We understand better that enim ad minim veniam, consectetur adipis cing elit, sed do

Contact Info

Pay Online

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Home
  • Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

About Australia PR Subclass 189


The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) offers permanent residency to skilled workers who qualify through a points-tested system, allowing them to live, work, and study indefinitely anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship or a job offer. Managed by the Department of Home Affairs via the SkillSelect platform, it targets professionals in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, emphasizing high-demand fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, and education amid ongoing labor shortages.

In 2026, the program continues with quarterly invitation rounds where candidates submit an Expression of Interest, competing based on points for age, skills, English proficiency, and experience—typically requiring 85+ points for competitive occupations. Successful invitees gain full rights including Medicare access, family inclusion, and citizenship pathways after four years, processing around 30,000 visas annually to support economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria of Australia Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) requires meeting points-tested criteria via SkillSelect Expression of Interest, with a minimum 65 points threshold (80+ competitive for invitations).

  1. Age – Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189. This ensures candidates are in their prime working years, maximizing contributions to Australia’s economy.
    Points are awarded based on age brackets, with maximum 30 points for ages 18-24, decreasing gradually.
  2. Occupation – Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. – A positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) is mandatory to confirm competency. This verifies that your qualifications and experience match Australian standards for the role.
  3. English Proficiency – Minimum competent English is required (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in each band). Higher scores like proficient (IELTS 7.0) or superior (IELTS 8.0) earn additional points up to 20. Tests accepted include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge English.
  4. Points Test – Minimum 65 points needed for Expression of Interest submission; competitive scores are 80-95+ in 2026. Points calculated across age, English, experience, qualifications, and other factors via SkillSelect calculator. Higher points increase invitation chances during quarterly rounds.
  5. Work Experience – At least 3 years of skilled employment post-qualification in your nominated occupation. Australian experience earns extra points; overseas work up to 8+ years gives maximum 20 points. Employment must be at skilled level (ANZSCO 1-3) and verifiable.
  6. Qualifications – Recognized degree, diploma, or trade qualification assessed as equivalent to Australian standards. Doctorate from Australia awards 20 points; bachelor’s/master’s add 15 points. Skills assessment authority determines comparability.
  7. Health and Character – Must meet Australia’s health requirements through medical examinations. Police clearance certificates required from all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16. No serious criminal record or significant health issues affecting public cost.
  8. Other Requirements – No outstanding debts to Australian government; must sign Australian values statement. Valid Expression of Interest in SkillSelect before invitation; family members can be included. Submit visa application within 60 days of invitation.

Processing Fees & Time Of Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Category Primary Applicant (AUD) Additional Applicant 18+ (AUD) Child Under 18 (AUD) Processing Time (Months)
Visa Application Fee 4,640 2,320 1,160 4–12 (75% processed)
Second Installment 4,890 2,445 1,225 6–15 (90% processed)
Skills Assessment 500–1,500 N/A N/A Varies by occupation
English Test (IELTS/PTE) 350–400 N/A N/A Results in 5–13 days
Medical/Police Checks 500–800 Per person Per person 2–4 weeks

Step by step Guide to Apply for Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Step 1: Obtain Skills Assessment – The first step involves identifying your occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and submitting your qualifications, work references, and relevant experience to the designated assessing authority such as Engineers Australia or VETASSESS. This positive skills assessment confirms your competency matches Australian professional standards and remains valid for three years, serving as a mandatory prerequisite for your Expression of Interest submission.

Step 2: Prove English Proficiency – Next, complete one of the approved English tests including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge English, achieving at least competent English level with IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent. Superior scores such as IELTS 8.0 earn maximum points of 20, and these test results stay valid for three years, significantly boosting your overall points score competitiveness.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) – Create a SkillSelect account on the official Department of Home Affairs website and use the points calculator to assess your total score, targeting 85 or higher for strong invitation prospects while meeting the minimum 65-point threshold. Submit your detailed Expression of Interest which remains active for two years, allowing updates as your qualifications or experience improve.

Step 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA) – Monitor your registered email closely for quarterly invitation rounds typically held in January, April, July, and October, where highest-ranking candidates by occupation and points receive formal invitations to apply. In 2026, priority goes to healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and engineers based on Australia’s current labor market demands and occupation ceilings.

Step 5: Lodge Visa Application – Within 60 days of receiving your Invitation to Apply, upload all required documents including your passport, skills assessment, English test results, detailed work reference letters, and educational qualifications through your ImmiAccount. Complete comprehensive medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since age 16, then pay the first visa application installment of 4,640 Australian Dollars for the primary applicant.

Step 6: Visa Processing and Grant – Track your application progress via ImmiAccount and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from case officers. Expect processing times of 4 to 12 months for 75 percent of applications, with priority occupations often faster, and upon favorable decision pay the second installment to receive your permanent residency visa grant enabling immediate travel and settlement rights across Australia.

Search

Contact Us


Start your future confidently,
Get Free Consultation call with Experts

Call Us