About the Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent Visa
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It is points-tested and operates through the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Successful applicants receive full Australian permanent residence, with access to Medicare, social security, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.
The 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship, making it the most flexible of the skilled migration pathways. However, it is also the most competitive, with many occupations requiring competitive points scores of 80-95+ to receive an invitation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 189 visa, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, AHPRA, TRA, etc.)
- Demonstrate competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band minimum)
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Meet health and character requirements
- Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply
Points Test
The 189 visa uses a points-tested system with up to 130 points available:
- Age (25-32): 30 points
- English (IELTS 8.0+ each band): 20 points
- Qualifications (Bachelor / Doctorate): 15-20 points
- Work experience (overseas / Australian): up to 20 points
- Partner skills: up to 10 points
- Other factors: Professional Year (5), Community language (5), Regional study (5), STEM qualification (10)
Competitive occupations typically require 80-95+ points to receive an invitation.
Processing Time and Fees
Current processing time for subclass 189 is approximately 6-9 months from the date of invitation. The visa application charge (VAC) for the primary applicant is AUD 4,640 as of 1 July 2026. Additional charges apply for dependants (over 18: AUD 2,320; under 18: AUD 1,160).
Benefits of the 189 Visa
- Full permanent residence with no conditions
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare (public healthcare)
- Pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years (renewable RRV)
How Ausking Can Help
Ausking's registered migration agents provide end-to-end assistance with the 189 visa application. Our 5-step process includes:
- Free initial assessment of eligibility and points
- Skills assessment coordination with the relevant authority
- EOI preparation and lodgement through SkillSelect
- Invitation monitoring and post-invitation support
- Full visa application lodgement and follow-up to decision
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer for the 189 visa?
No. The 189 visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.
What happens if I don't receive an invitation?
Your EOI remains active in SkillSelect for 2 years. You can update it as your points improve (e.g., higher English score, more work experience). Many applicants receive an invitation 6-18 months after lodgement.
Can I switch from 189 to 190 or 491?
Yes. If you receive a state or territory nomination, you can update your EOI to apply for subclass 190 or 491 instead.
Start Your 189 Application
Book a free 30-minute consultation with a registered migration agent to assess your eligibility and points.
Phone: +61 (03) 9670 7567
Email: mel@auskingvisa.com