The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa functions as a popular permanent-residency visa for applicants who lack employer, state-government, or family sponsorships. When candidates gain approval through this points-tested visa, they become eligible for permanent residency to live and work anywhere in Australia.
The Subclass 189 visa offers permanent residency to qualified skilled workers who meet particular requirements while eliminating the need for external sponsorship. This visa exists to welcome top workers whose abilities match Australian employment requirements.
Serves as the standard pathway for qualified workers who meet the points criteria and get selected to apply.
For eligible New Zealand citizens who demonstrate commitment to Australia and meet residency and income criteria.
For eligible passport holders who meet Australian residency and other requirements.
| Step | Action / Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1. Skills Assessment | Get approval for a skills assessment from the appropriate Australian evaluating authority. Your occupation needs to be on the MLTSSL. |
| 2. English-Language Test | Show Competent English ability (IELTS 6.0 in each band). Higher scores increase your points. |
| 3. Calculate Your Points Score | Evaluate age, English, work experience, qualifications, and other elements to reach at least 65 points (competitive occupations often require 80+). |
| 4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) | Lodge your EOI in SkillSelect, claiming your points. |
| 5. Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Your EOI will trigger invitations during scheduled rounds if your occupation meets the current threshold. |
| 6. Lodge Your Visa Application | File the online application within 60 days of the ITA, providing documents that exactly match your EOI claims. |
| 7. Health and Character Checks | Complete medical exams and obtain police clearances for all relevant countries. |
| 8. Visa Grant | The Department of Home Affairs issues the visa once all conditions are fulfilled. |
Stay: Permanent residency (live, work, study anywhere in Australia).
Location: Apply inside or outside Australia (onshore applicants may hold a substantive visa or Bridging A/B/C).
The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.
đź”— Check current visa processing times
Pathway to Australian citizenship (subject to residency criteria).
The Subclass 189 visa is the best option for skilled workers seeking permanent residency without sponsorship. Success hinges on:
Skilled workers under 45 with an occupation on the MLTSSL, a positive skills assessment, Competent English, and at least 65 points.
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No. The 189 visa doesn’t require employer, family, or state sponsorship.
It varies by case and government workload—usually a few months. Check the latest official processing times.
Permanent residency, Medicare access, include family members, travel for five years, and a pathway to citizenship.
At Least 47 (Listening), 48 (Reading), 51 (Writting), 54 (Speaking).
IELTS score (a minimum of 6 in each of the 4 sections).
At Least 16 (Listening), 16 (Reading), 19 (Writing), 19 (Speaking).
At Least 290 (Listening), 310 (Reading), 290 (Witting), 330 (Speaking).
At Least 163 (Listening), 163 (Reading), 170 (Writing), 179 (Speaking).
CELPIP score (a minimum of 67 in each of the 4 sections).
At Least 56 (Listening), 55 (Reading), 57 (Witing), 58 (Speaking).
No, subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa doe not require any state nomination and only an EOI needs to be lodged to get an invitation.
Yes, you can get extra 5 points if you clear NAATI exam. Your NAATI exam is valid for 5 years.
Yes, if you study in an institution in a prescribed regional area, you get extra points.
Yes, you get 5 points for full time 2 years Australian study. On top of it you can get 5 more points for studying in a regional area.
Yes, for proficient English, you get 10 extra points. For superior English you get 20 extra points.
The following scores represent proficient English.
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 7 for each of the 4 test components​ |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 65 for each of the 4 test components​ |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components​ |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 185 in each of the 4 test components​ |
| CELPIP General | At Least 9 (Listening), 8 (Reading), 10 (Writing), 8 (Speaking). |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | At Least 67 (Listening), 71 (Reading), 78 (Writing), 82 (Speaking). |
| MET | At Least 61 (Listening), 63 (Reading), 74 (Writing), 59 (Speaking). |
The following scores represent superior English.
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 8 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 79 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least A for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | ​At least 200 in each of the 4 test components |
| CELPIP General | At Least 10 (Listening), 10 (Reading), 12 (Writing), 10 (Speaking). |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | At Least 80 (Listening), 83 (Reading), 89 (Writing), 89 (Speaking). |
Yes, you get extra points if you have at least 1 year relevant experience in your nominated occupation. The following table explains the points you will get for number of years of experience.
| Number of years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Yes, you can get extra points if you have at least 3 years of relevant experience in your nominated occupation. The following table explains the points you will get for number of years of overseas experience.
| Number of years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Yes, you get points for your age. Applicants n the bracket of 25 to 33 years old get maximum 30 points. The following table shows the points you will get for your age for subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| At least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| At least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| At least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| At least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
The following table depicts the qualifications and associated points for Subclass 189 Visa.
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 20 |
| At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 15 |
| A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. | 10 |
| Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation | 10 |
You can score 10 extra points for studying the postgraduate degree by research (doctorate or masters) which must be awarded from an Australian education institution after at least 2 academic years of study in the following science, technology, engineering, mathematics or specified information and communication technology (ICT) fields.
For applicants who are single, they get 10 extra points.
Yes, you get extra 5 points for completing an approved professional year in your nominated occupation or closely related occupation. This must have been completed in at least 12 months and must have been completed in the 4 years before receiving invitation to apply for 189 visa. The professional year can be completed from one of the following organisations.
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