Looking to live and work in Australia permanently — without needing an employer, family, or state to sponsor you?

The 189 Skilled Independent Visa could be your best option.

This visa is designed for skilled professionals who want to migrate to Australia on their own terms. It’s points-tested and leads to permanent residency.

Who is the 189 Visa For?

This visa is ideal for skilled individuals who:

• Have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Can pass a skills assessment for that occupation

• Score high enough points to receive an invitation to apply

You don’t need employer sponsorship, state nomination, or a family sponsor.

How the 189 Visa Works

1. Check your occupation
   Your job must be on the MLTSSL — this list includes roles in healthcare, trades, engineering, IT, and teaching. The list is updated regularly based on Australia’s workforce needs.

2. Meet the points test
   You’ll need a minimum score of 65 points to apply, but higher scores may be needed depending on your occupation and how competitive it is.

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
   You’ll enter a pool with other candidates. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations based on points and occupation demand.

4. Get invited & apply for your visa
   Once invited, you can lodge your official visa application.

How Do You Earn Points?

You gain points for:

• Age (must be under 45)

• English language ability

• Work experience (in Australia and overseas)

• Education (including bonus points for Australian study in regional areas)

• Partner’s skills and English

• Other factors (such as professional year, community language skills)

💡 Even if your passport exempts you from sitting an English test, you won’t earn any points for English unless you take the test — which can reduce your overall score.

What You’ll Get with a 189 Visa

Once approved, the 189 visa grants you:

• Permanent residency

• Work and study rights across Australia

• Access to Medicare

• Pathway to citizenship once eligible

• The ability to sponsor relatives

Want to Know If You Qualify?

We can help you assess your points, check your occupation eligibility, and guide you through the process. Whether you're just starting or ready to lodge, our team is here to support you.

Start with a free visa assessment today.

Am I Eligible for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

To apply for a Subclass 189 Visa, you’ll need to meet a set of criteria — it’s competitive, but very rewarding.

Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:

Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a 189 visa, you must:

• Have a positive skills assessment for your occupation

• Nominate an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

• Meet the minimum points requirement (currently 65, but higher is often needed)

• Receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs

• Lodge a complete application that reflects the points you claimed in your EOI

• Meet health and character requirements

It’s important that the information you provide in your application matches what you claimed in your EOI. Any inconsistencies can lead to refusal.

What You Get with a 189 Visa

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive Australian permanent residency, with access to:

• Full work rights for you and your partner — in any industry

• State school access for your children

• A pathway to Australian citizenship

• Access to Medicare — Australia’s public healthcare system

Be Prepared: Documentation Needed

You’ll need to provide solid documentation, which may include:

• Employment references

• Training records

• Education certificates

• Identity and character documents

A Registered Migration Agent can help you gather and prepare everything, guide you through the EOI and skills assessment process, and make sure your application has the best chance of success.