189 Skilled Independent Visa

The 189 visa is a permanent application allowing the applicants to remain indefinitely in Australia with full work rights. It does not require sponsorship by a State/Territory Government or relative in Australia.

Subclass 189 applications (independent skilled) are currently only open to occupations listed in the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) and the focus is on those in Australia who are employed in their nominated occupation.

Requirements for 189 Visa

In order to qualify for a Subclass 189 visa, you would need to:

• Make sure your occupation is on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Meet the pass mark in the skilled migration points test
• Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
• Pass Skills Assessment in an occupation on the Occupations List for Skilled Independent visas
• Have Competent English or higher
• Meet the health and character requirements
• Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply

Steps involved in applying for a 189 Visa

• Apply for your Skills Assessment
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Wait for your invitation to apply for your Skilled Visa
• Apply for your visa

Pass Mark

The current pass mark for an invitation is 65 points however this fluctuates dependent on the volume and quality of candidates applying. Some occupations require a much higher pass mark, please access ‘Latest invitation round GSM‘.

Extra Points for Partner skill Qualification

You may wish to consider additional 5 points on your partner’s skills. They will have to meet the following criteria:

• Have an occupation listed on the same relevant Skilled Occupation list as the main applicant
• Have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation
• Meet the age and English requirements

Is 189 Visa closed due to the coronavirus Pandemic?

You can still start your application with the skills assessment and Expression of Interest; however whilst Australia’s international borders remain closed and if you are offshore, you will not receive an invitation for any Subclass 189 application as the focus is on those in Australia who are employed in their nominated occupation.

Skills Assessments and English test results

Skill Assessments and English test results are valid for three years for migration purpose.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once you have completed your EOI, it is stored in Skill Select and is valid for two years. After this, you will have to submit a new EOI.

189 Visa Cost

This will vary depending on the number of dependants included in your application and their age.
Please be aware that the cost of visas changes from time to time.

Do I Apply in Australia or Overseas? Can I include Family Members on my visa application?

You can apply either onshore or offshore of Australia and you can include dependent family members such as spouse/partner and dependent children.

What happens after I submit my 189 Visa application?

Once your 189 visa application is allocated to a case officer, they may undertake id checks and assess your claimed information such as employment, character and health before making a decision on your visa application.

Please be aware that a case officer may refuse your visa application without requesting further information or documents. Therefore, it is crucial you provide all relevant documents at the time of the lodgement of your application.

Duration and Conditions

Once you receive your Permanent Residency through the 189 Visa, you are entitled to:

• Live and work permanently in Australia
• Study in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health-related care and expenses
• Access certain social security payments
• Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the residency requirement

Becoming an Australian citizen

After a certain time, you might be eligible for Australian citizenship.