Complete Guide to Applying for Skilled Independent Visa
Australia is a land of immense opportunities, especially for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency. One of the most sought-after visa pathways for skilled workers is the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189. This visa is ideal for individuals who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory government, or family member. It allows them to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
If you’re a skilled worker and want to build a future in Australia, this guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and everything else you need to know about the 189 Visa.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It’s designed for skilled individuals who have the qualifications and experience to contribute to the Australian economy.
There are three streams under this visa category:
- Points-Tested Stream (main stream for skilled workers)
- New Zealand Stream (for eligible New Zealand citizens)
- Hong Kong Stream (for eligible residents of Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders)
For most applicants, especially international graduates and skilled professionals, the Points-Tested Stream is the most relevant. This stream requires you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).
Key Benefits of Visa Subclass 189
With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
- Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years from the date of grant
189 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement
You must be between 18 and 44 years of age at the time you are invited to apply.
2. Occupation on MLTSSL
Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list contains occupations in high demand across Australia.
3. Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from a relevant assessing authority. This verifies that you have the skills and qualifications required.
4. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English at the time of application. This typically means a minimum score of:
- IELTS: 6 in each band
- PTE Academic: 50 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 12 listening, 13 reading, 21 writing, 18 speaking
- OET: B in each part
5. Points Test
You need to score at least 65 points on the GSM points test. Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other factors.
6. Health and Character
You and your family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
7. Invitation to Apply
You must submit an EOI via SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply before you can lodge your visa application.
Understanding the Points Test
Here’s how you can score points:
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years) | 30 |
| Competent English (IELTS 6) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8) | 20 |
| Work experience (Australia) | Up to 20 |
| Work experience (Overseas) | Up to 15 |
| Education (PhD, Masters, etc.) | Up to 20 |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 |
| Regional Study | 5 |
| Professional Year Program | 5 |
| Partner Skills | Up to 10 |
| Community language | 5 |
A combination of these factors must bring your total to at least 65 points, but higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation faster.
Step-by-step 189 Visa Application Process
Here’s how to apply for your Skilled Independent Visa:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all the basic requirements, including age, English, skills assessment, and points.
Step 2: Get Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment through the relevant authority for your occupation. This must be done before submitting your EOI.
Step 3: Take an English Test
Even if you speak English fluently, you need to take an approved test unless you hold a passport from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland.
Step 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI through SkillSelect, indicating your desire to apply for a Subclass 189 visa. You will need to include your occupation, qualifications, and other information.
Step 5: Wait for the Invitation
If you have a competitive points score and your occupation is in demand, the DoHA may invite you to apply. Invitation rounds are usually held monthly.
Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application
Once invited, you have 60 days to apply online. Submit all supporting documents, including:
- Identity documents
- Skills assessment result
- English test result
- EOI reference
- Work experience and qualification proofs
- Police clearance and health checks
Step 7: Pay Visa Application Fee
The visa fee is $4,045 for the primary applicant (as of April 2025). Additional fees apply for dependents.
Step 8: Wait for Visa Outcome
Your visa application will be assessed after submission. If approved, you’ll receive your visa grant letter with the visa conditions, number, and commencement date.
189 Visa Processing Times
Processing times can vary based on the stream and your circumstances:
Points-Tested Stream:
- 25% of applications: 4 months
- 50%: 4 months
- 75%: 5 months
- 90%: 6 months
New Zealand Stream:
- 25%: 10 months
- 50%: 16 months
- 75%: 21 months
- 90%: 25 months
Hong Kong Stream:
- Case-by-case basis
Including Family Members
You can include the following family members in your application:
- Your partner or spouse
- Your or your partner’s dependent children
- Other dependent relatives in certain circumstances
All family members must meet health and character requirements and abide by Australian laws during their stay.
Key Differences Between Subclass 189 and Subclass 190
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Skilled Independent | State Nominated |
| Sponsorship | Not required | Required from a state/territory |
| Residency Location | Anywhere in Australia | Must have lived in the nominating state for 2 years |
| Points Requirement | Minimum 65 | Minimum 65 + nomination points |
Subclass 190 may be easier to receive for certain occupations due to state nomination, but subclass 189 offers more freedom to live and work anywhere in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How often are 189 Visa invitations issued?
Invitations are generally issued monthly, based on your EOI score and occupation demand.
Q2: What if my points are less than 65?
You cannot apply until you meet the minimum threshold of 65 points.
Q3: Can I update my EOI after submitting it?
Yes, you can update your EOI to reflect improved scores, like better English or additional work experience.
Q4: What if I don’t get an invitation?
If your points are low or your occupation is not in high demand, consider alternative pathways like Subclass 190 or Subclass 491.
Final Thoughts
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a golden opportunity for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia permanently without state or employer sponsorship. Although the process is competitive, with a solid EOI, high points score, and careful planning, your chances of success are strong.
To enhance your application’s success, consider seeking advice from a Registered Migration Agent in Perth. A professional can guide you through the technicalities, ensure compliance, and help you avoid costly errors.