Subclass 189 · Australia PR
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent visa
The Skilled Independent visa is the points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. Invitations are issued through SkillSelect on the strength of your points score and nominated occupation.
Visa type
Permanent
Sponsorship
Not required
Points test
Minimum 65 points
Occupation list
Must be on the relevant list
Who this pathway suits
A realistic fit matters more than enthusiasm.
Skilled professionals whose occupation appears on the list applicable to subclass 189
Applicants who can obtain a positive skills assessment in that occupation
Candidates whose points score is competitive without a state nomination
People who want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one
What the subclass 189 visa gives you
Subclass 189 is granted as a permanent visa. It is not tied to a sponsor, a state, or a region, which is why it is the most flexible of the three main skilled streams — and also the most competitive on points.
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, subject to their own criteria
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from grant, then apply for a Resident Return visa
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you satisfy the residence and character requirements
How the points test decides your outcome
Reaching the minimum score makes you eligible to submit an Expression of Interest. It does not entitle you to an invitation — invitations are issued to the strongest profiles in the pool for each occupation, so the practical score you need is usually well above the minimum.
| Points factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Age at time of invitation | 30 |
| English language ability | 20 |
| Skilled employment (overseas and Australian combined) | 20 |
| Educational qualifications | 20 |
| Specialist education qualification (Australian STEM) | 10 |
| Australian study, professional year, community language, regional study | 5 each |
| Partner skills or single/partner-with-citizenship status | 10 |
How subclass 189 differs from 190 and 491
All three visas share the points test and the skills assessment requirement. What changes is who backs your application and where you can settle.
| Consideration | Subclass 189 |
|---|---|
| Nomination | None required |
| Nomination points | 0 |
| Residence condition | Anywhere in Australia |
| Status on grant | Permanent |
| Occupation list | Federal list applicable to 189 |
The process
Five stages, each one decision-ready.
Occupation and eligibility review
Confirm the occupation that genuinely matches your duties, verify it is on the list applicable to subclass 189, and identify the correct assessing authority.
English test and skills assessment
Sit or resit your English test to target the band that maximises points, and lodge the skills assessment with fully evidenced employment references.
Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
Submit an EOI with an accurate claim for every points factor. Claims you cannot evidence at application stage put the visa at risk.
Invitation to apply
Invitation rounds select the highest-ranked candidates for each occupation. While you wait, points can be improved through English, experience or partner factors.
Visa application and decision
Lodge within the period stated in your invitation with full evidence, health examinations and police clearances, then respond promptly to any request for further information.
Costs & government fees
- A Visa Application Charge is payable to the Department of Home Affairs for the main applicant, with additional charges for each family member included in the application.
- Separate fees apply to your skills assessment, English language test, health examinations and police clearances — each is paid to the relevant provider, not to the Department.
- Government charges are reviewed periodically. Always confirm the current amounts on the Department of Home Affairs website before budgeting.
- MovesEdu professional fees are quoted in writing before any engagement begins and are separate from all government and third-party charges.
Timelines
- Skills assessment turnaround depends on the assessing authority, your occupation and how complete your evidence is at lodgement.
- Time in the EOI pool depends on your points score relative to other candidates in the same occupation, and on the size of invitation rounds.
- Visa processing times are published and updated by the Department of Home Affairs; they vary with application volume, document completeness and health or character checks.
- We do not quote guaranteed timeframes. Where a date matters to you, we plan around the published service standards and keep your file decision-ready.
Fees, processing times and occupation lists change. Always confirm the current position with the authority that makes the decision.
Department of Home Affairs — visa listing →Common questions
Answered without hype.
No. Subclass 189 is an independent points-tested visa and does not require an employer, state or family sponsor. Your ranking depends on your points score and nominated occupation.
Sixty-five points makes you eligible to submit an Expression of Interest. Invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates in each occupation, so competitive scores are usually higher. We assess your realistic position rather than the minimum.
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants, provided they meet health and character requirements and their relationship or dependency is evidenced.
Occupation lists are reviewed by the Australian Government. If your occupation is removed before you are invited, your EOI cannot be selected for that occupation. We monitor list changes and review alternative pathways such as state nomination.
No, and no adviser can. Invitations and visa decisions rest entirely with the Australian authorities. Our role is to make your claims accurate, evidenced and as strong as the rules allow.
Related pathways
Explore your other options.
Talk this pathway through with a specialist.
Book a free assessment and a named consultant will review your occupation, qualifications and experience against current criteria.
MovesEdu is a private migration advisory firm. We are not a government body; all final decisions rest with Australian and Canadian immigration authorities.
Department of Home Affairs — visa listing is the authoritative source for current fees, processing times and eligibility. Requirements change; always verify before making decisions.