Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa for points-tested skilled workers nominated in an occupation on the MLTSSL. The visa has two streams:

• Points-tested stream — the main pathway for skilled workers
• New Zealand stream — for NZ citizens who have lived in Australia for 5+ years

What the visa lets you do

• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare (public health scheme)
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from grant
• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible

To be eligible for the 189 visa (points-tested stream), you must:

• Have an occupation on the MLTSSL
• Have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Score at least 65 points on the points test (most occupations require 80–95+ for invitation)
• Be aged 18–44 inclusive
• Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band, or equivalent)
• Be invited to apply
• Meet health and character requirements

Points test components (max 130 points)

• Age: up to 30 points (peak 25–32)
• English: up to 20 points (Proficient/Superior)
• Skilled employment: up to 20 points (overseas + Australian)
• Qualifications: up to 20 points (PhD, Bachelor, etc.)
• Australian study: 5 points (2+ years in Australia)
• Specialist education: 10 points (Masters by research/PhD in STEM)
• Community language: 5 points (NAATI-credentialed)
• Partner skills: up to 10 points

Stage 1: Initial Eligibility Assessment

Review your qualifications, work experience, English, and other circumstances. We identify which MLTSSL occupation you can nominate and whether you can get a positive skills assessment.

Stage 2: Skills Assessment

Apply to the relevant assessing authority (Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, AHPRA, etc.). Only their assessment is accepted by DHA.

Stage 3: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect. No documents needed at this stage, but you must evidence all claims if invited. EOI valid for 2 years and can be updated.

Stage 4: Visa Application

After invitation (60-day deadline), lodge your full visa application with all supporting documents: skills assessment, English results, qualifications, employment references.

Your nominated occupation must be on the MLTSSL. Key sectors include:

• Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Structural, Mining, Geotechnical
• ICT: Software Engineer, Developer, Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, ICT Manager
• Accounting & Finance: Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Taxation Agent
• Health: Doctors (GP/Specialist), Registered Nurses, Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, Dentist
• Trades: Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Welder, Bricklayer, Fitter
• Education: Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Special Education Teacher
• Professional: Lawyer, Architect, Surveyor, Urban Planner, Property Valuer

The MLTSSL is reviewed regularly. Check the current list before applying.

The visa application charge for the primary applicant is approximately AUD 6,140 (1 July 2026 update, up from AUD 4,910). Additional charges apply for:

• Adult dependants (18+): same as primary
• Child dependants (under 18): reduced rate

Other costs:

• Skills assessment: AUD 500–1,500 (varies by authority)
• English test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL): AUD 300–400
• Migration agent fees: AUD 3,000–6,000 for full process

Typical median processing is 6–9 months from invitation, but can extend to 12+ months during high-demand periods.

Factors affecting processing time:

• Application completeness
• Health examination processing
• Police certificate processing
• Case complexity
• Department workload

How long does the 189 visa take to process?
Median 6–9 months from invitation. Varies by occupation, health, and character checks.

What is the minimum points score?
65 minimum, but competitive occupations require 80–95+. English (IELTS 8.0+), age (25–32), and partner skills maximise your score.

What happens if my visa is refused?
You have 28 days to apply for merits review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We assess each refused case for appeal options.

Do I need a job offer for the 189 visa?
No, the 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer.

Can I include my family in the application?
Yes — spouse/de facto partner and dependent children. They have the same rights as the primary applicant.

Can I apply from inside Australia?
Yes, you can be in or outside Australia when lodging EOI and visa application, but you must hold a substantive visa or bridging visa.

Ausking provides end-to-end assistance for Subclass 189 applications:

• Free 30-minute eligibility assessment
• Occupation selection and MLTSSL matching
• Skills assessment coordination (all assessing authorities)
• English test preparation guidance
• Points test optimisation and strategy
• EOI preparation and lodgement
• Visa application lodgement and document preparation
• Health insurance and Medicare coordination
• Ongoing case management until grant
• Citizenship pathway planning