Commonwealth of Australia · skilled migration · Leads to settlement
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian applicants lead subclass 189 grants in most years. ACS assesses ICT qualifications; Engineers Australia assesses …
British applicants
British applicants benefit from UK degree recognition and Commonwealth English-test exemption in some cases. Points test…
Chinese applicants
Chinese applicants typically pursue ACS (ICT), VETASSESS (trades/generalists), or NAATI (translators) depending on occup…
Filipino applicants
Filipino subclass 189 applicants are heavily represented in healthcare and IT. AHPRA registration (healthcare) or ACS as…
Pakistani applicants
Pakistani 189 applicants concentrate in IT and engineering. Engineers Australia's Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) is t…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian 189 applicants concentrate in healthcare (AHPRA-recognised allied health and medical roles) and IT. Nigerian de…
South African applicants
South African 189 applicants are heavily represented in engineering, IT, and healthcare — Australia is the most-popular …
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official portalApplicantSubmit SkillSelect EOI ↗
Applicants use SkillSelect to lodge the EOI required before a subclass 189 invitation.
Department of Home Affairs · verified
Fees and processing time
A typical Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) application runs about A$5,416 in government fees (single applicant, functional English, no health surcharge). A decision then typically takes 6 months – 12 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Can I get permanent residence in Australia without a job offer or employer sponsor?+
Yes. The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship, so no job offer is required. Instead you need a qualifying occupation, a positive skills assessment, and a points score high enough to be invited. Confirm the current settings on the Department of Home Affairs.
Do I need a skills assessment for the subclass 189 visa, and who carries it out?+
Yes. A positive skills assessment is a core requirement and is the first step in the pathway, carried out by the assessing body for your occupation, such as VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, or AHPRA. It comes before you submit your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect. Confirm which body covers your occupation on the Department of Home Affairs.
How long does the 189 visa take to be granted after I'm invited to apply?+
Processing is variable, but typically 6 to 24 months after you receive an invitation to apply. You have a 60-day window to lodge the visa application once you are invited. Check the current processing guidance on the Department of Home Affairs.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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