SKILLED MIGRATION
Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189
Permanent residence for invited skilled workers who do not require employer, state or territory sponsorship.
VISA TYPE
Permanent residence
NOMINATION
Not required
GOVERNMENT VISA CHARGE
From AUD $6,135*
ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME
7 - 8 months*
*Government charges and processing times are indicative and subject to change. Current at September 2026.
Who is the Skilled Independent 189 visa for?
Skills. Points. Invitation. Permanent residence.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are invited to apply based on their occupation, skills and points score. It does not require nomination by an employer, state or territory government.
Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. The EOI records information including the nominated occupation, skills assessment, English language ability, qualifications and work experience, which contribute to the applicant's points score.
The minimum points threshold is 65 points, but meeting the threshold does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes depend on the applicant's circumstances and the operation of the skilled migration program at the time.
02
Skills assessment
A suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation is required before submitting the EOI
01
Eligible occupation
The applicant must nominate an occupation available for the subclass 189 points-tested pathway.
Key requirements for a Skilled Independent 189 visa
03
Points test
Applicants need at least 65 points, with points available for factors including age, English, qualifications and skilled employment
04
English language
At least competent English is required, while proficient or superior English can contribute additional points.
05
Invitation to apply
An EOI does not itself constitute a visa application. The applicant must receive an invitation before applying for the subclass 189 visa.
06
Age & other requirements
Age requirements apply, together with health, character and other visa criteria.
01
Assess eligibility
Check the occupation, skills assessment pathway, English and potential points score.
How the Skilled Independent 189 process works
02
Obtain skills assessment
Complete the required assessment for the nominated skilled occupation.
03
Submit an EOI
Create and submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect with the relevant points claims.
04
Receive an invitation
If invited, the applicant has 60 days to lodge the visa application.
05
Visa application
Lodge the subclass 189 application and provide evidence supporting the claims made in the EOI.
Things to check before pursuing a subclass 189 visa
Points claimed
Every point claimed in the EOI needs to be supportable. Work experience, English, qualifications and partner points should be checked before relying on the total.
Occupation & skills assessment
The occupation selected needs to reflect the applicant's qualifications and employment history and meet the requirements of the relevant assessing authority.
Invitation prospects
A score of 65 makes an applicant eligible for the points test; it does not mean an invitation will follow
Keeping the EOI current
An EOI remains active for two years and can be updated before invitation if circumstances change—for example, additional work experience, improved English or a new qualification.
Not sure whether the 189-visa pathway is realistic for you?
Skilled migration depends on more than reaching the minimum points threshold. We can assess your occupation, skills assessment pathway and points position, and consider whether subclass 189 or another skilled pathway is more appropriate.