Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) 

If you're planning to move to Australia, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the best ways to get permanent residency without needing sponsorship from an employer or state.

Here’s why many skilled professionals are choosing the 189 visa:

• Live in Australia permanently with Subclass 189 visa
• Work in Australia with PR
• Earn in AUD, 5 times more than your current salary
• Travel to and from Australia indefinitely
• Settle in Australia along with your family

What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

A skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is a visa that is issued to skilled workers who have not received any sponsorship from a close family member, an Australian employer, or a territory/state. It is a permanent visa that is points-based.

To receive a Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent visa), the candidate must score a minimum of 65 points in the points test. You will have to give in an EOI (Expression of Interest) along with an invitation from Skill Select, which will make you eligible to apply for the visa. Post receiving an ITA (Invitation to Apply), you will be given a timeframe of 60 days to submit your application.

Upon being issued the Subclass 189 Visa (Skilled Independent), the visa holder and his family can reside, find employment, and study in Australia as permanent residents.

*Looking for jobs in Australia? Avail Y-Axis job search services to find the right one. 

Benefits of Subclass 189 Visa Australia

As a permanent resident under the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), you are entitled to:

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with no restrictions.
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system, for subsidised medical services.
• Sponsor eligible family members to apply for permanent residence.
• Apply for Australian citizenship when you meet the residency and eligibility requirements.
• Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years on the visa’s travel facility; after this, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or citizenship to re-enter.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, applicants must meet strict requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs:

• Occupation Requirement: Your nominated occupation must appear on the current Skilled Occupation List, and you must hold a valid skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): You must submit an EOI through SkillSelect. Invitations are issued to candidates with the highest points, with tie-breaks decided by the date of effect.
• Points Test: A minimum of 65 points is required to be eligible (see Skilled Migration Points Table above). However, higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
• English Language: You must demonstrate the required English level (Competent, Proficient, or Superior), verified by an approved language test such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL iBT.

Skilled Migration Points Table for Subclass 189

Factor	Minimum points	Maximum points
Age	18–24 years = 25 pts	15–30
	25–32 years = 30 pts
	33–39 years = 25 pts
	40–44 years = 15 pts
	45+ = Ineligible
English Language	Competent = 0 pts	0–20
	Proficient = 10 pts
	Superior = 20 pts
Overseas Skilled Employment	In nominated/closely-related occupation (last 10 years):	0–15
	3–4 yrs = 5 pts
	5–7 yrs = 10 pts
	8+ yrs = 15 pts
Australian Skilled Employment	In nominated/closely-related occupation (last 10 years):	0–20
	1–2 yrs = 5 pts
	3–4 yrs = 10 pts
	5–7 yrs = 15 pts
	8–10 yrs = 20 pts
	(Employment points are capped at 20 in total)
Educational Qualifications	Doctorate = 20 pts	10–20
	Bachelor/Master = 15 pts
	Trade/Diploma = 10 pts
Specialist Education	Master by research or PhD in STEMM from Australia	10
Australian Study Requirement	Completion of eligible Australian study (2+ academic years)	5
Professional Year	Completion of a Professional Year in Australia in nominated field	5
Credentialed Community Language	NAATI CCL certification	5
Study in Regional Australia	Eligible study in designated regional area	5
Partner Skills	Single applicant = 10 pts	5–10
	Skilled partner = 10 pts
	Partner with competent English = 5 pts

Documents Required for Subclass 189 Application

When applying for a Subclass 189 visa, you will need to provide:

• Identity documents – valid passport, birth certificate, and national ID (if applicable).
• English language test results – IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or other approved test (unless exempt).
• Skills assessment – positive assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
• Educational certificates – degrees, diplomas, trade certificates, and transcripts.
• Employment evidence – employer references, payslips, tax documents, contracts (to prove skilled work experience).
• EOI evidence – proof of all points claimed in your Expression of Interest (e.g., partner skills, Australian study).
• Partner documents (if included) – passport, English test results (if applicable), marriage certificate or proof of de facto relationship.
• Children’s documents (if included) – birth certificates, custody papers, adoption papers (if applicable).
• Health checks – medical exam reports (you will be directed to complete a health assessment via HAP ID).
• Police clearance certificates – from each country where you have lived 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
• Character documents – completed Form 80 or Form 1221 if requested.

How to apply for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

Step 1: Confirm your occupation is on the eligible skilled list and get a skills assessment.
Step 2: Take an approved English test or provide passport evidence of competent English.
Step 3: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Step 4: Wait for an invitation to apply (60 days validity once issued).
Step 5: Apply online through ImmiAccount and submit all required documents.
Step 6: Complete health checks and provide police certificates when requested.
Step 7: Await the visa decision from the Department of Home Affairs.

Estimated timelines for each step (EOI → invitation → grant)

Stage	What to Know	Estimated Timeline
EOI set-up	Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is quick; stays valid for up to 2 years; can be updated anytime before invitation.	Immediate setup; valid up to 24 months
Invitation wait	Invitations are issued in periodic rounds. Candidates with higher points are usually invited sooner. Timing varies depending on demand and government policy priorities.	Highly variable — from a few weeks to many months
Application → Decision	Once invited, applicants have 60 days to apply. Processing time depends on case completeness, checks, and quotas.	Around 7 months median (may vary)

Subclass 189 Visa Cost & Fees

The table below has a detailed breakdown of the Subclass 189 visa cost:

Applicant Type	Fees
Primary applicant (Subclass 189)	AUD 4,910
Additional applicant (18 years or older)	AUD 2,455
Additional applicant (under 18 years)	AUD 1,250

Processing Time for Subclass 189 Visa 

The approximate processing time for Subclass 189 visa can take around 8-9 months post the submission of your visa application. Given below is a 

189 Visa Processing Time	Permanent Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Visa
7 – 12 Working Days	Confirm if your occupation or profile is existing in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
0 – 15 days	Ensure to meet all the eligibility requirements
2 – 3 Months	Finish the Skills Assessment Tests
15 Working Days	Submit through Skill Select an EOI
2 Months	Lodging Visa Application
15 – 30 Days	Await a decision

How Y-Axis Can Help with Your 189 Visa Application

• Free eligibility check through Australia Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance/counseling for Australia Immigration
• Coaching services:  IELTS proficiency Coaching
• Free career counseling, book your slot today
• Complete guidance for Australia PR visa
• Job search services to find related jobs in Australia

Book your free consultation with Y-Axis today and take the first step towards working and settling in Australia with a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).