-Zealand Stream
3. Hong Kong Stream
It is a point based General Skilled Migration Visa. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream is designed for eligible skilled workers who want to obtain permanent residency in Australia without requiring sponsorship from an employer, family member, or Australian state or territory government.
To be considered for a Subclass 189 visa, eligible applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. Applicants are assessed under Australia's skilled migration points system based on factors such as age, English language ability, qualifications and skilled employment experience.
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows successful applicants to live, work and study permanently anywhere in Australia. It provides skilled professionals and tradespeople with an independent pathway to Australian permanent residency while contributing their skills and experience to Australia's workforce.
To apply this visa:
Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream .
At the time you are invited to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated skilled occupation from the relevant Australian skills assessing authority.
At the time you are invited to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must have a valid and suitable skills assessment for the same skilled occupation you have nominated , issued by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority.
For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), a skills assessment is generally valid for the period specified by the relevant assessing authority. If no validity period is stated on the assessment, it is generally considered valid for a maximum of 3 years from the date of assessment for visa purposes.
To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , the primary applicant must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive a written invitation to apply for the visa.
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , you must achieve at least 65 points in the skilled migration points test. However, meeting 65 points does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply.
Not sure how many points you have? Contact our Registered Migration Agents for a free skilled migration points assessment and find out your potential points score for the Subclass 189 visa.
For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , the primary applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time they receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , the primary applicant must have at least Competent English at the time they receive an invitation to apply.
To demonstrate Competent English for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , the required English language test must generally have been undertaken within the 3 years immediately before the date of invitation to apply for the visa.
Applicants for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) must meet the Australian Government's health and character requirements as part of the visa application process.
For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points-Tested Stream , your assessed points score must be at least equal to the points score stated in your invitation to apply . You must be able to provide evidence to support the points claimed in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Step 1 –
Check if your occupation is in MLTSSL List and you
have accrued minimum 65 points, you can contact us
for a preliminary assessment.
Step 2 –
The main applicant must possess a valid skill assessment,
an acceptable English score, and meet the age, health,
and character criteria.
Step 3 –
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) for the
Subclass 189 visa.
Step 4 –
Await the invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
following the submission of your Expression of Interest
(EOI) for the Subclass 189 visa.
Step 5 –
Collect all your documents and check details in invited EOI.
Step 6 –
Apply for the visa
within 60 days of your invitation.
Step 7 –
Ensure that you submit a decision-ready application
to the department.
The visa remains valid for five years from the date of grant, enabling holders to travel to and from Australia during this time. Once this period ends, individuals who are not yet Australian citizens must apply for a Resident Return visa to continue traveling to Australia.
Base application charges - $6,135.00
Secondary applicant over 18 - $3,070.00
Additional applicant under 18 - $1,540.00
For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), an additional second instalment visa application charge may apply if an eligible adult family member included in the application cannot demonstrate Functional English. This additional charge is generally requested by the Department of Home Affairs before the visa is granted.
Base application charges - $850 & 3390
Secondary applicant over 18 - $425 & 1695
Additional applicant under 18 - $210 & 850
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) processing time can vary depending on your individual circumstances, application completeness, health and character checks, processing priorities and the number of places available in Australia's Migration Program.
For the most up-to-date Subclass 189 visa processing times , check the official Department of Home Affairs Global Visa Processing Times Guide . Published processing times are a guide only and do not guarantee when an individual visa application will be finalised.
Did you know that English proficiency is crucial for the Subclass 189 visa? To lodge your application, you'll need at least competent English. However, having proficient English earns you an extra 10 points, while superior English gets you an extra 20 points for the Subclass 189 visa. The higher your points, the sooner you'll receive an invitation from the department. So, aim for higher proficiency to boost your chances!
Competent English - Scoring at least 6 on each of the four components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or equivalent scores in other recognized English proficiency tests such as PTE.
Proficient English - Scoring at least 7 on each of the four components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or equivalent scores in other recognized English proficiency tests such as PTE.
Superior English - Scoring at least 8 on each of the four components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or equivalent scores in other recognized English proficiency tests such as PTE.
Full work rights, you can live anywhere you want in Australia
Full study rights
Unlimited travel rights for the main applicant and the
member of family units for five years
Apply for Australian Citizenship after 1 year subject
to meeting other criteria
Access to Medicare
To be granted a Subclass 189 visa, the applicant (whether a primary applicant or secondary applicant) may be in or outside of Australia but not in immigration clearance. Applicants do not need to be in the same location as when the application was made as at time of decision. Nor do all members of the family unit need to be in the same location.
As a holder of this visa, you and your family members must adhere with the Australian Law and the Visa condition.
8504 -
The applicant is outside Australia when the visa is granted,
first entry must be made before the date specified by the Minister.
8515 -
Must not marry or enter into de facto relationship before
entering in Australia.
At
AEC GLOBAL
,
we specialize in assisting with the Subclass 189 visa.
Our registered Migration Agent, Pankaj Sharma
(MARN #2318344), is a GSM expert dedicated to delivering
top-notch service and reliable guidance.
From helping you obtain your skill assessment to lodging
your Subclass 189 visa application, we're here to support
you every step of the way.
Don't hesitate to reach out and discuss your case with us today.