British applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for British citizens
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
- Processing time
- Variable — 6–24 months post-invitation.
- Government fees
- From AUD 4,640 principal.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
- Australia Working Holiday
Consular processing: London
Tourist entry vs. this route
British nationals enter Commonwealth of Australia visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is required separately for the activity it covers.
Visa overview
Subclass 189 is the core SkillSelect permanent-residence visa. Points are assigned for age, English, qualifications, experience, partner skills, and Australian study. Invitations issue after EOI submission based on points ranking and occupation.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Qualifying occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (post-reform) or the applicable list.
- ✓Positive skills assessment.
- ✓Age under 45.
- ✓Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent) minimum; points for higher.
- ✓Score invitation cut-off (65+ typical baseline; points ceiling higher).
Common blockers
- !Occupation off list.
- !Points below invitation round cut-off.
Typical evidence
- ·Skills assessment by relevant body.
- ·English test results.
- ·Work-history evidence.
Application pathway
Positive skills assessment
Assessment via VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, AHPRA, etc.
Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Expression of interest with points breakdown.
Receive Invitation to Apply
Based on ranking in invitation rounds.
Lodge visa application
60-day window post-invitation.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for British applicants
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (formerly TSS) with reformed routes from December 2024.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.
Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)
Short-term work-and-travel visa for young people from participating countries.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are British citizens eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?+
Eligibility for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though British applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth, Australia Working Holiday. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do British applicants typically file the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?+
London. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do British applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
British nationals enter Commonwealth of Australia visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is required separately for the activity it covers.
How many points do I need for subclass 189?+
The minimum is 65 points but actual invitations typically require substantially higher for most occupations — often 85+ in recent rounds. Monitor Skills in Demand programme round results.