AUSTRALIA SKILLED MIGRATION

Australia Skilled Independent Visa
(Subclass 189)

A points-tested pathway to Australian permanent residency for skilled professionals without employer, state or family sponsorship.

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Australia Skilled Independent Visa

The fastest and legal way to pursue Australia PR

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer, family member, or nominated by a state or territory.

This visa is designed for skilled migrants who can qualify independently through the points system. Selection is based on factors such as age, qualifications, skilled employment experience, English ability and other eligible profile factors.

For the application, an eligible skilled worker first selects an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list and submits an Expression of Interest (EOI).

If invited, the applicant can proceed with the permanent visa application within the required timeframe.

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Subclass 189 at a Glance

Visa Type Permanent
Selection Points Tested
Sponsorship Not Required
Family Can Be Included
How It Works

Steps to Apply for Subclass 189

01

Choose Your Occupation

Check that your occupation is included on the applicable skilled occupation list and identify the relevant assessing authority.

02

Skills & English

Complete the required skills assessment and meet the applicable English-language requirement for your profile.

03

Submit EOI

Submit an Expression of Interest with accurate points and profile information.

04

Receive Invitation

If invited, prepare and lodge the visa application within the prescribed timeframe.

05

Health & Character

Complete required health examinations and provide police or character documents where requested.

06

Visa Decision

After assessment, receive the visa outcome and plan your move to Australia if granted.

Eligibility

Requirements of Skilled Independent Subclass 189

Typical eligibility factors include the following. Exact requirements can depend on current visa rules and individual circumstances.

✓
Eligible Occupation
Choose an occupation listed for the relevant skilled visa pathway.
✓
Points Requirement
Meet the applicable minimum points threshold and be competitive for invitation.
✓
Age
Applicants must meet the applicable age requirement at the relevant stage.
✓
Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
✓
English Proficiency
Provide the required evidence of English language ability.
✓
EOI & Invitation
Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation before applying.
✓
Health Requirements
Meet the applicable Australian health requirements.
✓
Character Requirements
Meet applicable character and police-check requirements.
Benefits

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa

🇦🇺

Live & Work

Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis if your visa is granted.

🎓

Study in Australia

Access Australian education opportunities for yourself and eligible family members.

🏥

Healthcare

Eligible permanent residents may access Australia's public healthcare system subject to applicable rules.

👨‍👩‍👧

Family Options

Eligible family members may be included in the application or supported through applicable pathways.

🧭

Long-Term Future

Permanent residence can provide a pathway toward Australian citizenship when the requirements are met.

💼

Career Freedom

Build your career without being tied to an employer sponsor under the independent skilled pathway.

FAQs

Questions Our Immigration Professionals Can Answer

Age rules apply at specific stages of the skilled migration process. Your age can also affect your points score, so your position should be checked before submitting an EOI.
The applicable minimum threshold is only one part of the process. Invitation rounds can require a higher competitive score depending on the occupation and demand.
Eligibility depends on your occupation, skills assessment, age, English, points, invitation and other visa criteria.
English evidence is generally required for skilled migration, but accepted tests and exemptions can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
A profile assessment can review your age, occupation, education, experience, English score and other relevant factors to identify suitable pathways.
Subclass 189 is an independent skilled pathway, while Subclass 190 involves nomination by an Australian state or territory and has different requirements.
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