Are you a qualified professional who hopes to work and reside permanently in Australia? Then the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) may be your cup of tea. This points-tested permanent residency visa enables invited skilled workers and selected New Zealanders to reside and work in Australia anywhere. In this in-depth guide, we will demystify everything you should know about the Skilled Independent Visa—from qualification to the advantages, the step-by-step procedure, and expert advice for a successful application.

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for independent skilled workers who are not being sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government agency, or a family sponsor. It is run by the Australian Government’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is on a points-tested basis that assesses applicants according to several factors including age, education, skills, English language proficiency, and work experience.

What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

Features of the 189 Visa

• Permanent residency status

• No sponsorship needed

• Live and work anywhere in Australia

• Pathway to citizenship

• Include eligible family members in your application

Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Independent Visa

To be eligible for a 189 visa, you need to:

1. Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

2. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select

3. Be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs

4. Score at least 65 points on the points test

5. Be under 45 years of age when invited

6. Have competent English language proficiency

7. Complete a skills assessment for your nominated occupation

8. Satisfy health and character requirements

Points Test Breakdown

The 189 visa is competitive, and the more points you get, the better chance you have of being successful. Here’s how the points are usually distributed:

Criteria Maximum Points

Age- Up to 30 points

English Language Ability- Up to 20 points

Skilled Employment- Up to 20 points

Educational Qualifications- Up to 20 points

Australian Study Requirement- 5 points

Specialist Education- 10 points

Partner Skills- Up to 10 points

Professional Year in Australia- 5 points

Community Language Skills- 5 points

Note: Try to score more than 65 points for better possibilities of receiving an invitation.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Subclass 189 Visa

1. Check Your Occupation

Make sure your occupation appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

2. Get a Skills Assessment

Apply for a positive skills assessment by the concerned assessing authority for the occupation.

3. English Test

Get an IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, or other accepted English test to demonstrate language proficiency.

4. Expression of Interest (EOI)

Login to the Skill Select portal and lodge your EOI with all the required details.

5. Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is shortlisted, you will be issued with an Invitation to Apply for the visa.

6. Apply for the Visa

Submit your visa application online within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

7. Health and Character Checks

Get medical checks done and submit police clearance certificates.

8. Visa Grant

You will be given a permanent visa to live, work, and study in Australia once approved.

Documents Required for 189 Visa Application

• Passport bio page copy

• English test results

• Skills assessment report

• Educational certificates

• Employment references

• Police clearance certificates

• Health examination results

• Partner and dependent documents (if applicable)

Advantages of the Skilled Independent Visa

1. Permanent Residency

Get full PR rights, such as access to Medicare and education.

2. Freedom to Work

No sponsorship for a job—work in any industry or occupation.

3. Live Anywhere in Australia

Unlike certain regional visas, you can live in any state or territory.

4. Sponsor Family Members

You can sponsor eligible family members for their PR process.

5. Route to Citizenship

Once you have been living in Australia for four years (with one year as a permanent resident), you can submit an application for Australian citizenship.

Popular Questions on Skilled Independent Visa

Q.1 Am I able to add my family on my visa application?

Yes. You are able to add your partner and dependent children to the application.

Q.2 How long will it take?

Processing time varies, but on average it will take 7–12 months from invitation to visa grant.

Q.3 What if I don’t get an invitation?

Your EOI will be valid for 2 years. You can refresh your points to enhance your prospects.

Q.4  Is the 189 visa subject to occupation ceilings?

Yes, certain occupations have a yearly limit, which could affect your invitation timing.

Expert Tips to Increase Your Prospects

1. Maximize Your Points

Do things such as enhancing your English score or obtaining a Professional Year certificate to maximize your points.

2. Submit Early

Act quickly once eligible, since occupation ceilings may close rapidly at peak intake times.

3. Keep Documents Ready

Have documents ready in advance to prevent delays upon receiving the invitation.

4. Use a Registered Migration Agent

A professional can assist with difficult steps, particularly skill assessments and EOI strategy.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways to Australia, especially for qualified professionals with in-demand skills. With no need for sponsorship, freedom to live anywhere, and a clear route to citizenship, it’s a powerful opportunity to start a new chapter in Australia. If you’re ready to make your dream a reality, start with a skills assessment, boost your points, and take that first step toward permanent residency in one of the most vibrant countries in the world.