The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is Australia’s most sought-after permanent residence pathway. It’s a points-tested, employer-independent visa — meaning you don’t need a job offer, state nomination, or family sponsorship. If you have the right occupation, skills, and enough points, you can apply directly and receive permanent residency from day one. It grants full work rights anywhere in Australia, access to Medicare, and a path to Australian citizenship.
Not sure if the 189 visa is right for you? Take our 2-minute Australia Visa Match quiz to see all Australian immigration routes you qualify for.
Overview
The 189 visa sits at the top of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It’s invitation-based — you first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and if your points are high enough, you receive an invitation to apply. Competition is fierce, particularly for popular occupations, and the points threshold has risen significantly in recent years.
Key advantages: permanent residency from day one, no geographic restrictions (you can live and work anywhere in Australia), and no obligation to any employer or state. It’s the gold standard of Australian skilled migration.
Eligibility Requirements
- Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list: Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Common qualifying occupations include software engineers, accountants, nurses, civil engineers, teachers, and many healthcare professionals.
- Skills assessment: You must have your qualifications assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, ANMAC for nurses.
- Points score: You need a minimum of 65 points, but in practice, competitive scores are typically 80-95+ depending on occupation. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors.
- Age: Under 45 at the time of invitation.
- English language: At least “competent” English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Higher scores earn more points.
- Health and character requirements: Must pass medical examinations and police clearance checks.
Points System Breakdown
- Age: 25-32 years = 30 points (maximum); 33-39 years = 25 points; 40-44 years = 15 points; 18-24 years = 25 points
- English: Superior (IELTS 8+) = 20 points; Proficient (IELTS 7+) = 10 points; Competent (IELTS 6+) = 0 points
- Overseas work experience (in nominated occupation): 8+ years = 15 points; 5-7 years = 10 points; 3-4 years = 5 points
- Australian work experience: 8+ years = 20 points; 5-7 years = 15 points; 3-4 years = 10 points; 1-2 years = 5 points
- Education: PhD = 20 points; Bachelor’s/Master’s = 15 points; Diploma/trade = 10 points
- Australian study requirement (2+ years of study in Australia): 5 points
- Specialist education (STEM PhD in Australia): 10 points
- Credentialed community language: 5 points
- Regional study: 5 points
- Partner skills: 5-10 points (if partner also has a qualifying occupation and skills assessment)
- Single applicant (no partner): 10 points
Application Process
- Check your occupation is on the MLTSSL and identify the relevant assessing authority.
- Complete your skills assessment. This typically takes 4-12 weeks and costs $300-$1,000 depending on the authority.
- Take an English language test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge). Aim for the highest score possible — every extra point matters.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Enter your details accurately — your points are calculated automatically.
- Wait for an invitation. Invitation rounds occur regularly (typically monthly). Highest-scoring candidates are invited first.
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving your invitation. Submit all supporting documents.
- Complete health and police checks.
- Wait for visa grant. Processing: 6-12 months typically.
Costs and Fees
- Skills assessment: AUD $300-$1,200 depending on the assessing authority
- English test: AUD $300-$400
- Visa application (main applicant): AUD $4,640
- Additional applicant (18+): AUD $2,320 each
- Additional applicant (under 18): AUD $1,170 each
- Health examinations: AUD $300-$500 per person
- Police clearances: AUD $50-$200 per country
Total cost for a single applicant: approximately AUD $5,500-$7,000.
Timeline
- Skills assessment: 4-12 weeks
- EOI submission to invitation: Varies widely — weeks to months depending on your score and occupation
- Visa processing after lodgment: 6-12 months
- Total end-to-end: 8-18 months in most cases
Tips to Maximize Your Points
- Maximize your English score. The difference between Competent (0 points) and Superior (20 points) can make or break your application. Invest in test preparation.
- Claim all eligible work experience. Ensure your employers provide detailed reference letters matching the ANZSCO description for your occupation.
- Consider a Professional Year program (if you studied in Australia) for an additional 5 points.
- Partner skills matter. If your partner has a qualifying occupation and skills assessment, you earn 5-10 extra points. If you’re single, you get 10 points automatically.
- Time your application. Points for age decrease after 32. If you’re close to a birthday that drops your age points, submit your EOI before that date.