Skilled Independent Visa
This page explains the 189 visa requirements, how the points test works, fees and costs, and the steps to apply, so you can assess your eligibility for Australian permanent residency.
What is the 189 visa?
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for highly skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or state/territory government.
It is points‑tested and designed for individuals with occupations on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The Subclass 189 visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.
It allows invited skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Unlike the Subclass 190 or 491 visas, it does not require a sponsor or nominator. Once granted, 189 holders can:
- Live and work permanently in any Australian state or territory.
- Enrol in Medicare (Australia’s public health system).
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years; after this, a Resident Return visa may be needed.
- Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible.
Why the 189 Visa Is Ideal for Key Occupations
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most valuable permanent residency pathways for professionals such as early childhood teachers, teachers, nurses, and chefs.
These occupations are consistently listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL), reflecting the country’s high demand for qualified workers in education, healthcare, and hospitality.
189 Visa Requirements
You must meet several criteria to be invited and granted a Subclass 189 visa:
Age
- You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive an invitation to apply If you turn 45 after being invited you can still lodge your visa application; however, if you turn 45 after submitting your expression of interest (EOI) and before receiving an invitation, you will not be invited to apply.
Occupation and skills assessment
- Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 189 visa.
- You must obtain a suitable skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority for your occupation, The assessment must have been issued within the validity period before your invitation.
Points test
- The 189 visa is points‑tested. You must score at least 65 points in the points test to be eligible for an invitation, although the actual invitation score may be higher depending on competition. You need to provide evidence for the claims you make in your EOI.
- Points are awarded for factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment, educational qualifications, study in Australia, community language skills, partner skills and completion of a Professional Year. For example, applicants aged at least 25 but less than 33 years score 30 points, whereas those aged at least 33 but less than 40 years score 25 points.
- Competent English gives 0 points, However, you must have at least competent English at the time of invitation. Proficient English score 10 points and Superior English score 20 points.
- Up to 20 points can be claimed for Australian skilled employment and up to 15 points for overseas skilled employment.
- A bachelor degree earns 15 points while a doctorate earns 20 points.
English language requirement
- You must have at least competent English at the time of invitation (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). Higher English proficiency can improve your points score.
Health and character
- You and any eligible accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- You must have paid any outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- You must sign the Australian values statement if you are 18 or older.
Invitation to apply
- You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and wait for an invitation Invitations are issued based on points ranking and occupation ceilings. When you receive an invitation you must lodge your visa application within 60 days.
189 Points test summary
The points test measures your ability to contribute to Australia’s economy when assessing visa applicants.
It's best to work with a migration agent to determine your accurate points, like Nexor Group, but here is a simplified overview of the main categories and point ranges:
- Age: at least 25 but less than 33 years= 30 points; at least 18 but less than 25 years/ at least 33 but less than 40 years = 25 points; at least 40 but less than 45 years = 15 points.
- English language: Competent = 0 points; Proficient (IELTS 7+ or equivalent) = 10 points; Superior (IELTS 8+ or equivalent) = 20 points.
- Skilled employment: Overseas experience up to 15 points; Australian experience up to 20 points (must be in your nominated or closely related occupation).
- Qualifications: Doctorate = 20 points; Bachelor or Master’s = 15 points; Diploma or trade qualification = 10 points.
- Specialist education: Research master’s or PhD in STEM/ICT fields = 10 points.
- Australian study requirement: Completing at least two years of study in Australia = 5 points.
- Professional Year: Completion of a Professional Year in Accounting, ICT or Engineering in Australia = 5 points.
- Credentialled community language: NAATI accreditation = 5 points.
- Study in regional Australia: Completing a course that satisfies the Australian study requirement while living in regional Australia = 5 points.
- Partner skills: If your partner meets age, English and skills requirements, you may claim 5 or 10 points depending on their credentials.
A minimum of 65 points is required for the 189 visa, but competitive occupations often need higher scores to receive an invitation.
How To Apply For The 189 Visa
- Check your occupation and obtain a skills assessment: Ensure your occupation is on the skilled occupation list and arrange a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Calculate your points: Use the points table to estimate your score and aim for at least 65 points
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect. You will need to declare your points claim and nominate your occupation There is no fee to submit an EOI.
- Wait for an invitation: Invitations are issued periodically based on occupation ceilings and points ranking. You must be under 45 when invited
- Gather documents: Prepare your identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, employment references, qualifications and evidence for partner/other points claims.
- Apply for the visa: Once invited, lodge your Subclass 189 application through ImmiAccount and pay the application charge. You will need to provide medical and police certificate documents and sign the Australian values statement.
Outcome: After assessment you will receive a decision. If granted, you become a permanent resident; if refused, you may seek review if eligible.
189 Visa Cost
From 1 July 2025, the visa application charge for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is AUD 4,910 for the main applicant. Additional charges apply for secondary applicants and for family members over 18 years with less than functional English. Other costs include:
- Skills assessment fees: Vary depending on the assessing authority.
- English tests: IELTS, PTE, or equivalent (approx. AUD 460–480 per test).
- Medical examinations: Typically AUD 400–500 per adult.
- Police checks and document translation fees.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
How To Get Approved For The 189 Visa
Here are our experienced tips for the best result for the 189 visa.
- Aim for the 25–32 age bracket to gain the highest age points
- Improve you and your partner's English proficiency for an extra points
- Accumulate skilled employment experience, especially in Australia, to earn up to 20 points
- Obtain a higher qualification such as a bachelor’s degree or PhD to boost your points
- Study in a regional area and complete the Australian study requirement for extra points
- Consider completing a Professional Year program if you are in accounting, ICT or engineering field for additional 5 points
- Claim partner points if your partner meets the necessary criteria.
How Nexor Group can help
The Subclass 189 visa offers a clear pathway to permanent residency for skilled professionals committed to regional Australia. Nexor’s migration specialists can:
- Assess your eligibility and points score.
- Help you choose the best state or family sponsorship pathway.
- Prepare your documentation and manage your EOI and visa application.
- Support you through the 3‑year regional residency period towards your permanent visa.
Contact Nexor today to start your journey toward living and working in Australia’s vibrant regional communities.
189 Visa FAQs
No. The 189 visa is independent and does not require employer or state nomination. You must, however, be invited by the Department after lodging an EOI to be able to apply for this visa.
Don’t just take our word for it,
book a consultation!
Request an appointment today for your initial consultation with one of our experts. Call us on 03 9111 0009
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