Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A permanent visa for invited, points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member.
6–8 Months
$4,640 AUD
Permanent
Direct
Overview
What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of Australia's most sought-after migration pathways — a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who can contribute to the Australian economy, without needing a state/territory nomination or employer sponsorship. If invited, you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
The 189 visa operates within the General Skilled Migration (GSM) programme, which is points-tested. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, where you are ranked against other candidates in your nominated occupation. When the Department issues an invitation round, the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply. Meeting the minimum 65-point threshold does not guarantee an invitation — actual cut-off scores have historically ranged from 65 to 90+ points depending on the occupation.
This is a visa for independent, globally competitive professionals. It rewards formal qualifications, strong English language skills, relevant Australian and overseas work experience, and age. For applicants in the right occupation at the right score, it remains one of the cleanest and most direct pathways to permanent Australian residency available anywhere in the world.
2026 Policy Updates
Critical 2026 Changes
Important — Read Before Applying
The 2025–26 migration programme has introduced significant changes to the skilled migration framework. Updated skilled occupation lists, revised points calculations for certain factors, and new English language benchmarks apply to all EOIs lodged from July 2025 onwards.
Updated MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) — several technology, healthcare, and engineering occupations added; some trades removed — confirm your ANZSCO occupation code before lodging an EOI
English language: the 'Proficient English' threshold (IELTS 7.0 per band) is now the minimum for 10 points; 'Superior English' (IELTS 8.0 per band) awards 20 points — scores from tests taken within the last 3 years are accepted
Age points recalibrated — applicants aged 25–32 continue to receive maximum 30 points; points for 33–39 remain at 25; applicants aged 45 or over receive zero age points regardless of skills
Skills assessments: several assessing bodies (including VETASSESS and Engineers Australia) have updated their evidence requirements — older assessments may need to be renewed before the EOI is lodged
Invitation rounds for 189 visas are now held weekly via SkillSelect; cut-off scores fluctuate — monitoring your score and lodging an EOI early is critical
Health and character requirements apply at time of application — any arrest, caution, or visa refusal history in any country must be disclosed
Eligibility Criteria
Do You Qualify?
Age
Must be under 45 years of age at time of invitation to apply
Age is assessed at the time of invitation, not at the time of EOI lodgement
Maximum age points (30 points) awarded to applicants aged 25–32
English Language
Must have at least 'Competent English': IELTS 6.0 per band, or PTE Academic 50+ per communicative skill
'Proficient English' (IELTS 7.0 per band): awards 10 points
'Superior English' (IELTS 8.0 per band): awards 20 points
Test results must be from an approved test taken within 3 years of invitation
Skills Assessment
Must hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing body for your ANZSCO occupation
Assessment must be in the same occupation as nominated in the EOI
Assessment must be current — some assessing bodies impose expiry dates (typically 3 years)
For most occupations, a bachelor's degree or equivalent plus several years' relevant work experience is required
Points Test (Minimum 65)
Minimum 65 points required to lodge an EOI — but invitation cut-offs are typically higher
Points are awarded for: age, English proficiency, overseas and Australian work experience, qualifications, partner skills, regional study, and more
A points calculator is available at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — confirm your score with a registered migration agent
Partners who also meet the skills and English requirements can contribute an additional 10 points to the primary applicant's score
Step-by-Step Process
Your Application Journey
Check Your Occupation & Skills Assessment
Confirm your nominated occupation is on the MLTSSL and eligible for a 189 visa. Submit your skills assessment to the relevant assessing body (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS). Allow 2–6 months for assessment.
Complete Your English Language Test
Sit an approved English test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge C1 Advanced). Aim for the highest score achievable — every point band above 'Competent' unlocks additional points.
Calculate Your Points & Lodge an EOI
Use the official points calculator to confirm your score. Lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Update your EOI promptly if your circumstances change — outdated EOIs can result in being passed over.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If selected in an invitation round, you will receive an ITA via SkillSelect. You have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge your full visa application — this deadline is strictly enforced.
Gather Documents & Lodge the Visa Application
Compile all supporting documents: skills assessment, English test results, employment evidence, qualification certificates, identity documents, relationship evidence (if applicable), health examination results, and police clearance certificates.
Health Examinations & Police Clearances
Complete health examinations with a panel physician approved by the Department of Home Affairs. Obtain police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
Visa Grant
Once all checks are finalised, the Department will grant the visa. Processing times currently average 6–8 months from lodgement. You will receive a visa grant letter confirming your permanent residency status.
Costs & Fees
Understanding the Full Cost
All visa application charges (VAC) are payable to the Department of Home Affairs at time of lodgement and are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Confirm current charges at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
All fees are current as at July 2025 and are subject to annual indexation. Maven Consulting Group's professional fees for preparation and lodgement are separate to the Department of Home Affairs visa application charges. Contact us for a full cost outline.
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