Points-Tested Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Overview
The Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state or territory government.
This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
It is a points-tested visa and selection is highly competitive.
Key Features
Permanent residency from the date of grant
No employer, state, or family sponsorship required
Live and work anywhere in Australia
Access to Medicare
Include eligible family members
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Five-year travel facility
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs
Score at least 65 points on the points test
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Meet English language requirements
Meet health and character requirements
Meeting the minimum points does not guarantee an invitation.
How the Process Works
Choose a skilled occupation from the MLTSSL
Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
Receive an invitation to apply if selected
Lodge the visa application within 60 days
Wait for a decision from the Department
Points Test Factors
Points are assessed based on:
Age
English language ability
Skilled employment experience
Educational qualifications
Australian study requirement
Specialist education qualification
Partner skills or single applicant points
Your total points ranking determines whether you receive an invitation.
Location Requirements
You can be inside or outside Australia when you submit:
your Expression of Interest
your visa application
when a decision is made
If applying from inside Australia, you must hold a valid substantive visa or a bridging visa.
What You Can Do With a 189 Visa
Live in Australia permanently
Work in any occupation for any employer
Study without restrictions
Enrol in Medicare
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years
Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Visa Cost
From AUD 4,640 for the primary applicant
Additional charges apply for family members.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on:
occupation demand
points score
completeness of documents
background checks
Invitation rounds are limited and competitive.
Important Notes
Submitting an EOI is not a visa application
An EOI does not guarantee an invitation
Incorrect or overstated points can lead to refusal
Visa requirements change regularly under Australian migration law
How Visa Aid Can Help
Visa Aid assists with:
occupation selection
skills assessment strategy
points calculation
EOI preparation
visa application lodgement
compliance with migration regulations
Professional advice significantly improves accuracy and reduces refusal risk.
