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Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

The Australia Subclass 189 Visa is a highly sought-after permanent residency option for skilled professionals who wish to live and work anywhere in Australia. This visa is designed for individuals who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member, and it operates on a points-based system to select the most qualified applicants.

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is your ticket to Permanent Residency For Australia — without needing employer or state sponsorship. Ideal for professionals on the 189 visa occupation list, this visa is points-tested and opens up the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Benefits of Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 189)

  • You can stay in Australia permanently with this visa.
  • You can also enjoy the public healthcare scheme and Medicare facilities.
  • The applicant can also sponsor their relatives to come to Australia.
  • You can travel to and from Australia for five years.
  • You may become eligible for Australian citizenship after living in Australia for four years.

Australia PR Points Calculator - 2025

Visa Subclass

Visa Subclass

Which visa Subclass are you applying for?

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Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189
You must have an occupation on the MLTSSL.
Skilled Nominated visa Subclass 190
Requires nomination by a State or Territory government.
You must have an occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa Subclass 491
Requires nomination by a State or Territory government, or sponsorship by a suitable family member.
You must have an occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL or ROL.
Age

Age

Your age at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.

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18 to 24
25 to 32
33 to 39
40 to 44
English Language

English Language

What are your English Language qualifications at the time of invitation to apply for the visa?

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Competent English:
  • Passport from UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Ireland; or
  • IELTS: at least 6 in each component; or
  • OET: at least 'B' in each component; or
  • TOEFL iBT: 12 in Listening, 13 Reading, 21 Writing, 18 Speaking; or
  • PTE Academic: At least 50 in each component; or
  • Cambridge (CAE): At least 169 in each component
Proficient English:
  • IELTS: at least 7 in each component; or
  • OET: at least 'B' in each component; or
  • TOEFL iBT: 24 in Listening, 24 Reading, 27 Writing, 23 Speaking; or
  • PTE Academic: At least 65 in each component; or
  • Cambridge (CAE): At least 185 in each component
Superior English:
  • IELTS: at least 8 in each component; or
  • OET: at least 'A' in each component; or
  • TOEFL iBT: 28 in Listening, 29 Reading, 30 Writing, 26 Speaking; or
  • PTE Academic: At least 79 in each component; or
  • Cambridge (CAE): At least 200 in each component
Overseas Work Experience

Overseas Work Experience

In the last 10 years, how long have you worked in your nominated skilled occupation or closely related occupation outside Australia?

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  • For the employment to be counted it must be at least 20 hours per week for remuneration
  • The maximum points that can be awarded for 'Overseas Work Experience' and 'Australian Work Experience' combined, is 20 points
8 years or more
5 to 7 years
3 to 4 years
Less than 3 years
Australian Work Experience

Australian Work Experience

In the last 10 years, how long have you worked in your nominated skilled occupation or closely related occupation in Australia?

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The maximum points that can be awarded for 'Overseas Work Experience' and 'Australian Work Experience' combined, is 20 points

8 years or more
5 to 7 years
3 to 4 years
1 to 2 years
Less than 1 year
Educational Qualifications

Educational Qualifications

What is your highest qualification?

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A Doctorate degree (PhD) from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution that is of a recognised standard
A Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution that is of a recognised standard
A diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia; or other award or qualification recognised by the skills assessing authority
No Recognised Qualifications
Australian Educational Qualification

Australian Educational Qualification

Degree, diploma, advanced diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution which took at least 2 years of full-time study and was taught in English.

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Yes
No
Specialist Educational Qualification

Specialist Educational Qualification

A Masters degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years in a relevant field (Natural and Physical Sciences, Information Technology or Engineering and Related Technologies).

0

Yes
No
Accredited Community Language

Accredited Community Language

Do you hold any one of the following?

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  • Accreditation at the paraprofessional level or above;
  • Certification at the certified provisional level or above;
  • A community language credential
Yes
No
Partner Qualifications

Partner Qualifications

Do you have a partner (spouse or de facto partner) who meets the following criteria?

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10 points
  • My partner is aged under 45, and
  • My partner has Competent English, and
  • My partner is an applicant of the same subclass of visa as me, and
  • My partner nominated a suitable skilled occupation and obtained a positive skills assessment (that is not for a Subclass 485 visa)
10 points
  • I don’t have a spouse or de facto partner, or
  • My partner is an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen
5 points
  • My partner has Competent English, and
  • My partner is an applicant of the same subclass of visa as me, and
  • My partner is not an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen
0 points
  • None of the above
Professional Year in Australia

Professional Year in Australia

Did you complete a professional year program in Australia in your nominated skilled occupation for at least 12 months in the 48 months immediately before the time of invitation to apply for the visa?

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Yes
No

SkillSelect Visa Points Test Calculator



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    Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Visa

    To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

    • Step : 1 Invitation to Apply You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
    • Step : 2 Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
    • Step : 3 Points Requirement: You need to score a minimum of 65 points on the 189 visa points calculator.
    • Step : 4 English Proficiency: Demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6.0 in each band or equivalent).
    • Step : 5 Occupation List: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
    • Step : 6 Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
    • Step : 7 Health & Character: Meet the required health and character standards, including police clearances and medical examinations.

    Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa

    • Valid passport.
    • Proof of age and identity (birth certificate, national ID).
    • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
    • Skills assessment evidence.
    • Resume/CV outlining work experience.
    • Health and character documents.
    • Any additional documents required by the state or territory.

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    189 visa Australia Processing time & Fees

    Understanding the costs and timeframes involved will enable you to be better prepared. Here's an overview of fees and processing times for Subclass 189 Visa:

    Type Description
    Visa Fee AUD 4,640 for the main applicant
    Additional Applicant Fee AUD 2,320 for an additional applicant over 18 years; AUD 1,160 for a dependent under 18 years
    Biometric Fee Applicable if biometrics are required during the process
    Processing Time Typically ranges from 3 to 8 months, depending on the completeness of the application and case complexity

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    Important FAQ's


    The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers. It does not require sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member and allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.

    To be eligible, you must be under 45 years of age, have a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), receive an invitation through SkillSelect, meet the minimum points requirement (65 points), and have competent English proficiency.

    The Skilled Occupation List (also referred to as the MLTSSL) includes high-demand occupations across Australia. You must nominate an occupation from this list to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.

    The Subclass 190 visa requires a state or territory nomination, while Subclass 189 is independent and does not require nomination.



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