AUSTRALIA SKILLED MIGRATION
Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Direct, Independent Australian Permanent Residency
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa under Australia's General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It is designed for eligible skilled professionals who want to live, work, and study in Australia without requiring employer, state, territory, or family sponsorship under the points-tested stream.
At VO Visas, we can assist throughout your skilled migration journey, from initial points assessment and skills assessment guidance to SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) preparation and visa application documentation.
- Assess your potential eligibility for the Subclass 189 visa.
- Review your occupation, qualifications, and skilled employment history.
- Understand the points test and English language requirements.
- Prepare for your SkillSelect EOI and visa application process.
Key Features and PR Benefits
The Subclass 189 visa offers an independent pathway to Australian permanent residency for applicants who meet the applicable eligibility criteria and receive an invitation to apply.
Independent Migration Pathway
The points-tested Subclass 189 stream does not require state or territory nomination, employer sponsorship, or family sponsorship. Eligible visa holders can generally live and work anywhere in Australia.
Permanent Residency
If granted, the visa provides Australian permanent residency, allowing eligible applicants to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, subject to applicable laws and visa conditions.
Healthcare Access
Permanent residents can generally enrol in Medicare if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements, giving access to Australia's public healthcare system.
Family Inclusion
Eligible family members, such as a spouse or partner and dependent children, may be included in the visa application if they satisfy the relevant requirements.
Travel Facility
The visa generally includes a five-year travel facility from the date of grant. After this facility expires, a Resident Return Visa or another suitable travel arrangement may be needed to return to Australia as a permanent resident.
Potential Citizenship Pathway
Permanent residency may provide a pathway to Australian citizenship if you meet the applicable residence, character, and other citizenship requirements. Citizenship is not automatic.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189
Applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements for the relevant Subclass 189 stream. The following criteria provide a general overview of the points-tested skilled independent pathway.
Age Requirement
Applicants generally need to be under 45 years old when invited to apply, subject to the applicable visa rules and any relevant exemptions.
Eligible Occupation
Your nominated occupation must meet the current requirements for the applicable Subclass 189 stream. Occupation lists and eligibility criteria can change, so check the latest official requirements before applying.
Positive Skills Assessment
You generally need a suitable skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your nominated occupation, completed in accordance with the relevant requirements.
Points Test
You must meet the applicable minimum points threshold, generally 65 points for points-tested skilled migration. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation, as selection can be competitive.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants generally need at least Competent English at the relevant stage. Accepted tests and score thresholds depend on the test and the rules in force at the time of application.
Health and Character Requirements
You and any included family members must meet the applicable health and character requirements. This may include medical examinations and police certificates when requested.
Step-by-Step Subclass 189 Application Process
The process involves checking your eligibility, preparing evidence, submitting an EOI, and applying for the visa if invited. An Expression of Interest is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation.
Skills Assessment and English Testing
Identify the appropriate nominated occupation, arrange the required skills assessment, and take an accepted English test if needed. Review your potential points score before proceeding.
SkillSelect EOI Submission
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect with accurate details of your age, qualifications, English proficiency, skilled employment, and other points-test factors.
Invitation to Apply
If selected during an applicable invitation round, you may receive an invitation to apply. Invitation outcomes depend on the relevant occupation, ranking, and program settings.
Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your online visa application with the required identity documents, skills evidence, English results, employment records, family information, and other supporting documents within the deadline stated in your invitation.
Health and Character Checks
Complete any required medical examinations, provide police certificates, and respond to requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Decision
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and makes the final decision based on the applicable immigration rules and evidence provided.
Government Visa Application Charges
The total cost of a Subclass 189 application may include the government visa application charge, skills assessment fees, English testing, medical examinations, police certificates, translations, and other expenses. Government charges may change, so confirm the current amounts with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging your application.
Main Applicant
The primary applicant pays the applicable visa application charge at the time of lodgement.
Additional Applicant Aged 18 or Over
An additional charge generally applies for each eligible family member aged 18 or older included in the application.
Additional Applicant Under 18
A separate, generally lower additional applicant charge applies for eligible family members under 18.
Visa charges depend on the applicable fee schedule and applicant circumstances. Verify all amounts against current official government fees rather than relying on previously published figures.
Plan Your Australia PR Journey with VO Visas
Planning a Subclass 189 application starts with understanding your occupation eligibility, points score, skills assessment requirements, and English proficiency. VO Visas can help you review your profile and prepare for the relevant application stages.
- Review your eligibility for the Skilled Independent Visa.
- Estimate your points score and identify areas that may strengthen your profile.
- Understand the skills assessment and English test requirements.
- Prepare accurate information for your SkillSelect EOI.
- Organise the supporting documents required if you receive an invitation.
Eligibility and visa outcomes depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements in force. No migration consultant can guarantee an invitation or visa grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), eligibility, costs, and the application process.
1. Is the Australia Subclass 189 visa a permanent residency visa?
Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa. If granted, it allows eligible applicants to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, subject to applicable laws and visa conditions.
2. Do I need state or employer sponsorship for Subclass 189?
The points-tested Skilled Independent stream does not require state or territory nomination, employer sponsorship, or family sponsorship. Applicants must still meet the occupation, skills assessment, points, English, invitation, and other visa requirements.
3. How many points do I need for the Subclass 189 visa?
The general minimum points-test score is 65. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Selection depends on the applicable invitation rounds, occupation, ranking, and program settings.
4. Is a job offer required for the Subclass 189 visa?
A job offer is not generally required for the points-tested Skilled Independent stream. Applicants must instead satisfy the applicable skilled migration requirements, including the nominated occupation, skills assessment, points test, and invitation criteria.
5. Can I include my family in my Subclass 189 application?
Eligible family members, including a spouse or partner and dependent children, may be included in the application if they meet the applicable requirements. Additional visa charges and supporting evidence may be required.
6. How long is the travel facility for the Subclass 189 visa?
The visa generally includes a five-year travel facility from the date of grant. If you want to travel outside Australia and return after that facility expires, you may need a Resident Return Visa or another appropriate travel arrangement.
7. How long do I have to apply after receiving an invitation?
Your invitation contains the application deadline and instructions. Check the invitation and current Department of Home Affairs guidance carefully, and ensure your complete application is lodged within the specified period.
8. Can Subclass 189 lead to Australian citizenship?
It may provide a pathway to citizenship if you satisfy the applicable residence, character, and other legal requirements. Permanent residency alone does not guarantee Australian citizenship.
9. Why choose VO Visas for my Subclass 189 application?
VO Visas can help you review your points score, understand the skills assessment process, prepare your EOI information, and organise supporting documents for your visa application. Your eligibility and outcome depend on your circumstances and the applicable immigration rules.
