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Check occupation eligibility and identify your assessing authority.
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Skilled Independent
Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency pathway for eligible skilled workers in Australia. No employer sponsorship or state nomination is required. Our MARA-registered migration team helps you build a stronger points position, prepare compliant evidence, and lodge a clear application with confidence.
SkillSelect
Points Test
Subclass 189
PR Pathway
Skilled Independent Visa
(Subclass 189) Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a high-demand Australian permanent residency pathway for eligible skilled workers. If you are planning skilled migration, education-to-PR transition, or long-term settlement in Australia, this section helps you understand eligibility, points strategy, EOI planning, and compliance requirements in one place.
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Eligibility Criteria for Visa 189
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants generally need to meet these core requirements:
- - Invitation to Apply after submitting a valid EOI in SkillSelect.
- - Age under 45 years at invitation stage.
- - Nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- - Suitable skills assessment from the correct assessing authority.
- - English language requirement met with valid evidence.
- - Points test threshold met with claim-to-evidence consistency.
- - Health and character requirements satisfied.
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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Complete skills assessment and collect employment evidence.
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Calculate points and submit EOI in SkillSelect.
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Wait for invitation rounds and receive invitation to apply.
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Lodge visa application in ImmiAccount with complete documents.
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Respond to any requests and await visa decision.
Indicative timeline module
- Skills assessment: varies by authority and evidence quality.
- EOI stage: invitation timing depends on round outcomes.
- Post-invitation: visa lodgement with complete documents.
Cost planning module
Government charges, assessments, English tests, health checks, police clearances, and document certification all affect total budget. We provide a transparent cost map before lodgement so clients can plan confidently.
Compliance module
We align every claim with migration legislation, policy guidance, and documentary evidence standards. That includes consistency checks across EOI claims, forms, and uploaded proof.
Middle premium block
Why clients trust our Subclass 189 delivery model
Points Positioning
189
Subclass focus strategy
Evidence Zones
7+
Critical document clusters
Process Milestones
6
EOI to lodgement flow
Official References
AU
Gov source aligned
Document checklist module
- Passport bio page and identity history documents.
- Positive skills assessment letter from the relevant authority.
- English test results meeting claimed points level.
- Employment references, contracts, payslips, and tax evidence.
- Qualifications: degree certificates, transcripts, and course completion letters.
- Relationship and child documents (if family members are included).
- Police clearances and health examination outcomes when requested.
Common refusal risk module
- Claiming points without matching evidence at invitation/lodgement stage.
- Mismatch between nominated occupation and assessed qualifications/work duties.
- Incorrect employment period calculations or weak reference letters.
- Outdated English test or invalid skills assessment at key time points.
- Incomplete personal history, character disclosures, or identity records.
Our process module: how we manage your 189 case
01. Eligibility diagnosis
Detailed profile review with occupation, age, English, and points gap analysis.
02. Evidence architecture
We design a document set for skills assessment, EOI claims, and visa evidence consistency.
03. Points strategy
Targeted uplift options (English level, partner factors, timing) where available.
04. Lodgement & follow-up
Invitation response, full lodgement quality checks, and communication support.
Need quick action? Start your Subclass 189 process now.
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Contact UsFrequently asked questions (Subclass 189)
How many points do I need for Subclass 189?
The legal threshold is 65 points, but invitation rounds are competitive and practical cut-offs can be higher depending on occupation and round demand.
Can I apply directly without invitation?
No. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation before lodging Subclass 189.
How long does Subclass 189 processing take?
Timeframes vary by case complexity, invitation timing, and document quality. We monitor published updates and prepare complete files to reduce avoidable delay.
Can I include my spouse and children?
Yes, eligible family members can generally be included, subject to identity, health, character, and relationship evidence requirements.
Top trending Subclass 189 questions
Most searched questions from skilled migration applicants, answered clearly for quick decision-making.
What is the minimum points score for Subclass 189 in Australia?
The legal threshold is 65 points, but invitations are competitive. In many rounds, practical invitation scores are higher depending on occupation demand and round size.
Do I need a job offer or state nomination for Subclass 189?
No. Subclass 189 is an independent skilled visa, so it does not require employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination.
Is skills assessment mandatory before I can receive an invitation?
Yes. You generally need a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation before claiming points and progressing to invitation/lodgement stages.
How does SkillSelect invitation round selection work?
EOIs are ranked by points and other priority settings. Invitation rounds issue invitations based on available places, occupation demand, and government planning levels.
Can I include my spouse and children in the Subclass 189 application?
Yes, eligible family members can be included. They must meet identity, health, character, and relationship evidence requirements.
Can my partner add points to improve our overall score?
In many cases, yes. Partner factors may add points if your partner meets specific age, English, and skills criteria under current migration rules.
What English test level gives better points for Subclass 189?
Higher English proficiency can increase your points. The exact points depend on whether your result is assessed as competent, proficient, or superior English.
How long can I stay in Australia on Subclass 189?
Subclass 189 is a permanent visa. It allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, with travel facility conditions and later citizenship options if eligible.
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