Why Apply for a 189 Visa?

• Grants permanent residency in Australia.
• No sponsorship needed from employer, state, or family.
• Processing time: 6–12 months on average.
• Access to Medicare and public education.
• Pathway to citizenship in 3–4 years.
• UK qualifications often recognised by assessing bodies.

What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It allows invited skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing employer, state, or family sponsorship. To qualify, applicants must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, pass a skills assessment, meet English language standards, and satisfy health, character, and minimum points test requirements. Once granted, visa holders enjoy full permanent resident rights, including access to healthcare, education, and a pathway to citizenship.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

• Permanent Residency: Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
• Healthcare Access: Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Education & Social Services: Children can access public education, and PR holders are eligible for certain social support benefits.
• Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
• Recognition of UK Qualifications: Many UK degrees and professional qualifications are accepted by Australian assessing authorities, making the skills assessment process smoother.

Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 189 Visa

To qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs:

• Age Limit: You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply.
• Eligible Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) published by the Australian Government.
• English Language Requirement:

- Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each band / PTE 50 in each band.

- Proficient English: IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65 = 10 points.

- Superior English: IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79 = 20 points.

• Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Supporting documents usually include qualifications, transcripts, employment references, and payslips.
• Health Requirement: All applicants must undergo a medical examination and meet Australian health standards.
• Character Requirement: Police clearance certificates are required from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa

• Valid passport and copies of biographical pages
• Proof of identity (birth certificate, proof of name change if applicable)
• Positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• Academic certificates and transcripts (degrees, diplomas, trade qualifications)
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent)
• Employment references, contracts, payslips, or tax records to prove work experience
• Health examination results from approved panel doctors
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you lived for 12 months or more since turning 16
• Partner’s documents if claiming partner points (identity, English test results, skills assessment if required)
• Evidence of relationship (marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship) if including partner or dependents
• Birth certificates of children or dependents included in the application
• Police or military service records, if applicable

Points Test – Detailed Breakdown

Australia’s Subclass 189 visa uses a points-test to rank applicants. To be eligible, you must score at least 65 points on this test. Points are awarded across various factors; higher scores increase chances of being invited.

Factor	Points Available
Age	18–24 years: 25 pts 25–32 years: 30 pts 33–39 years: 25 pts 40–44 years: 15 pts
English Language	Competent: 0 pts Proficient: 10 pts Superior: 20 pts
Skilled Employment Experience (Overseas)	Less than 3 years: 0 pts 3–5 years: 5 pts 5–8 years: 10 pts 8+ years: 15 pts
Skilled Employment Experience (Australia)	Less than 1 year: 0 pts 1–3 years: 5 pts 3–5 years: 10 pts 5–8 years: 15 pts 8+ years: 20 pts
Educational Qualifications	Diploma or trade qualification: 10 pts Bachelor’s/Master’s: 15 pts Doctorate: 20 pts
Other Factors	Credentialled community language: 5 pts Australian study requirement: 5 pts Professional Year in Australia: 5 pts Study in regional Australia: 5 pts Partner skills: up to 10 pts

Tips to Maximise Points for Subclass 189 Visa

• Aim for Proficient or Superior English to gain 10–20 extra points.
• Claim all eligible skilled work experience (both overseas and Australian).
• Add partner skills if your spouse/partner meets age, English, and skills criteria.
• Pursue higher education such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate for additional points.
• Complete a Professional Year Program in Australia to earn extra points.
• Study in regional Australia to secure bonus points.
• Ensure your EOI claims are accurate to avoid rejection or point deductions.

Expression of Interest (EOI) & Invitation Process

Step 1: Understand SkillSelect

SkillSelect is the Australian Government’s online system for managing skilled visa applications. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through this platform to be considered for a Subclass 189 visa.

Step 2: Lodge Your EOI

Complete your EOI online by providing details of your skills, qualifications, English test scores, and work experience. You do not submit documents at this stage, but all claims must be accurate.

Step 3: Ranking and Invitation Rounds

EOIs are ranked based on your total points score. Invitations are issued in periodic rounds, taking into account your occupation, quota availability, and demand. Higher scores and in-demand occupations have better chances of selection.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation

If selected, you will receive an official invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa. Invitations are typically valid for 60 days, during which you must lodge your visa application with supporting documents.

Application Process for Subclass 189 Visa

Step 1: Skills Assessment

Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This is mandatory before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Complete and submit your EOI through SkillSelect. Provide accurate details about your age, qualifications, work experience, and English test scores.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation

If your profile meets the required points and falls within the occupational quotas, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Invitations are valid for 60 days.

Step 4: Lodge Visa Application

Submit your visa application online with supporting documents such as identity proof, skills assessment, English test results, education certificates, and work references.

Step 5: Health & Character Checks

Complete mandatory health examinations and provide police clearance certificates for every country where you have lived for 12 months or more.

Step 6: Visa Decision & Grant

The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and issue a decision. Typical processing time is 6–12 months, depending on case complexity and demand.

Australia Skilled Dependant Visa Processing Costs

Cost Type	Amount (AUD)
Visa Application Charge (Primary Applicant)	4,640
Additional Applicant (18+ years)	2,320
Additional Applicant (Under 18 years)	1,160
Second Instalment (if required)	4,885
Health / Medical Examinations	300 – 450 (approx.)
English Test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)	300 – 450 (approx.)
Skills Assessment	500 – 1,200 (approx.)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Processing Time

The processing time for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) generally ranges between 6 to 12 months, depending on individual circumstances. The exact duration may vary based on factors such as the completeness of the application, the applicant’s occupation, demand levels, and the time taken to complete health and character checks. Applications with all documents correctly submitted are usually processed faster, while delays may occur if further information or verifications are required.

Common Issues in Subclass 189 Applications and How to Avoid Them

• Weakness in Skills Assessment
  Applications may be refused if qualifications or work experience do not meet the standards of the assessing authority. Make sure your qualifications are recognised and your work experience closely matches the requirements of your nominated occupation.

• Missing or Improper Documents
  Incomplete or inconsistent documentation can lead to delays or refusals. Provide all required identity documents, transcripts, references, and ensure translations are accurate and certified.

• English Score Deficiencies
  Failing to achieve the required English level reduces your points or makes you ineligible. Choose an accepted test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), prepare well, and aim for higher than the minimum score to boost your application.

• EOI / Invitation Delays or Rejection Risks
  EOIs are ranked by points, occupation quotas, and demand. Lower scores or occupations not in demand can cause delays. Maximise your points and keep track of occupation list updates to improve your chances.

• Recent Policy Updates & Occupation List Changes
  Visa rules, occupation lists, and eligibility criteria change frequently. Always review the latest updates before applying to ensure your occupation is still listed and your application meets current requirements.

Subclass 189 vs Other Skilled Visas

Feature	Subclass 189 Skilled Independent	Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated	Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)	Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (Employer-Sponsored)*	Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
Sponsorship/Nomination	None	State/Territory nomination required	State/Territory nomination or eligible relative in regional area	Employer sponsorship required	Employer nomination required
Points Test	Yes (EOI via SkillSelect)	Yes (EOI + state nomination)	Yes (EOI + nomination/sponsorship)	No (skills/occupation & employer criteria)	No (meets employer nomination stream criteria)
Visa Type	Permanent residency (PR)	Permanent residency (PR)	Provisional (temporary)—typically up to 5 years	Temporary work visa	Permanent residency (PR)
Where you can live/work	Anywhere in Australia	Must commit to nominating state’s conditions	Designated regional Australia (conditioned)	For the sponsoring employer/role	Anywhere in Australia (post-grant)
Occupation list	Relevant skilled list + positive skills assessment	Relevant skilled list + state list criteria	Relevant skilled list for regional pathways	On eligible occupation list per stream	Eligible occupation & stream (DE/TRT/LA)
How selections/invitations work	Invited via SkillSelect based on points	Invited via SkillSelect; nomination gives extra points	Invited via SkillSelect with regional nomination/sponsor	Employer lodges nomination; applicant applies	Employer nominates; applicant applies
Typical pathway	Direct PR	Direct PR (plus state nomination obligations)	PR later via Subclass 191 (after meeting income/time/conditions)	May transition to PR (e.g., ENS 186) depending on stream/policy	Direct PR via ENS (Direct Entry/Transition/Labour Agreement)
Best for	High-scoring applicants wanting max flexibility	Those aligned to a state’s target skills & willing to settle there	Applicants open to regional living with a PR pathway	Candidates with a job offer from an approved sponsor	Workers with an employer ready to nominate for PR

Subclass 189 Visa – Latest Updates & Policy Changes

• Skilled Occupation List

The Subclass 189 continues to use the points-tested skilled occupation list under ANZSCO 2013. Employer-sponsored visas have shifted to ANZSCO 2022, but no such change applies to the 189 yet.

• Invitation Rounds

Invitations are issued periodically through SkillSelect. The most recent update was on 3 September 2025, confirming current round results and tie-break dates.

• Points Test

The minimum pass mark remains 65 points. Points are still awarded for age, English, education, and skilled work experience. A government review of the points test is underway, but no legislative changes have been introduced.

• Age Limit

Applicants must still be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. No changes have been announced.

• English Language Requirement

The required minimum remains Competent English. However, new test score equivalency tables came into effect on 7 August 2025. Tests taken before this date remain valid until 6 August 2028.

• Processing Times

Global processing times are updated monthly by the Department of Home Affairs. For Subclass 189, the current average remains around 6 to 12 months, depending on application complexity. The latest update was published on 22 August 2025.

• Program Planning Levels

The Government confirmed the 2025–26 Migration Program at 185,000 places, with the Skilled Stream continuing to take the largest share. This indirectly affects invitation numbers for 189 applicants.

• Stream Closure (Historical)

The Subclass 189 New Zealand stream permanently closed on 1 July 2023. This continues to apply.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Trusted by thousands of people, Y-Axis is one of the leading visa and immigration consultancy in the UK. Our team of visa and immigration experts will provide end-to-end guidance to assure you of an easy and successful visa application.

We are dedicated to guiding you with the following:

• Advise you on how to do the step-by-step filling of documents.
• Advise you on the financial documents that are to be submitted.
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• Reviewing your documents before submission
• Get yourself evaluated instantly for FREE with the Y-Axis Australia immigration points calculator.