What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or a state or territory government. It is points-tested, meaning applicants must meet a minimum points score based on factors such as age, English language ability, work experience, and qualifications.
Holding a Subclass 189 visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently, sponsor eligible relatives for residence, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must:
- Be invited to apply through the SkillSelect system
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a nominated occupation assessed as suitable by the relevant assessing authority
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have competent English (generally IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent)
- Meet health and character requirements
Understanding the Points Test
The points test awards points across several factors. Here is a general overview of how points are allocated:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years) | 30 |
| Age (18–24 or 33–39 years) | 25 |
| English language (Superior) | 20 |
| English language (Proficient) | 10 |
| Skilled employment (overseas, 8+ years) | 15 |
| Skilled employment (in Australia, 8+ years) | 20 |
| Educational qualifications (PhD) | 20 |
| Australian study requirement | 5 |
| Specialist education qualification | 10 |
| Accredited community language | 5 |
| Partner skills or single | 5–10 |
Note: Points categories and values are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How the SkillSelect Process Works
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – Lodge your EOI through the SkillSelect online system. This is not a visa application — it is an expression of your interest in applying.
- Receive an invitation – The Department of Home Affairs conducts regular "invitation rounds" and invites the highest-scoring candidates. There is no guarantee of an invitation.
- Lodge your visa application – Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a formal visa application and pay the application fee.
- Provide supporting documents – Include skills assessment results, English test results, identity documents, and health and character documents.
- Await a decision – Processing times vary. You can check indicative processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Skills Assessment
Before submitting your EOI, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, while the Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses ICT roles. The assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience are comparable to Australian standards.
Key Considerations
- Invitation cut-off scores change with each round — scoring 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
- Your EOI remains active for two years from the date of submission.
- You can update your EOI at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances.
- Applying with a skilled partner can add points to your score.
Where to Get Official Information
Always rely on the Department of Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au) for current occupation lists, points test values, and application requirements. Immigration rules change frequently, and information from unofficial sources may be out of date.