About

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It is designed for highly skilled individuals whose occupations are in demand in Australia and who want to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.

There are two streams under this visa:

1. Points-tested stream – For skilled workers invited based on their Expression of Interest (EOI) and points score.
   
2. New Zealand stream – For eligible New Zealand citizens living and working in Australia who meet certain residency and income requirements. (Note: This stream closed permanently on 1 July 2023.)
   
   

The points-tested stream is the main option currently available for new applicants.

Who can apply

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  
  
• Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation by a recognised assessing authority.
  
  
• Points Score: You must score at least 65 points on the Australian immigration points test. Points are awarded based on age, qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, etc.
  
  
• Age Limit: You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive the invitation to apply.
  
  
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English, generally through tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
  
  
• Invitation to Apply: You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
  
  
• Health and Character: You must meet Australia’s health and character standards.

Benefits

• Permanent Residency: You and your eligible family members can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
  
  
• No Sponsorship Required: You don’t need to be sponsored by an employer or state/territory.
  
  
• Full Work Rights: No limitations on the type or location of employment in Australia.
  
  
• Access to Public Services: Includes Medicare (Australia’s public health care system) and education.
  
  
• Pathway to Citizenship: After fulfilling the residency requirement, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
  
  
• Family Inclusion: You can include your partner and dependent children in the application.

Real-Life Example

An electrical engineer from South Africa, aged 33, with 8 years of relevant experience and a master’s degree, completes a positive skills assessment. He scores 80 points on the immigration points test and submits an EOI. After receiving an invitation to apply, he submits a complete application and is granted the Subclass 189 visa. He relocates to Perth, begins working in his field, and plans to apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions