Looking to live and work in Australia permanently, without needing an employer, family member, or state or territory nomination?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa could be the right pathway for you.

This visa is designed for skilled professionals who want to migrate to Australia independently. It is a points-tested visa that can lead to Australian permanent residency.

Who is the 189 Visa For?

This visa is suitable for skilled individuals who:

• Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list for Subclass 189

• Can obtain a suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation

• Meet the points test requirements

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

You do not need:

• Employer sponsorship

• State or territory nomination

• Family sponsorship

How the 189 Visa Works

1. Check your occupation
   our nominated occupation must be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa.

   Eligible occupations may include roles in areas such as:

   • Healthcare

   • Engineering

   • Information technology

   • Teaching

   • Trades and other skilled industries

   Occupation lists and eligibility requirements can change based on Australia's migration needs.

2. Meet the points test
   You must score at least 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

   However, achieving 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitations are competitive and depend on factors such as:

   • Your occupation

   • Your points score

   • Labour market demand

   • Invitation round outcomes

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Before applying for the visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.

   Your profile will be ranked against other skilled applicants, and eligible candidates may receive an invitation to apply.

4. Receive an Invitation and Apply for Your Visa
   If you receive an invitation, you can lodge your Subclass 189 visa application within the required timeframe.

   You will then need to provide supporting documents and meet all visa requirements.

How Do You Earn Points?

You may earn points for:

• Age (you must generally be under 45 when invited)

• English language ability

• Skilled employment experience in Australia and overseas

• Educational qualifications

• Australian study requirements

• Study in regional Australia (where eligible)

• Partner skills and English ability

• Professional Year completion

• Credentialed community language skills

• Other eligible factors

💡 Even if your passport allows you to meet the English language requirement without taking a test, you generally cannot claim English points unless you provide approved evidence of English ability.

What You’ll Get with a 189 Visa

Once approved, the Subclass 189 visa provides:

• Australian permanent residency

• The ability to live, work and study anywhere in Australia

• Access to Medicare (if eligible)

• A pathway to Australian citizenship if you meet citizenship requirements

• The ability to sponsor eligible family members for certain visas

Want to Know If You Qualify?

We can help you:

• Assess your points score

• Check your occupation eligibility

• Understand your skills assessment requirements

• Prepare your Expression of Interest and visa application

Whether you are just beginning your migration journey or ready to apply, our team can guide you through the process.

Start with a free visa assessment today.

Am I Eligible for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

To apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must meet a range of eligibility requirements.

This visa is highly competitive, and receiving an invitation depends on factors such as your occupation, points score, and migration program requirements.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa, you must:

• Have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation

• Nominate an occupation that is eligible for the Subclass 189 visa

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect

• Meet the minimum points requirement (currently 65 points, although higher scores are often required to receive an invitation)

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

• Lodge a complete visa application that accurately reflects the information and points claimed in your EOI

• Meet health and character requirements

It is important that the information provided in your visa application matches the information claimed in your EOI.

Any inconsistencies, incorrect claims, or unsupported points may affect your visa outcome

What You Get with a 189 Visa

Once your visa is approved, you will receive Australian permanent residency, which provides access to:

• The ability to live, work and study anywhere in Australia

• Work rights for you and eligible family members included in your visa

• Access to Medicare, if eligible

• Access to government services and benefits subject to eligibility requirements

• A pathway to Australian citizenship if you meet citizenship requirements

• The ability to sponsor eligible family members for certain visas

Be Prepared: Documentation Needed

You will need to provide supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility, which may include:

• Skills assessment documents

• Employment references and evidence of skilled employment

• Training records

• Education certificates and qualifications

• English language evidence

• Identity documents

• Character documents

A Registered Migration Agent can help you assess your eligibility, prepare your Expression of Interest, review your skills assessment requirements, and ensure your visa application is supported by appropriate evidence.