- Points Based
- Most people below the age of 51 years old, with an occupation (listed on each country’s list), 2+ years of work experience & good English / French are eligible for this
- It is the most popular way of settling overseas
- Similar to skilled immigration
- Occupation must be listed on the state list
- Long term visa converted to PR & citizenship
- Very popular option for most countries
- Candidates who find a full time job & an employer overseas are eligible for this visa
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- Some countries offer permanent residency anyone who has a parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or first cousin overseas
- The sponsoring relative needs to be an citizen or a permanent resident of that country
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- Many countries offer a temporary or PR visa in exchange for an investment
- Investment amounts can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more
Subclass 189 Visa
Subclass 189 Visa Australia
Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189 Visa requirements
Subclass 189 Visa fee
Learn about Australia’s Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, including eligibility, points test, requirements, application steps, processing time, and visa costs.
Why Apply for the Subclass 189 Visa?
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident
- Travel to and from Australia multiple times without restrictions
- Earn in Australian Dollars, often up to five times higher than your current salary
- Settle in Australia with your spouse and dependent children
- Access Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189, also known as the Skilled Independent visa, is a points-based permanent visa for skilled professionals who wish to live and work in Australia. This visa does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer, a family member, or a state or territory government.
To apply for the Skilled Independent visa, you must score a minimum of 65 points under Australia’s points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other eligibility criteria.
You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If your profile is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the invitation, you must submit your visa application within 60 days.
Once the Subclass 189 visa is granted, you and your eligible family members can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia as permanent residents. You will also gain access to healthcare services, social benefits, and a pathway to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.
Looking for jobs in Australia? Y-Axis is here to assist you at every step of the process.
Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent resident visa that offers several long-term benefits:
- Live in Australia permanently with no time restrictions
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
- Travel to and from Australia freely for five years from the date the visa is granted
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements
Subclass 189 Visa Requirements
You may apply for the Subclass 189 visa if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
Occupation and Skills Assessment
- Your occupation must be listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list for the Subclass 189 visa
- You must obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
- This assessment confirms that your skills and qualifications match your nominated occupation
Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation
- You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- You can apply for the visa only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Points Test
- You must score a minimum of 65 points under Australia’s points-based system
- Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language skills
- Some occupations may require more than 65 points due to high demand
- You must meet the required points score at the time you receive the invitation
English Language Requirement
- You must demonstrate the minimum required level of English language proficiency
- Higher English test scores may help you earn additional points
Age Requirement
- You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive the invitation
Health and Character Requirements
- You must meet health requirements, including medical examinations
- You must meet character requirements, usually through police clearance certificates
Special Note for New Zealand Citizens
- New Zealand citizens may be eligible under a separate New Zealand stream, depending on their circumstances
Documents Required for the Subclass 189 Visa (Australia)
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport and recent photographs
- Skills assessment report from the relevant assessing authority
- English language test results (IELTS or PTE)
- Documents related to the nominated skilled occupation
- Two recent colour passport-sized photographs
- Educational qualification documents, including the highest degree
- Evidence of meeting the Australian study requirement (if applicable)
- Skills assessment documents of spouse or partner (if applicable)
- Relationship proof documents
- Health examination reports
- Police clearance or character certificates
- Employment reference letters from employers
How to Apply for a Subclass 189 Visa
Step 1: Check whether your occupation is listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.
Step 2: Calculate your points and ensure you score at least 65 points under Australia’s points-based system.
Step 3: Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Step 5: Wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Australian immigration authorities.
Step 6: Submit your visa application along with all required documents within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Step 7: Once the visa is approved, move to Australia with your family and begin your new life as a permanent resident.
Need guidance to migrate to Australia on a PR visa? Get expert advice from Y-Axis counsellors.
Subclass 189 Visa Fee
The Subclass 189 visa fee must be paid online through the official Australian immigration website. Payments can be made using a debit or credit card; however, additional charges may apply depending on your bank. The visa application fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. Applicants may also incur additional costs for skills assessments, English language tests, medical examinations, and police clearance certificates.
The table below provides a breakdown of the Subclass 189 visa fees:
| Applicant Category | Visa Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | AUD 4,765 |
| Additional applicant (18 years and above) | AUD 2,385 |
| Additional applicant (below 18 years) | AUD 1,195 |
Also read:
What are the key differences between Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas in 2026?
Subclass 189 Processing Times
The processing time for a Subclass 189 visa can vary based on several factors. These include the duration of the skills assessment, the frequency of invitation rounds, the competitiveness of your points score, and whether all required documents are complete and accurate.
Step-by-Step Processing Timeline:
| Stage | What Happens | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Check whether your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List | 1–2 weeks |
| Step 2 | Check eligibility and calculate points | Up to 2 weeks |
| Step 3 | Complete the skills assessment | 2–3 months |
| Step 4 | Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect | 1–2 weeks |
| Step 5 | Wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) | Varies (no fixed timeframe) |
| Step 6 | Submit the visa application after receiving the ITA | Within 60 days |
| Step 7 | Visa decision after application submission | Approximately 3–6 months |
The total processing time for the Subclass 189 visa is typically 8 to 12 months, depending on factors such as your occupation, points score, and the accuracy of your submitted documents.
How Can Y-Axis Help You?
- Free eligibility check using the Australia Immigration Points Calculator
- Expert guidance and counseling for Australia immigration
- Coaching services, including expert PTE coaching and IELTS proficiency coaching
- Free career counseling — book your slot today
- End-to-end assistance for the Australia PR visa
- Resume writing services to help you find suitable job opportunities in Australia