The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It allows successful applicants to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently. Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying.
Key Features:
Permanent residency from the date the visa is granted.
Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
No state, territory, employer, or family sponsorship required.
Include eligible family members in the application.
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
Travel freely to and from Australia (travel facility valid for 5 years).
Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if residency requirements are met.
Invitation required before lodging the visa application.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Have an occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List with a suitable skills assessment.
Have at least Competent English.
Score at least 65 points on the migration points test.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.
Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Sign the Australian Values Statement (if aged 18 or above).
Application Process:
Check whether your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupation list.
Obtain a positive skills assessment.
Take an approved English language test (if required).
Calculate your points score.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Wait for an invitation to apply.
Lodge your visa application online.
Upload supporting documents.
Complete health examinations and police clearances.
Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to make a decision.
Working Process
Subclass 189 – 4 Step Process
1
Free Eligibility & Points Assessment
Check occupation list & calculate your points score.
Skills Assessment & Documentation
Get assessed and prepare all required documents.
2
3
EOI Submission & Invitation
We submit your EOI and secure your invitation
Visa Lodgement & Approval
We lodge, track, and guide you to visa grant.
4
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions & Answer
Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers — no employer, family, or state sponsorship needed. Live and work anywhere in Australia.
No Sponsorship Required
Permanent Residency From Day One
Family Members Can Be Included
Client Satisfaction
Visa Success Rate
It's a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who don't need employer, family, or state sponsorship. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently, with a pathway to citizenship once residency requirements are met.
You must be under 45 years of age, have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List with a positive skills assessment, meet Competent English requirements, and score at least 65 points on the migration points test.
You submit an EOI through SkillSelect outlining your skills, qualifications, and points score. If selected, you'll receive an invitation to formally lodge your Subclass 189 visa application.
Yes, eligible family members such as your spouse and dependent children can be included in the same application and receive permanent residency alongside you.