The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa that lets skilled workers live and work anywhere in Australia — with no employer sponsor, no state nomination, and no regional restrictions required. To be eligible, your occupation must appear on a relevant skilled occupation list, you need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body, and you must score at least 65 points on the points test to receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect.
What is the Subclass 189 Visa?
According to the Department of Home Affairs, this visa is for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills Australia needs, allowing them to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. Once granted, it is a permanent visa with no obligation to remain in a specific state, territory, or with a specific employer.
Subclass 189 Visa Streams
Points-Tested Stream
This is the primary pathway under the subclass 189. It is open to skilled workers whose nominated occupation appears on Australia’s skilled occupation list and who are invited through the SkillSelect system.
How it works:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Receive an indicative points score based on age, English proficiency, nominated occupation, work experience, and other factors.
- Be invited to apply if your score is competitive in an invitation round.
- Lodge a formal visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation.
Minimum requirement: You must meet or exceed 65 points on Australia’s points test. However, in competitive invitation rounds, the actual score required to receive an invitation may be significantly higher than 65.
New Zealand Stream
This stream is for eligible New Zealand citizens who currently hold a New Zealand Special Category visa (subclass 444) and wish to permanently settle in Australia. It provides a dedicated pathway to permanent residency for New Zealanders who have demonstrated a commitment to Australia.
Hong Kong Stream
This stream is for eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to Australia. This stream was introduced to provide a secure and stable migration pathway for eligible Hong Kong nationals.
Key eligibility requirements
While specific eligibility criteria should be confirmed with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent, the general requirements for the subclass 189 points-tested stream include:
- Occupation: Your nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- Age: Must be under 45 years of age at time of invitation (with some exceptions).
- English language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficient English language skills (generally through a recognised test such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).
- Points: Achieve at least 65 points on the skills assessment points test.
- Health and character: Meet Australia’s standard health and character requirements.
Documents you will generally need
- Valid passport
- Proof of a positive skills assessment
- Evidence of English language test results
- Evidence of work experience (employment references, payslips, contracts)
- Educational qualifications
- Health examination results
- Police clearance certificates from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
Visa conditions and life after grant
The subclass 189 grants permanent residency, allowing the holder to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia without restriction.
- Sponsor certain relatives for Australian visas.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of grant (re-entry travel facility).
- Potentially apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirement.
Get expert help with your Subclass 189 Application
Navigating the SkillSelect system, skills assessments, and points maximisation is best done with expert guidance.
Use the Free Skilled Migration Points Calculator to estimate your score. Find a registered migration agent near you on ImmigrationAU.com.au.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) offers one of the most direct routes to Australian permanent residency for skilled workers worldwide.
At ImmigrationAU.com.au, we make it easy to find and connect with registered migration agents near you who can guide you in your language.
Migration agents speaking languages include: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Chinese, Japanese, Nepali, Filipino, Vietnamese, and more.
Migration agents in cities and states across Australia include: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, and regional areas of Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and beyond.
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They will receive the same visa, with the same conditions, as the primary applicant.
No. The subclass 189 points-tested stream does not require a job offer. However, you must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and a positive skills assessment.
The time depends on your points score and the volume of EOIs in your occupation. There is no guaranteed timeframe — some applicants may wait months or longer, particularly in highly competitive occupations.
