The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa that allows skilled professionals to live and work anywhere in Australia without being tied to a specific employer, state, or territory. This pathway is ideal for individuals with qualifications and experience in occupations that are in high strategic demand across Australia.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, applicants must satisfy all of the following statutory criteria at the time of invitation:
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Eligible Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
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Positive Skills Assessment: Hold a valid, positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g. ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS).
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Age Threshold: Be under 45 years of age on the date the invitation to apply is issued by Home Affairs.
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English Language Competency: Demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band, PTE 50 each band, or passport exemption). Higher scores yield 10 or 20 points.
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Minimum Points Score: Score at least 65 points on the points test (though competitive invitation cutoffs for some occupations can be 85–95 points).
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Health and Character: Satisfy standard Australian health examinations and penal clearance background checks.
Application Process — 6 Step Roadmap
01
Verify MLTSSL Occupation
Ensure your nominated profession appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
02
Obtain Positive Skills Assessment
Lodge your academic transcripts and employment evidence with the legislated assessing authority.
03
Sit Official English Test
Secure Proficient (7.0/65) or Superior (8.0/79) scores to maximize your ranking on the register.
04
Submit SkillSelect EOI
Lodge an Expression of Interest on the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect database.
05
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
When Department invitation rounds are run, successful applicants receive a formal ITA notice.
06
Lodge Visa Within 60 Days
Submit the complete visa application and verified supporting evidence via ImmiAccount.
Common Issues Applicants Face
- Incorrect Occupation Choice: Selecting the wrong ANZSCO code can lead to irreversible assessment refusal. Once lodged on SkillSelect, changing your occupation requires a new assessment.
- Overclaiming Work Experience Points: Claiming points for employment before completing qualification dates or during periods without statutory evidence (payslips, tax assessments, bank deposits).
- Delays with English Testing: Sitting the test late or claiming points for test results that expire (results are valid for 3 years for migration purposes).
- Overstaying Visas While Onshore: Applying onshore without holding a valid substantive visa or appropriate Bridging Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions — Subclass 189
No, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is points-tested and does not require employer sponsorship, a job offer, or state nomination. It allows skilled professionals to apply independently.
Processing times for the Subclass 189 visa generally range from 6 to 12 months once invited. Providing complete, decision-ready documentation prevents unnecessary requests for information (RFI) and delays.
Yes, you can include eligible family members such as your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. If granted, they receive direct Australian permanent residency with unrestricted study and work rights.
The statutory threshold is 65 points. However, because Subclass 189 invitation rounds are competitively ranked, invitations in high-demand disciplines (engineering, IT, accounting) frequently require higher scores.
Yes. Subclass 189 grants unconditional permanent residency from the day it is granted. After living in Australia for 4 years (including at least 12 months as a PR) and satisfying character rules, you are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.