189 Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

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The 189 Skilled Independent visa is one of Australia’s most popular permanent residency (PR) visas for skilled professionals who want to migrate without employer, state, or family sponsorship. This points-tested visa allows eligible applicants to live, work, and settle permanently anywhere in Australia.

What is the 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

The subclass 189 visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It is designed for highly skilled individuals whose occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Applicants are selected based on points and must receive an invitation through SkillSelect before applying.

This visa is ideal for professionals seeking PR in Australia without sponsorship.

Key Benefits of the 189 Visa

Permanent residency in Australia
Live and work anywhere in Australia
No employer or state sponsorship required
Access to Medicare
Sponsor eligible family members
Pathway to Australian citizenship
Travel freely in and out of Australia

189 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Australian Skilled Independent visa, you must:

- Nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL Australia
- Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Meet the points test requirement (minimum 65 points)
- Achieve competent English or higher
- Meet Australia’s health and character requirements
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Points Test for 189 Visa

The points-tested visa Australia system awards points based on:-

Age points
English language proficiency
Skilled work experience (inside and outside Australia)
Educational qualifications
Australian study requirement
Partner points

Higher points increase your chances of receiving a SkillSelect invitation.

Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL)

Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and match the correct ANZSCO occupation Australia code. Only eligible occupations can apply for the 189 Skilled Independent visa.

Skills Assessment Requirement

A skills assessment in Australia is mandatory. It must be conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation and confirm that your skills meet Australian standards.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet the English language requirement for 189 visa. This can be proven through tests such as:-

IELTS
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET (for healthcare professionals)

Higher English scores can earn additional points.

Expression of Interest (EOI)- SkillSelect

Before applying, candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. Invitations are issued during SkillSelect invitation rounds based on ranking points and occupation demand.

189 Visa Application Process

Check occupation eligibility on the MLTSSL
Obtain a positive skills assessment
Take an approved English test
Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Receive an invitation to apply
Lodge the visa application online
Complete health and character checks
Await visa decision

Processing Time for 189 Visa

The 189 visa processing time varies depending on application complexity and demand. Generally, most applications are processed within several months, but timelines may change based on invitation rounds and government priorities.

Cost of 189 Visa

The cost of 189 visa includes:

Primary applicant visa charge
Additional charges for family members
Skills assessment fees
English test fees
Health examinations and police checks

Documents Required for 189 Visa

Passport and identity documents
Skills assessment report
English language test results
Work experience evidence
Educational qualifications
Health and character certificates

189 Visa vs State Sponsored Visas

Unlike state sponsorship vs independent visa options (such as subclass 190), the 189 visa offers greater freedom as it does not require you to live in a specific state or territory.

Why Choose Visa Empire?

Visa Empire provides expert guidance for skilled migration in Australia, helping applicants navigate SkillSelect, points calculation, documentation, and compliance. Our migration specialists ensure a smooth pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

The 189 Skilled Independent visa is a highly competitive yet rewarding option for skilled professionals seeking Australian PR without sponsorship. With proper planning, accurate points calculation, and expert assistance, your chances of success can be significantly improved.

For personalized advice on your eligibility, connect with Visa Empire today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Skilled Independent 189 visa?

The Skilled Independent 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that allows skilled professionals to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer, state, or family sponsorship. It is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is designed for highly skilled individuals whose occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

How to be eligible for a 189 visa?

To be eligible for the subclass 189 visa, you must:-

Have an occupation on the MLTSSL Australia
Obtain a positive skill assessment Australia from the relevant assessing authority
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Achieve at least the minimum points tested visa Australia requirement
Meet English language, health, and character requirements
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and receive an invitation

What score do I need to pass 189?

The minimum required score is 65 points, but due to high competition, most applicants receive invitations with higher points, often ranging between 80-95 points, depending on occupation and invitation rounds. Points are calculated based on age, English proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and partner points.

How much does a 189 visa cost in Australia?

The current base application charge for the 189 Skilled Independent visa is AUD 4,910 for the primary applicant. Additional fees apply for secondary applicants, English language requirements, skill assessments, health checks, and police clearances.

How long is 189 PR valid for?

The 189 visa grants permanent residency in Australia. While PR itself does not expire, the travel facility is valid for 5 years from the date of grant. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or Australian citizenship if eligible.

Can I work anywhere in Australia with a 189 visa?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the 189 Skilled Independent visa is that it allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with no restrictions on location, employer, or industry

      
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   Gabriela Cardoso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very positive experience with Visa Empire, especially with Lakshmi Priya, who assisted me throughout my VETASSESS skills assessment process.

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really happy with my experience with the migration agent. From the beginning, Neet took the time to understand and properly analyse my situation and explain what we needed to do.

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   lovleen kaur 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank the entire team at Visa Empire Migration Agency, Brisbane, for their incredible support and guidance throughout my Secondary school teacher skill assessment postive outcome.
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   Mohit Khatri 
 
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great experience with Mehar from Visa Empire. She helped me throughout my Truck Driver skills assessment process and made everything clear and straightforward. Very helpful, professional, and always responsive. Really appreciate her support and would definitely recommend her!
  
 
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   Mandeep Brar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank the entire team at Visa Empire Migration Agency, Brisbane, for their incredible support and guidance throughout my 186 visa process.
A special and heartfelt thank you to Neet Ma’am for her dedication, professionalism, and constant support.

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with Visa Empire was excellent from start to finish. The team was highly professional, experienced, and always ready to help. They guided me through every step of the visa process, kept me updated regularly, and responded to my queries quickly and clearly.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a really positive experience with Visa Empire. The team was friendly, professional, and always willing to help whenever I had questions. They kept me updated throughout the process and made everything much easier to understand. Their support and dedication gave me confidence every step of the way. I truly appreciate their service and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration assistance.
  
 
  
  
 
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