Skilled Independent Visa, Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are invited on the strength of their occupation, points and English, without an employer sponsor or state nomination. Invitations are competitive, so an honest early assessment saves time and money.
The 189 is the most flexible skilled visa because it ties you to no employer, state or territory. It is also the most competitive, since invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants for each occupation. Our job is to give you an honest view of your chances early, and to plan the steps that can lift your score.
- TypePermanent
- SponsorNone needed
- TestPoints, minimum 65
- ProcessExpression of Interest (EOI), then invitation
The 189 streams
The Skilled Independent visa has three streams. Which one applies depends on your citizenship and circumstances, so we confirm it before anything is lodged.
- Points-tested streamFor skilled workers in an eligible occupation who are invited after lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI). You need a positive skills assessment, the English level required and enough points.
- Hong Kong streamFor eligible Hong Kong passport holders, including some former permanent residents of Hong Kong, who meet the specific requirements of this stream. We confirm whether you qualify before you apply.
- New Zealand streamFor eligible New Zealand citizens who have lived and worked in Australia for a period and meet the income and other requirements. It does not use the points test.
Overview
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are invited based on their occupation, points and English.
- It needs no employer sponsor and no state or territory nomination, so you are not tied to any particular employer or location.
- Permanent residence lets you live, work and study in Australia, and later apply for citizenship if you meet the requirements.
- Applicants can generally include eligible family members, who may also receive permanent residence if the application succeeds.
Who this suits
Skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant occupation list and who hold a suitable skills assessment
People with strong points from age, English, education and skilled work experience
Applicants who want permanent residence without committing to a specific state or employer
Onshore and offshore applicants who are under 45 when they are invited
Key facts
- Points-tested, with a minimum of 65 points
- You must be under 45 when invited
- You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation
- It can be lodged onshore or offshore
- A suitable skills assessment and English test are generally needed
Government application fees
Skilled Independent (189), points tested
Main applicant$6,135
Additional applicant 18+$3,070
Additional applicant under 18$1,540
A second instalment may be payable for applicants aged 18 and over who do not have functional English. Check the current amount with Home Affairs.
These are the Department of Home Affairs charges only. They are indexed each 1 July, so confirm the current amount with the Department before you lodge. Other costs may apply, such as health examinations, police certificates, skills assessments and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Our professional fees are separate.
What you need to qualify
- Your nominated occupation must be on the occupation list that applies at the time you are invited, and these lists change.
- You need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation, and its validity period matters.
- You must meet the English language standard, and the score you can claim depends on your test type and results.
- You must meet the points test, and every point you claim must be supported by documents when you apply.
- You and any family members included must meet the health and character requirements.
The 189 process
- 01Eligibility review
- 02Skills assessment and English test
- 03Expression of Interest (EOI)
- 04Invitation
- 05Lodge visa application
- 06Health and character checks
- 07Decision
- 08Permanent residence
Skills assessment
Skills assessment, with our help
A positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation is needed before you can lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Many applicants ask us to help with their skills assessment, because the assessing authority’s rules are strict and a weak application can cost months.
Ask about a skills assessmentAssessing authority fees are set by the authority and are separate from ours.
- The right authorityWe identify the assessing authority and the assessment that applies to your occupation.
- Eligibility firstWe review your qualifications and experience against the requirements before you pay any fees.
- Guidance on your evidenceWe explain what the authority expects, such as employment references and duties, and review what you have gathered before you submit.
- Support to the outcomeWe help you understand and respond to the authority’s requests until the outcome is issued.
Documents you will need
- Passport and identity documents for you and each family member included in the application
- Skills assessment outcome and the English test results used to claim points
- Qualification transcripts and certificates, and evidence of skilled employment such as references, payslips and tax records
- Evidence of any partner skills or other points you claimed, and relationship documents for family members
- Police certificates and health examination results when the department asks for them
After the visa is granted
- Permanent residence has an initial travel facility, and you should check the dates before travelling in and out of Australia.
- There are no conditions tying you to a particular employer, occupation or state after grant.
- You can generally sponsor eligible relatives in future and may become eligible to apply for citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
- Permanent residents can usually access Medicare and other benefits, subject to the rules that apply at the time.
How we help
- Check your points and occupation before you commit
- Plan the skills assessment and English test
- Prepare and monitor your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Lodge the visa application once invited, with the evidence organised in advance
Common pitfalls
- Claiming points you cannot document
- Letting an invitation lapse
- Waiting on the 189 when a state nomination could be faster
- Taking a skills assessment or English test before checking it suits your occupation and points plan
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum points score?
The minimum is 65, but invitations are competitive and usually need more. We review your points honestly before you spend money on assessments.
Do I need a sponsor?
No. The 189 needs neither an employer sponsor nor a state or territory nomination. You are invited based on your occupation, points and English.
Can I apply from inside Australia?
Yes. The visa can be lodged onshore or offshore, though practical steps and timing can differ.
What happens after I lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
You wait to be invited, and invitations depend on occupation and points. If invited, there is a limited time to lodge the visa application, so we prepare your documents in advance.