Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

Who this pathway suits

The 189 is the most independent of Australia's skilled visas. Nobody nominates you: your invitation depends only on your occupation and the points you can prove. That independence is what makes it attractive, and also what makes it competitive, because there is no nomination to add points.You become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted. You can live, work and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives and, once you meet the residence requirements, apply for citizenship. The visa includes a travel facility for five years from grant.Home Affairs currently processes 189 applications in priority order under Ministerial Direction No. 122, with earlier allocation dates for priority sectors such as construction, healthcare and teaching, and for applicants who lodged while in Australia.

Eligibility at a glance

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Hold a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
• Be invited to apply through SkillSelect
• Be under 45 years of age when you are invited
• Score at least 65 points on the points test
• Have at least competent English
• Meet the health and character requirements, for you and every family member who applies
• Have repaid any debt to the Australian Government and sign the Australian values statement
• Not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused that bars you from applying

How the process works

1. Check your occupation — Confirm your occupation is on the list that applies to subclass 189 and identify the right ANZSCO code.
2. Get your skills assessed — Apply to the assessing authority for your occupation. Keep the outcome valid until you are invited.
3. Sit an English test — Competent English is the minimum. Proficient and superior results add points.
4. Submit an expression of interest — Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect with the points you can prove. It is free and stays active for two years.
5. Apply within 60 days — When invited, lodge the visa application online within 60 days, in or outside Australia.
6. Health, character and decision — Complete health checks and police certificates, answer any requests promptly, and wait for the decision in writing.

Documents you will typically need

• Passport and identity documents for every applicant
• Skills assessment outcome letter for your nominated occupation
• English test results, or evidence of an English-speaking passport
• Employment evidence for every period you claim points for: references, contracts, payslips and tax records
• Qualification certificates and academic transcripts
• Police certificates for each country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
• Health examinations arranged after you lodge
• Partner's skills assessment and English evidence, if you claim partner points

Frequently asked questions