Skilled Independent Visa: Subclass 189

This visa is attractive because it gives you full permanent residency from the moment it is granted. That means you can live and work wherever you choose, study at local institutions, access Medicare, bring eligible family members and eventually apply for citizenship if you meet the conditions. Unlike temporary or provisional visas, you don’t have to wait for additional years or complete extra stages before becoming a permanent resident. The 189 visa places you directly into Australia’s skilled permanent migration program.

This visa is ideal for skilled individuals who want to settle in Australia independently. You don’t need a job offer or a sponsor. You only need to demonstrate that you have the right skills, experience and qualifications for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. Many people from fields like engineering, IT, medicine, trades, accounting and management find this visa to be a perfect fit. Applicants who have strong English skills, several years of international or Australian work experience and solid educational backgrounds usually perform well in the points system.

To apply for the Subclass 189 visa, you must satisfy a number of criteria. Your occupation must appear on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Skilled Occupation List. Once you choose your occupation, you must undergo a skills assessment with the designated assessing authority for your profession. This assessment confirms whether your experience and qualifications match Australian standards.

You must also meet the points test requirement. The minimum score is 65 points, but meeting the minimum does not guarantee an invitation. Points come from your age, educational background, skilled work experience, English language ability, and additional factors like partner skills or Australian study. In recent years, higher scores have become more competitive, so aiming for a stronger score improves your chances.

You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive an invitation to apply. You also need to prove you have at least competent English, although many applicants aim for higher scores to gain extra points. Health and character checks are mandatory and must be completed for you and any family members included in your application.

The first major step is your skills assessment. This is often the most time-consuming stage because it requires collecting documents such as degree certificates, transcripts, reference letters, job descriptions and proof of experience. Once your assessment is approved, you can submit an Expression of Interest through Australia’s SkillSelect system.

Your Expression of Interest is placed into a pool with other skilled applicants. Every few rounds, the government selects candidates with competitive points and in-demand occupations to receive invitations. After receiving an invitation, you have a short window to lodge your actual visa application. This is when you must upload all supporting documents, including identity papers, educational records, skills assessment results, English test results, police certificates and medical checks.

Once your application is lodged, the waiting period begins. Processing times vary depending on demand, the accuracy of your documents, and background checks. It is not unusual for applicants to wait several months for a decision. The key is to ensure your application is complete and consistent, which helps avoid delays.

The Subclass 189 visa comes with several long-term advantages. As a permanent resident, you are free to work for any employer in any Australian state or territory. You can change jobs, industries or regions without needing approval from the government. You gain access to the national public healthcare system, educational opportunities and support services. If you meet the residency requirements, you can eventually apply for citizenship.

Your family also benefits. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application, and they will receive the same permanent residency rights. Later, you may be able to sponsor other eligible relatives. The visa also includes a travel facility that allows you to enter and leave Australia for five years from the date of grant. Even after the travel facility expires, your permanent residency remains valid, and you can renew the travel facility if needed.

While the Subclass 189 visa is one of the most flexible and desirable migration pathways, there are important realities to understand. Competition is high because many skilled individuals around the world aim for this visa. As a result, the points required for an invitation often exceed the minimum. Applicants with strong English scores, high qualifications, and extensive work experience generally have an advantage.

Your occupation plays a large role in the strength of your application. Some occupations receive more invitations than others because they match current labour shortages. If your job is highly in demand, your chances of receiving an invitation improve. On the other hand, if your occupation is popular but not heavily needed, you may wait longer.

Another critical factor is documentation. Every claim you make in your Expression of Interest must be supported by verifiable proof. Mismatched or vague documents can cause delays or lead to refusal. This is why many applicants prepare their documents carefully before submitting their EOI.

Costs are also something to consider. Fees for the skills assessment, English tests, medical examinations, police certificates and the actual visa application can add up. Planning ahead helps prevent surprises and keeps the process smooth.

To strengthen your chances of receiving an invitation, focus on improving your points score. If possible, retake your English test to achieve a higher band, as this can significantly boost your points. Make sure your work experience is properly documented and matches your nominated occupation. Consider whether your partner can contribute additional points if they also meet certain criteria.

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