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Subclass 189:

Skilled Independent Visa

Home / Subclass 189 Visa

A Comprehensive Guide to Permanent Residence in Australia

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for eligible skilled workers who do not require nomination by an Australian state or territory government or sponsorship by an employer or eligible family member.
Under the Points-tested stream, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from the Australian Government before applying. The visa also has a separate Hong Kong stream for eligible Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.

What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 visa allows eligible skilled workers to live, work and study in Australia permanently.

For the Points-tested stream, applicants must have an eligible skilled occupation, obtain a suitable skills assessment, meet the points threshold and receive an invitation to apply. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable age, English, health, character and other visa requirements. The Subclass 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship or state or territory nomination. However, meeting the minimum requirements or achieving 65 points does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.

There Are Two Primary Streams under the Subclass 189 Visa

Points-tested Stream

The Points-tested stream is for skilled workers who have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and a suitable skills assessment for that occupation.

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, achieve at least 65 points and receive an invitation before applying. They must be under 45 years of age when invited and have at least Competent English.

Hong Kong Stream

The Hong Kong stream is for eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated a commitment to Australia.

Applicants must hold an eligible visa when applying and must generally have held one or more eligible visas for at least four years immediately before applying. They must also meet applicable residence, visa compliance, health, character and other requirements.

The Hong Kong stream is not points-tested and does not require an invitation through SkillSelect.

Key Requirements

for the Subclass 189 Visa

Requirements depend on the relevant visa stream and individual circumstances.

General requirements for the Points-tested stream include:

  • Eligible Occupation: The nominated occupation must be included on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Skills Assessment: The applicant must obtain a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.
  • Expression of Interest: An Expression of Interest must be submitted through SkillSelect before an invitation can be issued.
  • Invitation to Apply: The applicant must receive an invitation from the Australian Government before lodging the visa application.
  • Points Score: The applicant must achieve at least 65 points. The invitation may specify a higher score depending on the information provided in the Expression of Interest.
  • Age: The applicant must be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.
  • English Language: The applicant must have at least Competent English when invited to apply.
  • Health and Character: Applicants and included family members must meet the applicable health and character requirements.
  • Evidence: Information provided in the Expression of Interest must be supported by appropriate documents when the visa application is lodged.

The Subclass 189 Points Test

The Subclass 189 Points-tested stream requires a minimum score of 65 points. Points may be awarded for factors including

  • Age
  • English language ability
  • Skilled employment experience
  • Educational qualifications
  • Australian study
  • Specialist educational qualifications
  • Credentialled community language
  • Study in designated regional Australia
  • Partner skills or single applicant status
  • Professional Year completion in Australia

Achieving 65 points allows a person to be considered for an invitation but does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation outcomes depend on government settings, occupation demand, available places, the applicant’s points score and other applicable factors. Applicants must ensure that all points claimed in their Expression of Interest can be supported by valid evidence at the time specified by the visa requirements.

Subclass 189 Processing Time and Application Cost

The Subclass 189 Points-tested visa application cost starts from AUD $6,140 for the main applicant. Additional visa application charges may apply for family members included in the application.

A second instalment may also apply for an included applicant aged 18 or over who does not have Functional English.

From 1 July 2026, a lower visa application cost may apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid application. Other expenses may include skills assessments, English tests, health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, translations and professional service fees.

Processing times vary depending on the stream, completeness and complexity of the application, verification requirements, application volumes and government processing priorities.

Published processing times are based on recently decided applications and are a guide only. They do not guarantee that an individual application will be decided within a particular timeframe.

Check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and Visa Processing Times Guide before applying.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

The Subclass 189 visa may provide the following benefits:

  • Permanent Residence: Live, work and study in Australia permanently.
  • No Employer Sponsorship: Points-tested stream applicants do not require sponsorship by an Australian employer.
  • No State Nomination: Applicants do not require nomination by an Australian state or territory government.
  • Work and Location Flexibility: Visa holders can generally live and work anywhere in Australia, subject to Australian laws and any applicable conditions.
  • Medicare: Enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, subject to Medicare enrolment requirements.
  • Family Inclusion: Include eligible members of the family unit in the visa application, subject to applicable requirements.
  • Travel Facility: Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant. After the travel facility expires, a Resident Return visa may be required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship if all separate citizenship requirements are met.
  • Sponsoring Eligible Relatives: Permanent residents may be able to sponsor eligible relatives for certain Australian visas, subject to the requirements of the relevant visa program.

Important Considerations

The Subclass 189 Points-tested stream is competitive. Achieving 65 points, submitting an Expression of Interest or receiving a positive skills assessment does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.

Applicants must ensure that their occupation, skills assessment, English results, employment evidence, qualifications and points claims meet the applicable requirements.

Providing incorrect or unsupported information may affect the visa application. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually.

Important Information and Disclaimer

Migration laws, occupation lists, invitation arrangements, points settings, fees and processing times may change. Always check the Department of Home Affairs for current Subclass 189 information.

Number One Service Australia provides skills assessment support only. We are not a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner and do not provide migration or legal advice.

For advice about your points, Expression of Interest, visa eligibility or visa application, consult a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.

Official information:  Please click https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189

Information reviewed: 21 July 2026.

Conclusion

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa provides permanent residence for eligible skilled workers without requiring employer sponsorship or state or territory nomination.

Points-tested stream applicants must have an eligible occupation, obtain a suitable skills assessment, submit an Expression of Interest, meet the points threshold and receive an invitation before applying.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant. Applicants should check current Department of Home Affairs information and obtain regulated migration advice where necessary.

Skills Assessment Support for Subclass 189 Applicants

Number One Service Australia provides professional skills assessment support for Subclass 189 Points-tested stream applicants who require an assessment for their nominated occupation.

Depending on the occupation and agreed service, our support may include document review, employment evidence preparation, assessing-authority application assistance and technical interview training where applicable.

A positive skills assessment does not award a visa, guarantee an invitation or confirm a person’s total points. The Department of Home Affairs separately manages SkillSelect invitations and decides visa applications.

Number One Service Australia is not a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. We do not provide points advice, assess visa eligibility or prepare visa applications. For assistance with an Expression of Interest, points calculation or visa application, consult a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.

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