Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
Skilled workers live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without an employer or state sponsorship.
Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without requiring employer or state sponsorship. This points-based visa offers three distinct streams:
- Points Tested Stream: For skilled workers with occupations on Australia's skilled occupation list
- New Zealand Stream: For eligible New Zealand citizens demonstrating commitment to Australia
- Hong Kong Stream: For Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport holders
This visa grants full permanent residency rights, allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect
- ✔ Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- ✔ Score at least 65 points on the points test (higher scores increase invitation chances)
- ✔ Have a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- ✔ Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- ✔ Demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each component)
- ✔ Meet health and character requirements
Why Choose This Path?
- Live and work permanently anywhere in Australia
- No sponsorship or nomination required
- Freedom to change employers and locations
- Include eligible family members in your application
- Spouse/partner and dependent children can accompany you
- Access to Australia's Medicare healthcare system
- Enroll in Australian educational institutions
Your Roadmap to Success
- Check eligibility - confirm occupation on skilled list, calculate points (minimum 65), verify age under 45
- Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
- Complete English language test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) - achieve competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each component)
- Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect (valid 2 years)
- Receive invitation to apply (issued monthly, 60 days to lodge application)
- Lodge visa application within 60 days
- Complete health examinations and provide police certificates from all countries lived 12+ months
- Wait for processing and visa grant notification
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Permanent
Visa Pathways
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Subclass 189 visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for 4 years (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident). Must meet character requirements, pass citizenship test, and demonstrate commitment to Australia. Citizenship grants full voting rights, Australian passport, and lifelong residency with no conditions.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant | AUD 4,910 | Base visa application fee for primary applicant |
| Partner/Spouse (18+ years) | AUD 2,455 | additional applicant fee |
| Dependent Child (under 18) | AUD 1,230 | Per child under 18 years |
Got Questions? We've Got Answers
1. What is the Subclass 189 visa?
The Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
2. How many points do I need for a 189 visa?
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, higher scores (80–90+) are often required in competitive occupations like IT, engineering, and healthcare.
3. How do I apply for a 189 visa?
The application process involves: Skill assessment English test Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect Wait for an invitation Apply within 60 days of the invitation
4. How are invitations issued under the 189 visa?
Invitations are issued through SkillSelect, ranked by points. The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds based on occupation ceilings and current demand. Occupations in high demand may receive more invitations.
5. Can I include my de facto partner or children in the application?
Yes. You can include your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children. They will be granted the same permanent residency rights as you if the visa is approved.
6. What is the occupation ceiling and how does it affect me?
The occupation ceiling limits how many invitations are issued for each occupation annually. If your occupation hits its ceiling early, you may not receive an invitation, even with a high points score.
1. What is the Subclass 189 visa?
The Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer, state, or family. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
2. How many points do I need for a 189 visa?
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, higher scores (80–90+) are often required in competitive occupations like IT, engineering, and healthcare.
3. How do I apply for a 189 visa?
The application process involves: Skill assessment English test Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect Wait for an invitation Apply within 60 days of the invitation
4. How are invitations issued under the 189 visa?
Invitations are issued through SkillSelect, ranked by points. The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds based on occupation ceilings and current demand. Occupations in high demand may receive more invitations.
5. Can I include my de facto partner or children in the application?
Yes. You can include your spouse, de facto partner, and dependent children. They will be granted the same permanent residency rights as you if the visa is approved.
6. What is the occupation ceiling and how does it affect me?
The occupation ceiling limits how many invitations are issued for each occupation annually. If your occupation hits its ceiling early, you may not receive an invitation, even with a high points score.
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