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Eligibility and occupation review
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Skilled Independent
Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for eligible skilled workers applying from Australia or offshore locations worldwide. This visa does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination, making it one of the most independent pathways to Australian permanent residency.
Our Australian registered migration agents assist with skills assessments, EOI preparation, points calculations, invitation strategies, and complete visa lodgement support for skilled migration applicants across Queensland and Australia.
Prefer to talk first? +61 414 996 546·info@realmigration.com.au
SkillSelect
Points Test
Subclass 189
PR Pathway
Skilled Independent Visa
(Subclass 189) Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows eligible skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. It is part of the General Skilled Migration program and operates through SkillSelect invitation rounds.
This visa pathway is suitable for applicants with eligible occupations, suitable skills assessments, competitive points scores, and compliant supporting documents.
Subclass 189 visa holders may:
- - Live and work permanently in Australia
- - Study in Australia
- - Access Medicare benefits
- - Sponsor eligible family members
- - Travel internationally
- - Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible
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Eligibility Criteria for Visa 189
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants generally need to meet the following requirements:
- - Invitation through SkillSelect
- - Age under 45 years at invitation stage
- - Eligible skilled occupation
- - Positive skills assessment
- - Minimum required points score
- - Competent English language ability
- - Health and character compliance
- - Accurate evidence supporting all claimed points
Who Can Apply for Subclass 189
Eligible skilled workers onshore or offshore with a positive skills assessment, competitive points, and compliant evidence may pursue Subclass 189 through SkillSelect invitations.
Offshore Skilled Migration Australia
Offshore applicants can compete in invitation rounds when their occupation is in demand and their profile meets points, English, and assessment requirements for Australian PR pathways.
Application process
Application Process for Subclass 189
We manage this pathway in a structured way, from skills assessment to final decision, with compliance checks at every stage.
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Skills assessment preparation
3
English test and points review
4
EOI submission through SkillSelect
5
Invitation round monitoring
6
Visa application lodgement
7
Department of Home Affairs assessment and compliance
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Visa outcome and PR grant
Skills Assessment
Points Calculation
Invitation Rounds
Visa Lodgement
Health and Character Requirements
Planning and compliance
Subclass 189 Planning and Compliance Guidance
Plan timelines, costs, and evidence consistency before lodgement to reduce avoidable delays and refusal risks.
Indicative Timeline Module
- Skills assessment processing varies by authority
- Invitation timelines depend on occupation demand
- Visa processing depends on document readiness
- Department of Home Affairs requests may extend processing times
Cost Planning Module
- - Skills assessment fees
- - English test costs
- - Visa application charges
- - Health examinations
- - Police clearances
- - Document certification expenses
Compliance Guidance Module
- - Evidence consistency checks
- - Employment verification guidance
- - Points calculation review
- - Department of Home Affairs request assistance
- - Character disclosure support
Trust and delivery
Why Clients Trust Our Subclass 189 Delivery Model
Skilled migration focused support
189
Subclass 189 delivery model
Critical document review stages
7+
Evidence quality checkpoints
EOI-to-lodgement workflow checkpoints
6
Structured case milestones
Australian migration compliance aligned
AU
Gov source aligned strategy
Documents
Subclass 189 Document Checklist
- Passport identity documents
- Skills assessment outcome
- English language test results
- Employment reference letters
- Payslips and taxation evidence
- Qualification certificates and transcripts
- Police clearances
- Health examination documents
Risk review
Common Refusal Risks for Subclass 189 Applications
- Incorrect points claims
- Employment evidence inconsistencies
- Expired English test results
- Unsupported work experience
- Incorrect EOI information
- Incomplete documentation
- Character disclosure issues
Our approach
Our Process: How We Manage Your 189 Visa Case
Step 1: Eligibility diagnosis
Detailed profile review with occupation, age, English, and points gap analysis.
Step 2: Evidence architecture
We design a document set for skills assessment, EOI claims, and visa evidence consistency.
Step 3: Points strategy
Targeted uplift options for English level, partner factors, and timing where available.
Step 4: Lodgement and compliance support
Invitation response, full lodgement quality checks, and communication support.
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Contact UsFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Can I apply for Skilled Independent Visa 189 without sponsorship?
Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) does not require employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family sponsorship.
What is the minimum points requirement for Subclass 189 visa Australia?
The minimum points requirement is generally 65 points, however many occupations require higher scores due to invitation competition.
Can offshore applicants apply for Subclass 189 visa Australia?
Yes. Offshore skilled workers may apply for Subclass 189 if their occupation is eligible and they receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
Is Skilled Independent Visa 189 a permanent residency visa?
Yes. Subclass 189 is a permanent residency visa that allows eligible applicants to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Do I need a skills assessment before submitting an EOI for Subclass 189?
Yes. Most applicants require a suitable skills assessment before lodging an EOI through SkillSelect.
Which English test is accepted for Subclass 189 visa?
Accepted tests may include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge English.
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Next step
Ready to Start Your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Strategy?
Get professional guidance from Australian registered migration agents for your Skilled Independent Visa application, points assessment, EOI strategy, and migration planning.
Questions? Call +61 414 996 546 or email info@realmigration.com.au.