Skilled Independent Visa (189)

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who do not need sponsorship from an employer, state government or family member. If you are invited to apply, you and your family can live, work and study anywhere in Australia from the day your visa is granted. It is one of the most flexible pathways in the skilled visa program, and also one of the most competitive, because your invitation depends entirely on your own points score rather than any bonus points from a state nomination or regional commitment.

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What is the 189 visa

The 189 sits in the points-tested stream of Australia's skilled migration program. To be considered, you first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If your points score is competitive, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

To be eligible, you generally need to:
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  • Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation
  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
  • Meet the competent English language requirement
  • Score at least 65 points on the points test
  • Meet health and character requirements

How the points test works

Your points score is made up of several factors, including your age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (both in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, and any partner skills you can claim. Extra points are also available for things like a relevant Australian qualification or a regional Australian qualification.

Because the 189 is entirely independent, you cannot claim the extra points available to 190 or 491 applicants for state nomination or regional sponsorship. This means your score usually needs to sit well above the 65-point minimum to be competitive. A migration agent can calculate your exact score, identify areas where you can legitimately claim more points, and tell you honestly whether the 189 is realistic for your occupation right now, or whether the 190 or 491 is a stronger option.

Why work with a registered migration agent

The 189 is unforgiving of mistakes. Because there is no sponsor checking your paperwork, every detail of your EOI and application rests on getting it right the first time. A registered migration agent, accountable to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), checks your points claims, verifies your skills assessment and documents, and manages your case if the Department asks for more information. This reduces the risk of delays, refusal, or missing an invitation round because of an avoidable error.

Who the 189 suits

The 189 is generally the right fit if you:

1. Have a strong points score without needing a state or regional bonus
2. Want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
3. Do not want to commit to a specific state or regional area
4. Have an occupation on the MLTSSL with reasonable invitation rounds

If your score is borderline, the 190 or 491 may get you to permanent residency faster, since both offer bonus points in exchange for a state or regional commitment. Compare all four pathways on our skilled visa overview page.

Application process

The 189 application follows a clear sequence, though timing at each stage depends on your occupation and how competitive your points score is.

    1. Get a skills assessment for your occupation
    2. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
    3. Wait for an invitation to apply, based on your points ranking
    4. Lodge your visa application within 60 days of invitation
    5. Complete health and character checks
    6. Receive a decision on your application