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.
To qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs:
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 |
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
Invitations are issued periodically through SkillSelect. The most recent update was on 3 September 2025, confirming current round results and tie-break dates.
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.
Applicants must still be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. No changes have been announced.
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.
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.
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.
The Subclass 189 New Zealand stream permanently closed on 1 July 2023. This continues to apply.
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The requirements for the subclass 189 visa are given below:
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, applicants must achieve at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, qualifications, and other criteria like Australian study or partner skills. While 65 points is the minimum threshold, higher scores are often required in practice due to competition and limited invitation rounds. Occupations in high demand may receive invitations at lower scores, whereas more competitive fields may need significantly higher points. Achieving a strong points score increases the chances of receiving an invitation under SkillSelect.
Detailed information about the cost for applying for a subclass 189 visa is given below:
| Applicant Type | Visa Application Charge (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | 4,640 |
| Additional Applicant (18 years and over) | 2,320 |
| Additional Applicant (under 18 years) | 1,160 |
| Second Instalment Charge | 4,885 |
| Other Costs | Varies |
The occupations that are eligible for the subclass 189 visa are given below:
Each nominated occupation must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying.
The benefits of obtaining a subclass 189 visa are given below:
The Subclass 189 Visa is generally processed in approximately 8 months, as of mid-2025, according to the Department of Home Affairs. Actual processing times can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness and accuracy of the application, how quickly applicants provide required documents, and the outcomes of health and character checks. Occupations in higher demand may benefit from faster invitations and shorter processing periods, while applications requiring further verification can take longer. To minimise delays, applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all supporting documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted promptly.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of Australia’s most sought-after permanent residency visas. It is designed for skilled professionals who have the qualifications and work experience needed in Australia but do not have an employer sponsor, state nomination, or family sponsorship. With this visa, you and your family can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently. It also gives access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, and allows children to benefit from subsidized education. Over time, this visa can also lead to Australian citizenship, provided you meet residency and other eligibility requirements.
To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government. You need to be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply and your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority is mandatory, proving your education and work experience align with Australian standards. In addition, you must demonstrate at least competent English proficiency, meet the health and character requirements, and achieve the required points in the immigration points test.
The minimum points requirement for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is 65 points. Points are awarded based on a variety of factors including age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience (both in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, and other aspects such as partner skills or Australian study. However, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an invitation to apply. In reality, the competition is high, and candidates with higher scores—generally 80 points or more—are more likely to be invited. Enhancing your English test results, gaining additional work experience, or including a skilled partner can improve your score.
Applying for the Subclass 189 visa is a structured process. Here are the key steps:
Step 1: Check if your nominated occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Step 2: Complete a skills assessment with the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Step 3: Take an approved English test such as IELTS or PTE and meet the required scores.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the online system used by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 5: If your profile ranks competitively, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 6: Lodge your visa application online within the given timeframe, attaching all required documents.
Step 7: Complete your health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Wait for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs on your visa outcome.
When applying for the Subclass 189 visa, you must submit the following documents:
The processing time for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) generally ranges between 6 to 12 months. However, this timeframe may vary depending on several factors, such as the number of applications lodged, the completeness of your documentation, and whether your occupation is in high demand. Applications with accurate and complete information are typically processed more quickly, while missing or unclear details may cause delays. Additionally, delays can occur if the Department of Home Affairs requests additional documents or further verification. To avoid setbacks, applicants should prepare thoroughly and submit all required documents promptly.
