The 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer.
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows skilled people to migrate to Australia permanently.
189 Visa holders can:
be in or outside Australia when making the application
work and study anywhere in Australia
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
apply for Australian Citizenship (if eligible)
The Benefits of Obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Visa
For those who are interested in moving permanently to Australia in order to start a new life, the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 offers a number of excellent benefits. Unlike some other visas which require a new resident to move to the particular state or territory which sponsored them, the 189 Visa gives you total freedom to live, work and study anywhere you choose in Australia.
You can also sponsor relatives to come with you, access free schooling for your children and obtain home loans, Medicare and Centrelink social security. With the Skilled Migration 189 Visa you can legally move to Australia based entirely on your skills and your ability to meet the necessary points threshold.
The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer, family member or nominated by a state or territory.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on the point assessment.
To apply for this visa, you must submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by SkillSelect.
Upon receiving an invitation to apply for this visa, you have 60 days to submit your application.
Once the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent) has been granted, the visa holder and accompanying family members are able to live, work and study in Australia as permanent residents.
Applying for a 189 Visa
To be eligible to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must:
have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
complete a successful skill assessment for the relevant occupation
have at least competent English
score at least 65 points
be invited to apply
189 Visa Eligibility
You may be able to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa if you meet the following requirements:
Occupation & Skills
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations. You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.
Points Test & Invitation
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa. You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited, however invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points. The most recent invitation round outlines the point scores which attracted invitations. Some occupations require more than 65 points to be considered.
You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.
English
You can provide evidence of at least competent English, however additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores.
Age
You must be under 45 when you receive an invitation to apply.
Health & Character
You must meet the health & character requirements. If you are a New Zealand Citizen, you may be eligible to apply for the New Zealand Stream 189 Visa instead.
189 Visa Application Fee Estimator
This fee estimator will calculate your visa and nomination application charges. Professional fee not included.
Contact us for a personalised quote — the live calculator from the original PHP site has not been ported in this static rewrite.
Include your family in your Subclass 189 Visa
189 visa holders may be able to include the below family members in their application:
Dependent children / step-children
Partner’s dependent child or children
Partner
Partners
the relationship is genuine and continuing
you live together, or do not live separately on a permanent basis
your partner is at least 18 years of age when the application is lodged (there are some exceptions)
you are not related by family (if you are in a de facto relationship)
you and your partner have a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others
Children
be your child or stepchild (in certain circumstances)
not be married, engaged or have a de facto partner
under 18, OR 18-22 and dependent on you/partner, OR over 23 and unable to earn a living due to limitations
English
Applicants over 18 must demonstrate Functional English. You can demonstrate this without an English test if you hold a valid passport from UK/USA/Canada/NZ/Ireland, or completed sufficient English-medium education.
Health & Character
All family members must meet the health and character requirements. All applicants over 16 must provide police clearances.
