The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is Australia’s most sought-after permanent residency pathway. It requires no employer sponsorship, no state nomination, and…
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is Australia’s most sought-after permanent residency pathway. It requires no employer sponsorship, no state nomination, and no family ties — just your skills and a competitive points score.
The Subclass 189 is a points-tested, permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory. It allows you and your family to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
Bring your spouse and dependent children
Access to public school education for children
Full access to Australia’s public healthcare system
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but the actual invitation cutoff is typically 80–90+ points. Here’s how points are calculated:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age 18–24 years | 25 |
| Age 25–32 years | 30 |
| Age 33–39 years | 25 |
| Age 40–44 years | 15 |
| Competent English (IELTS 6+) | 0 |
| Proficient English (IELTS 7+) | 10 |
| Superior English (IELTS 8+) | 20 |
| Australian study (2+ years) | 5 |
| Specialist education qualification | 10–20 |
| Skilled employment overseas (3–5 yrs) | 5–10 |
| Skilled employment in Australia (1–8+ yrs) | 5–20 |
| Partner skills / single status | 5–10 |
| Community language accreditation (NAATI) | 5 |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| State/territory nomination | 5 |
Get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, AHPRA).
Take an approved English test — IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET. Aim for the highest score possible as it directly affects your points score.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia’s SkillSelect system. This is not the visa application — it’s your profile in the invitation pool.
If your score is competitive, the Department of Home Affairs issues an ITA during a monthly invitation round. You have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
Submit the complete visa application online via ImmiAccount with all supporting documents within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
Complete a medical examination with a panel physician and provide police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months.
Once approved, you’ll receive your visa grant. Most applicants get a 5-year initial entry visa before permanent residency conditions activate.
75% of applications: 9–18 months
90% of applications: 15–26 months
Primary applicant: AUD $4,640
Additional adult: AUD $2,320
Child under 18: AUD $1,160
Typical invitation score: 80–90+ points
Varies by occupation and round
Our registered migration agents have helped thousands of skilled professionals achieve permanent residency in Australia. Get a free assessment today.
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