One app for all your study abroad needs
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points-tested visa, which enables personnel with particular skills and qualifications sought after in Australia to live and work in Australia permanently without any employer sponsorship. It is intended for people who do not have an Australian sponsor but are in possession of the required skills and qualifications that are needed in Australia. Your visa allows you to work and study freely all over the country. This would, in that sense, be ideal for those who are going to begin their new chapter in professional and personal life down under.
This Blog Includes:
- Skilled Independent Visa (189 Visa Australia)
- Who is Eligible For a 189 Visa in Australia?
- Requirements For a Skilled Independent 189 Visa
- How Can I Apply For a 189 Visa from India?
- What is the Processing Time for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
- How Much Does a 189 Visa Cost?
- Can I Bring My Family to Australia on a 189 Visa?
- How Many Points For Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
- How Hard Is It to Get a 189 Visa?
- FAQs
Skilled Independent Visa (189 Visa Australia)
The Skilled Independent visa, also known as visa subclass 189, is designed to attract invited workers with special skills required by Australian society. If you meet the requirements, you can live, work, and study permanently anywhere in Australia. The points-based subclass 189 visa is based on specific employment abilities. If the visa is granted, invited residents benefit from many of the same rights as Australian citizens.
This visa allows you to:
- Study and work anywhere in Australia
- Live permanently in Australia
- Moreover, sponsor your eligible relatives for a PR
- Become an Australian citizen (if you are eligible for it)
Who is Eligible For a 189 Visa in Australia?
To apply for the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream, meet the eligibility criteria. The visa is open to people of all nationalities who meet the following criteria:
- You must have a job that is listed under the ‘skilled occupation list’
- Must have a suitable skill assessment for the occupation, and clear it
- Moreover, you must be invited to apply for this visa
- Get the required points for the visa (65 points or more)
- You must be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation
- A person competent in English(Clear IELTS/TOEFL examination for the same)
- A person who is healthy and is of good character (meaning no crime record)
- Must not have had any previous visa cancellations or refusals in the past
- Paid the debt to the Australian government (if you owed any)
Requirements For a Skilled Independent 189 Visa
It is not enough that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must also meet the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream. These visa requirements are as follows:
| No. | Category | Documents Required |
| 1 | Identity Documents | Passport pages with photo and details, national ID (if any), proof of name change (marriage/divorce certificate, legal name change document, or documents showing other names used) |
| 2 | Relationship Documents | Marriage/divorce/death/separation documents or statutory declarations; explanation if partner/children not included |
| 3 | Character Documents | Australian police certificate (complete disclosure, ≥12 months in the last 10 years), overseas police certificates, military records, Forms 80 & 1221 |
| 4 | Competent English | Proof of at least competent English at the time of invitation |
| 5 | Partner Documents | Partner ID and photos, character documents, marriage/de facto evidence, proof of genuine relationship (joint accounts, bills, leases), functional English proof (if not from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, NZ) |
| 6 | Dependants Under 18 | Birth/adoption certificates, parental consent (Form 1229/statutory declaration/court order), ID of consenting adult |
| 7 | Dependants Over 18 | ID, relationship documents (if any), dependency proof (birth/adoption certificate, Form 47a, financial evidence, medical report if over 23 or disabled), functional English proof (if not from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, NZ) |
| 8 | Skills Assessment | Skills assessment for nominated occupation, English test, skilled employment records, educational qualifications, proof of Australian study/partner skills/professional year if applicable |
| 9 | Medical Practitioners | Current registration certificate from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (unconditional/general or conditional specialist registration) |
| 10 | Barristers & Solicitors | Proof of admission to practice in the relevant state/territory (Admission or Practising Certificate) |
| 11 | Expression of Interest (EOI) | Documents supporting all claims made in EOI |
| 12 | Notify if Getting Help | Form 956A (authorised recipient) and/or Form 956 (migration agent/legal practitioner), uploaded to ImmiAccount |
Also Read: UK Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Step-by-Step Guide & Latest Salary Changes
How Can I Apply For a 189 Visa from India?
You can apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream from India. The application can be filled out by visiting the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Steps to Take Before Applying for the 189 Visa
The online application can only be submitted before you have taken the necessary steps to prove that you are qualified for the visa application. The following are the important steps to take to apply for this particular visa.
- Check the Skilled Occupation Lists to see whether your profession is listed. Only those who can fill a position on this list are eligible for this visa.
- Double-check that you fulfill all of the eligibility criteria. (We have discussed the eligibility criteria above for your reference).
- Take a skills evaluation. To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must take a Skills Assessment and receive an acceptable score. Your score must fulfill the requirements outlined in your invitation letter. The DHA website has instructions on how to acquire a valid Skills Assessment.
- After that, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). You will be asked a series of questions about your background, talents, and relevant job experience. Australian authorities will see your EOI and make it available to Australian companies to recruit someone with your skillset.
- You will be asked to apply for the 189 visas if you get a nomination or sponsor and your EOI satisfies the visa’s conditions.
- Find a sponsor or get a nomination from the government. It would help if you were sponsored by an employer or family member, or nominated by a state or territory government, to apply for the Skilled Independent Work Visa (subclass 189). Once you’ve found a good sponsor, they’ll give you a letter inviting you to apply for the visa.
Online Application Process
You can apply for the 189 visas online through the DHA (Immi Account) once you’ve secured employment and received a nomination.. The online application process for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream is as follows:
- Log in to your SkillSelect account.
- Choose to apply for the visa to be redirected to the online system, ImmiAccount.
- Create your account, and log in to your Immi Account
- Upload the relevant documents
- Pay the visa application fees, and submit the application
- Remember to note your transaction reference number (TRN).
- You will be informed when a decision is made on your application.
What is the Processing Time for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
The processing time for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 (Points-Tested Stream) can vary. The average processing time as of September 2025 is as follows:
| No. | Processing Stage | Timeframe |
| 1. | 50% of applications processed | 8 months |
| 2. | 90% of applications processed | 8 months |
How Much Does a 189 Visa Cost?
Before you submit your application, you have to pay the required fees. The fees for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 (Points-Tested Stream) is as follows:
| No. | Applicant Type | Visa Fee (AUD) |
| 1 | Main applicant | 4,910.00 |
| 2 | Additional applicant aged 18 and over | 2,455.00 |
| 3 | Additional applicant under 18 | 1,230.00 |
Can I Bring My Family to Australia on a 189 Visa?
Yes. Skilled Independent visa permits members of the family unit to be included in the application. Suppose you have a spouse or de facto partner, a dependent child or stepchild, or a dependent grandchild or step-grandchild of a dependent child or stepchild. In that case, they are regarded as members of your family unit under Australian law.
You can include eligible family members in your visa application at the time of submission or later if a decision has not yet been reached. All members of the family must fulfil Australian health and character standards. If you don’t mention a partner or dependent kid in your application, you must explain why.
How Many Points For Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
As per the Australian Department of Home Affairs you need to score at least 65 points or more to be eligible for this visa. When you submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSeelect you will be provided with an indicative points score based on your claims. This score must be 65 points or higher.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) Occupation List
There are more than 200 jobs provided under the occupation list for the points-tested stream. Some of the jobs under this list are provided below. To apply for these jobs, you must be qualified for the position. Only when you get a job offer can you apply for the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream.
| Skilled Occupation LIst | |||
| Accountant (General) | Actuary | Aeronautical Engineer | Agricultural Consultant |
| Agricultural Engineer | Agricultural Scientist | Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic |
| Analyst Programmer | Architect | Artistic Director | Arts Administrator or Manager |
| Audiologist | Automotive Electrician | Barrister | Biochemist |
| Biomedical Engineer | Biotechnologist | Boat Builder and Repairer | Botanist |
| Bricklayer | Cabinetmaker | Cardiologist | Cardiothoracic Surgeon |
| Carpenter | Carpenter and Joiner | Cartographer | Chef |
| Chemical Engineer | Chemist | Child Care Centre Manager | Chiropractor |
| Civil Engineer | Civil Engineering Draftsperson | Civil Engineering Technician | Clinical Haematologist |
| Clinical Psychologist | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | Conservator | Construction Project Manager |
| Dancer or Choreographer | Dermatologist | Developer Programmer | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist |
| Engineering Manager | Engineering Professionals nec | Engineering Technologist | Environmental Consultant |
| Geotechnical Engineer | Glazier | Horse Trainer | Hydrogeologist |
| ICT Business Analyst | ICT Security Specialist | Industrial Engineer | Intensive Care Specialist |
| Internal Auditor | Joiner | Land Economist | Landscape Architect |
| Life Scientist (General) | Life Scientists nec | Lift Mechanic | Locksmith |
| Management Accountant | Management Consultant | Marine Biologist | Materials Engineer |
| Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | Medical Laboratory Scientist | Medical Oncologist | Medical Practitioners nec |
| Medical Radiation Therapist | Metal Fabricator | Metal Machinist (First Class) | Metallurgist |
| Meteorologist | Microbiologist | Midwife | Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum) |
| Motor Mechanic (General) | Motorcycle Mechanic | Multimedia Specialist | Music Director |
| Musician (Instrumental) | Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec | Naval Architect | Nurse Practitioner |
Also Read: 8 Best Companies for Visa Sponsorship UK
How Hard Is It to Get a 189 Visa?
It is difficult to obtain visa under the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) points-tested stream. There are many reasons for it. Some of these reasons are provided below:
- You need to obtain at least 65 points under the point-based system. The points are calculated based on your age, English language proficiency, educational qualifications, skilled employment, and more.
- Some occupations are in demand than others, so it can affect your points
- Even if you meet 65 points, it is not necessary to get an invitation letter. Only the highest-scoring applicants are often invited. The cut-off for high-demand occupations is around 65-70, and for low-demand occupations, it is more than 75.
- Besides this, you must be competent in English. For example, at least an IELTS score of 6.0
- Additionally, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
FAQs
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a type of Australian visa that allows skilled workers with in-demand occupations to live and work in Australia permanently. It is a points-based visa that does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member.
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), you must meet specific criteria, including having a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, obtaining a minimum number of points in the Points Test, and meeting health and character requirements. You also need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
The Points Test is a critical component of the Skilled Independent Visa application. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, education, work experience, and more. To qualify for the visa, you must score a minimum number of points, which may vary depending on changing government policies and the occupation you nominate. A higher point score increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
The main difference between a 189 visa and a 190 visa is that the 189 visa is points-tested. No sponsorship is required for the same. On the other hand, the skilled nominated visa or subclass 190 is a points-tested visa with state/territory nomination. This visa requires you to stay in the state for at least 2 years. Invitations are easier as extra point are given.
Related Articles:
We hope you now understand all about the Skilled Independent Visa in Australia. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!is there any interview for schengen tourist visa
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!
