Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Permanent residency through the points-tested system — no state or employer sponsorship required.
Understanding the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) lets invited skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents without needing nomination or sponsorship. You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelectand be invited to apply.
Eligibility
- Occupation on the MLTSSL
- Positive skills assessment
- Under 45 at invitation
- Competent English or higher (IELTS/PTE)
- Minimum 65 points at invitation
- Meet health & character requirements
Application Proccess
- Confirm occupation eligibility and obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Complete an approved English test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL iBT) if required.
- Calculate your points with the Points Calculator.
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
- Receive an invitation and lodge your visa via ImmiAccount within 60 days.
- Complete health examinations and police checks.
- Decision and PR grant.
Points Explainer
| Category | Example | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25–32 years | 30 |
| English | Superior English | 20 |
| Qualification | Bachelor degree | 15 |
| Overseas Skilled Employment | 8+ years | 15 |
| Australian Skilled Employment | 1–3 years | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Eligible partner | 10 |
| Credentialed Community Language | NAATI | 5 |
| Australian Study Requirement | 2 academic years | 5 |
Minimum 65 points are required at invitation; higher scores improve invitation chances. Use the official Points Calculator
View the official points table → Home Affairs 189 points page.
FAQ Section (Subclass 189)
What is the minimum points score to be invited in 2025?
To lodge a valid Expression of Interest (EOI), you must score at least 65 points.
However, the actual invitation cut-off varies by occupation and program demand.
In recent rounds (August–September 2025), most engineering, ICT and health occupations received invitations from 85 to 95 points. Higher points improve your competitiveness.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes. The 189 visa accepts both onshore and offshore applications.
You can live in or outside Australia at the time of lodgement and decision, as long as you were invited through SkillSelect and lodge within 60 days of receiving your invitation.
Do I need a job offer or employer sponsorship?
No. The 189 visa is a fully independent pathway — you don’t need sponsorship from an employer, a state or a family member.
Your eligibility is based entirely on the points-tested system (age, English, qualifications, experience, etc.).
Can my family members be included in the 189 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse or de-facto partner, and dependent children in your application.
All secondary applicants must meet health and character requirements, and pay the additional visa application charge as published on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How long does the 189 visa take to process?
Processing times depend on case complexity and whether all documents are provided upfront.
As of October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs reports:
50 % of applications: finalised within 5 months
90 % of applications: within 9 months
These timeframes can fluctuate with migration-program priorities.
What happens after my 189 visa is granted?
Once granted, you become an Australian permanent resident immediately.
You can:
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia
Access Medicare
Sponsor eligible relatives for visas
Travel for 5 years on your initial travel facility
After four years’ lawful residence (including one year as a PR), you may apply for Australian citizenship if otherwise eligible.
What if I am over 45 years old?
Unfortunately, you must be under 45 at the time of invitation to qualify for the 189 visa.
If you are 45 or older, alternative options such as Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) or the Global Talent Visa (858) may still be available.
Our migration team can assess your options individually.
Processing Times & Costs
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Charge | A$ 4,640 (main applicant) + dependants |
| Average Processing Time | ~ 5–9 months (2025 data) |
| Visa Validity | Permanent |
| Travel Facility | 5 years (renew or apply for citizenship) |
| Health Exam | Required |
| Biometrics | If requested |
Fees and processing times are subject to change — always check the latest Department of Home Affairs 189 page before lodging.
Invitation Rounds (Updated 2025)
Invitation rounds are issued through SkillSelect approximately every month — depending on occupation demand and cut-off scores.
-
Latest cut-off scores for 189 ranged from 85 – 95 points in the September 2025 round.
-
Priority occupations include health, ICT, engineering, education and construction professions.
Track latest rounds: SkillSelect Invitation Rounds
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or migration advice. Visa eligibility criteria, policy settings and legislation may change without notice. You should not rely solely on this information to make migration decisions.
For personalised advice, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
Our Process
Step 1
Begin with an initial consultation. Share your goals and questions with our team. We’ll discuss the best path forward based on your individual circumstances and needs.
Step 2
Gather the necessary documents. We’ll provide a checklist tailored to your situation, ensuring that you’re fully prepared for the application.
Step 3
Submit your application. We’ll assist you through every step, ensuring that all forms are completed correctly and submitted in a timely manner.
Step 4
Stay informed on your application status. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and be available for any questions you may have.
Key Advantages
Permanent Residency
The 189 Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, allowing you and your family to enjoy stability and build a new life in a vibrant community.
Work Anywhere
With the 189 Visa, you have the freedom to work in any region of Australia, accessing diverse job opportunities that suit your skills and aspirations.
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences from clients who achieved their visa goals.
Common Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Skilled Independent Visa (189) process.
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. It’s designed for professionals who are not sponsored by an employer but possess skills that are in demand.
Eligible applicants include skilled workers whose occupational skills are listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list. This visa is suitable for those under 45 years of age who meet the points test requirements.
The 189 visa offers numerous benefits, including the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, access to Medicare, and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship under certain conditions.
To apply, you need to submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect, receive an invitation to apply, and then complete the application process within the given timeframe. It’s advisable to seek professional guidance during this process.
Essential documents include proof of identity, evidence of your skills and qualifications, English language proficiency test results, work experience documents, and relevant health and character assessments.
Your path to success.
Start your visa journey with expert guidance today.
- Personalized support tailored to your needs.
- Clear information to navigate your visa process.
- Empathetic consulting every step of the way.