Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent Visa for Skilled Workers in Australia
The 189 visa is a points-tested, permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state. This visa allows experienced professionals to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
What Can You Do with the 189 Visa?
- Apply from inside or outside Australia
- Live and work anywhere in Australia without restrictions
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
- Work in your skilled occupation or pursue research and study
Benefits of the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
- Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
- No need for employer or state sponsorship
- Access to Medicare, Centrelink benefits, and home loans
- Children can attend free public schools
- Permanent residency with a pathway to citizenship
Who Can Apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (189)?
You can apply if you:
- Have a skilled occupation listed on the eligible occupations list
- Are under 45 years old when invited to apply
- Pass a skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority for your occupation
- Score at least 65 points on the points test (more points improve your chances)
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet health and character standards set by the Australian government
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation via SkillSelect
How to Apply for the 189 Visa
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Wait for an invitation to apply (usually for candidates with 65+ points)
- Once invited, apply within 60 days
- Include eligible family members in your application
Family Members You Can Include
- Your spouse or de facto partner (same or opposite sex)
- Dependent children or stepchildren under 18, or under 23 if studying full-time and dependent
- Adult dependent children with disabilities
English Language Requirements
Applicants over 18 must show Functional English by:
- Holding passports from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland
- Completing education in English (primary, secondary, or tertiary)
- Passing an approved English test for skilled migration (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
Health and Character Requirements
- All applicants and family members must pass health checks
- Police clearance certificates required for applicants over 16 years old
Why Choose Us for Your 189 Visa Application?
At Australian Skilled Migration, we have over 50 years of experience helping skilled workers successfully apply for permanent residency in Australia. Our expert team will:
- Guide you through the points test and eligibility
- Help prepare and submit your EOI and visa application
- Assist with document verification and health checks
- Support you through the interview and processing stages
Start Your Path to Permanent Residency Today!
Contact us for a free consultation, visa assessment, or webinar. We will help you understand if the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is the right option for you.