The subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa that is assessed based on points for skilled workers who do not have sponsorship from an Australian employer. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa enables skilled individuals to migrate to Australia on a permanent basis.
Holders of the subclass 189 visa are permitted to:
- Apply while in or outside of Australia
- work and study in any location across Australia
- sponsor qualifying relatives for permanent residency
- seek Australian Citizenship (if they meet the criteria)
Advantages of Acquiring a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189 Visa)
For individuals considering a permanent relocation to Australia to begin a new chapter in their lives, the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 presents numerous significant advantages. Unlike certain other visas that necessitate a new resident to settle in the specific state or territory that sponsored them, the
The 189 Visa provides complete liberty to reside, work, and study wherever one prefers in Australia.
Additionally, you can sponsor family members to accompany you, access free
Your children can access education, and you can benefit from secure home loans, Medicare, and Centrelink social security benefits. Furthermore, while many visas require a pre-existing job offer, the Skilled Migration 189 Visa allows you to relocate to Australia solely based on your skills and your capacity to fulfill the required points criteria.
Reasons to Opt for Permanent Skilled Migration 189 subclass visa
At Australian Skilled Migration, we boast over 50 years of expertise in the Australian recruitment sector. Our founder recognized the significance of international recruitment in 2004, leading to the establishment of ASM in 2010. We are dedicated to being the most reliable and esteemed international recruitment and migration partner for individuals aspiring to relocate to and work in Australia, and our highly skilled and experienced team is committed to ensuring an unmatched success rate for our clients.
Subclass 189 Visa Eligibility Check
Have this Visa If you are in Australia at the time of submitting your application, you must possess one of the following:
- A substantive visa
- Bridging Visa A (BVA) – subclass 010
- Bridging Visa B (BVB) – subclass 020
- Bridging Visa C (BVC) – subclass 030
- If you currently hold, or have previously held, either of the following substantive visas:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)
You are required to have maintained that visa for a minimum of three years at the time of your application.
Get an invitation before applying for a subclass 189 visa
- You may only submit an application for this visa if you have received an invitation from us. Please review the information thoroughly before proceeding with your application
- To initiate the process, submit an expression of interest (EOI) indicating your intention to apply for the visa.
- After your EOI is submitted, you will be ranked alongside other potential applicants and may receive an invitation to apply for the visa
- Invitations are regularly issued through SkillSelect.
- Have a suitable Skills Assessment
- To validate your application, you must ensure that you possess a suitable skills assessment at the time of your invitation.
- The court’s ruling in Thapa v. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs [2021] FCCA 686 prompted this modification.
- This modification reflects the ruling in Thapa v. Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs [2021] FCCA 686. The minister will enforce the Migration Regulations 1994 in accordance with this ruling but retains the right to contest in court that Thapa was incorrectly adjudicated.
- You will be required to include a copy of your skills assessment with your application.
- For medical and legal practitioners, we also recognize the following as valid proof of skills assessment:
- You must hold full, unconditional, or general medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Applicants must hold conditional specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Conclusion to Australian Subclass 189 visa Guide
The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most popular pathways for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia without requiring employer or state sponsorship.
This points-based visa allows applicants to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely and includes benefits such as access to Medicare. Have a skilled occupation that appears on Australia’s eligible Skilled Occupation List.
Unlike other visas tied to state or employer nomination, the 189 visa offers complete freedom of location and employment after grant.
Eligibility is determined through the Australian SkillSelect system, where applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), achieve the required points, receive an invitation to apply, and then lodge their visa application with supporting documentation like skills assessments and English test results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent skilled migration visa designed for skilled workers who do not require sponsorship from an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It’s points-based and offers full PR rights upon grant.
You must:
- Have a skilled occupation that appears on Australia’s eligible Skilled Occupation List.
- Achieve the minimum points score (legally 65 points, but current invitations often require higher).
- Hold a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate competent English.
- Be invited via SkillSelect based on your EOI submission.
Yes—you can apply whether you’re inside or outside Australia at the time of application and when the visa is decided, provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
Holders can:
- Live, work, and study permanently anywhere in Australia.
- Access Medicare healthcare.
- Sponsor family members for permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant date.
- Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible).
Processing times vary, but skilled independent visa applications typically take around 6–12 months after a complete application is lodged.
Yes. You can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in the visa application.
No. This is a fully independent visa, and you do not need state, regional, or employer sponsorship to qualify.
If your point score is below the minimum required (65), you won’t receive an invitation through SkillSelect. Improving your English score, gaining more work experience, or securing partner points can help increase your score.
