Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream allows invited skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without employer, state or family sponsorship.
Subclass 189 is an invitation-only permanent visa. You must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements or points threshold does not guarantee an invitation.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa?
The subclass 189 points-tested stream is designed for skilled professionals whose nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list. It provides permanent residence without requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory, sponsorship by an employer, or sponsorship by an eligible family member.
Successful applicants can live, work and study throughout Australia, enrol in Medicare subject to eligibility, include eligible family members, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence and pursue Australian citizenship if they later meet the applicable requirements.
Key eligibility requirements
How the Subclass 189 process works
Confirm your occupation and eligibility
Check that your nominated occupation is eligible for the subclass 189 points-tested stream and identify the correct assessing authority.
Obtain your skills and English evidence
Complete a suitable skills assessment and meet the applicable English requirement. Higher English results may contribute additional points.
Calculate your points
Review points for age, English, skilled employment, qualifications and other recognised factors. You need at least 65 points to be eligible, although invitation scores can be higher.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Create an EOI in SkillSelect with accurate details and select the subclass 189 pathway. Your profile will be ranked against other eligible candidates.
Apply after invitation
If invited, lodge a complete visa application within the invitation period and provide evidence supporting every claim made in your EOI.
Subclass 189 points test
The points test considers factors including age, English language ability, overseas and Australian skilled employment, educational qualifications, Australian study, specialist education, accredited community language, regional study, partner qualifications and an eligible Professional Year. Your SkillSelect EOI provides an indicative score based on your claims.
A score of 65 is the minimum eligibility threshold, not a guaranteed invitation score. Invitations depend on your ranking, occupation, tie-break settings, invitation round outcomes and available migration program places. If invited, you must demonstrate at least the points score stated in the invitation.
Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa
- Live, work and study permanently anywhere in Australia.
- No employer, state, territory or family sponsorship required.
- Include eligible members of your family unit in the application.
- Access Medicare, subject to enrolment and eligibility rules.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from visa grant.
- Apply for Australian citizenship later if eligible.
Documents commonly required
A complete application may require identity and civil documents, a suitable skills assessment, English test evidence, qualifications, detailed employment evidence, police certificates, health examinations and documents supporting partner or dependent family claims. The evidence must substantiate the information and points claimed in your EOI at the relevant time.
How Echoes Global Education can assist
Our migration team can assess your profile, review your occupation and points, guide skills assessment preparation, check your Expression of Interest and assist with the subclass 189 visa application after invitation. Every matter is assessed individually against the migration requirements in effect at the relevant time.