Australian Permanent Residency Visa

Skilled Independent Visa (SUBCLASS 189)

Are you a skilled worker looking to live and work permanently in Australia without needing an employer or state sponsor? Do you want to bring your family to Australia with full PR benefits?

Why Skilled Independent Visa?

The Subclass 189 Visa is Australia's premier points-tested permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. Holders of this visa can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely without any regional or employer restrictions.

Benefits Of Having A Skilled Independent Visa

Live, work, and study in Australia permanently as a Permanent Resident
Enroll in Australia’s national universal healthcare scheme (Medicare)
Apply for Australian Citizenship once eligible (subject to residence requirements)
Sponsor eligible family members for Australian permanent residence
Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years from visa grant date
Access social security benefits (after applicable waiting periods)

Things To Do Before Applying For The Visa

To ensure a successful application for Subclass 189, applicants must follow these critical step-by-step preparation criteria:

1Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

2Obtain a positive Skills Assessment for your nominated occupation from the designated assessing authority.

3Achieve at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band / PTE 50 in each section).

4Calculate your points on the Australian Skilled Migration Points Test (minimum 65 points required).

5Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.

6Receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs.

7Lodge your complete visa application within 60 days of receiving your invitation.

General Eligibility Criteria

Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply.

Nominate an occupation on the relevant MLTSSL list.

Possess a valid, positive Skills Assessment for your nominated occupation.

Score at least 65 points on the Points Test (higher scores increase invitation chances).

Meet English language proficiency requirements (Competent, Proficient, or Superior).

Meet health and character requirements (Medical check & Police Clearance).

Have received an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) via SkillSelect.

Health & Character Requirements

Undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by an approved Bupa / Panel Physician.
Provide police clearance certificates (PCC) for all countries lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.

Evidence Of English Language Ability

Competent English (0 points requirement)

IELTS 6.0 each band / PTE 50 each section

Mandatory Minimum

Proficient English (+10 points)

IELTS 7.0 each band / PTE 65 each section

+10 Points

Superior English (+20 points)

IELTS 8.0 each band / PTE 79 each section

+20 Points

Eligible Family Members

When lodging your Subclass 189 application, you can include your immediate family members, including:

Your partner (spouse or de facto partner)

Dependent children under 18 years old

FAQs About Australia Skilled Independent Visa (SUBCLASS 189)

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.

Visa Class

GSM Visa

General Skilled Migration (GSM) points-tested visa options for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia permanently or provisionally.

Visa Subclass

Skilled Independent (subclass 189)Skilled - Nominated (subclass 190)Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Get in Touch with Us

For any Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa query and assessment. We are more than happy to help you achieve your Australian Permanent Residency.