Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Visas are decided only by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Overview
Complete details about Australia's Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for permanent residency.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Varies by occupation and demand; see the Home Affairs processing-times page (not guaranteed) |
| Visa duration | Permanent |
| Points required | Minimum 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest; invited candidates usually score higher |
| Government fee (main applicant) | About AUD 6,135 from 1 July 2026 — verify on Home Affairs |
About this visa
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member and are not nominated by a state or territory government. If you are invited through SkillSelect and your application is granted, you can live and work in Australia permanently.
Points System (current test — reform announced)
Point values come from the current test and may change with the announced reform. Checked October 2026.
Age points
Select the option that applies to you.
Age points selected: 0
Age points from your selection
0 points
Indicative total across all categories: 0 points
Slice size shows the maximum listed points for each category. This is an illustration only: skilled employment depends on your years of experience, and the points test is due to be reformed. Checked October 2026.
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–24: 25 · 25–32: 30 · 33–39: 25 · 40–44: 15 |
| English | Competent: 0 · Proficient: 10 · Superior: 20 |
| Skilled employment | Up to 15 for overseas and up to 20 for Australian experience, with a combined cap of 20 |
| Education | Up to 20 points: doctorate at the top, bachelor's or master's degree 15 |
| Extras | Australian study requirement: 5 · Study in a regional area: 5 · Credentialled community language: 5 · Professional Year: 5 · Specialist STEM qualification: 10 |
| Partner | Up to 10 points for a skilled partner or a single applicant, or 5 for a partner with competent English |
Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Discover the rights that come with a permanent Australian visa, subject to the visa granted and current rules.
Permanent Residency
Live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship once residence requirements are met.
Family Inclusion
A partner and dependent children can usually be included in your application, subject to eligibility and additional charges.
Healthcare Access
Eligibility for Medicare, subject to current rules and your residency status.
Schooling
Children of permanent residents can generally attend public schools. Budget for university tuition.
Work Rights
No employer sponsorship or location conditions: you can work for any employer anywhere in Australia.
Travel Facility
A permanent visa includes a five-year travel facility; after that you need a Resident Return visa to re-enter as a resident.
Key Requirements for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Basic eligibility
- Generally under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Competent English as a minimum; higher levels add points.
- Health and character requirements.
- A nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- At least 65 points, though invited candidates usually score higher.
Skills assessment
- A positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation.
- Recent skilled employment in or related to the nominated occupation, where required.
- Qualification assessment and registration or licensure where required.
Documentation
- Valid passport and travel documents.
- Educational qualifications and transcripts.
- Employment references and experience letters.
- Skills assessment outcome and English test results.
- Police clearance certificates and medical examination results.
- Birth and marriage certificates where applicable.
How the 189 Application Process Works
A general overview. Your actual sequence depends on your occupation and profile, and timelines are not guaranteed.
- 1
Skills assessment
Get your skills assessed by the designated Australian authority for your occupation.
- Choose the assessing authority.
- Submit your qualifications and experience evidence.
- Receive the assessment outcome.
- Address any gaps.
- 2
Points calculation
Estimate your points under the current Australian points test.
- Age points.
- English language points (take an approved test).
- Work experience points.
- Education and other points.
- 3
Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
- Create a SkillSelect account.
- Complete your EOI profile accurately.
- Submit your EOI.
- Wait for an invitation; your EOI stays valid for a limited period.
- 4
Invitation and application
If invited, you have a limited time (usually 60 days) to lodge your application.
- Prepare and upload your documents.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Provide health examinations and police certificates.
- Attend a biometrics appointment if requested.
- 5
Decision and visa grant
Home Affairs assesses your application and decides.
- Health and character checks are completed.
- A decision is made.
- If granted, you receive your visa conditions.
- Meet the initial entry date requirement.
Typical Government Costs for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant visa charge | About AUD 6,135 | From 1 July 2026; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Additional applicant (18 and over) | About AUD 3,070 | Reported figure; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | About AUD 1,535 | Reported figure; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Skills assessment | Varies | Set by each assessing authority. |
| English test, health checks, police certificates | Varies | Paid to the providers. |
Charges are set by the Australian Government and change each July. Confirm current amounts on the Home Affairs website before applying.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?
The 189 is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member and not nominated by a state or territory. You submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and may be invited to apply. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether it is granted.
Who can apply for the 189 visa?
Generally you must be under 45 at invitation, have an occupation on the relevant list with a positive skills assessment, meet at least competent English, score at least 65 points and meet health and character requirements. You can apply from outside Australia, including from the UAE.
How many points do I need for the 189?
The minimum to submit an Expression of Interest is 65 points. In practice, invitations go to the highest-scoring candidates, and competitive scores are usually well above 65 and vary by occupation and round. Check recent SkillSelect invitation results for your occupation.
Can I get invited with 65 points?
It is possible for some occupations, but not common for competitive ones. Invitations depend on the number of places, how many people have EOIs in your occupation and how long they have waited. A realistic plan should assume you may need more than the minimum.
How are 189 invitations decided?
Home Affairs runs invitation rounds and invites the highest-scoring candidates first, with ties broken by the date you reached that score. The number of invitations depends on the planning level for the visa.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is your online profile in SkillSelect that records your occupation, points, English and other details. It is not a visa application. If invited, you then lodge the actual visa application within the time allowed.
How long does an EOI stay valid?
An EOI generally remains in SkillSelect for two years from submission, unless you withdraw it or are invited. Keep it accurate, because incorrect claims can lead to refusal.
What is a skills assessment and who does it?
It is an independent check by a designated assessing authority that your qualifications and experience meet the standard for your occupation. Each authority has its own documents, fees and timelines, so choose the right one early.
What English level do I need?
You need at least competent English, which most applicants show through IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge or OET. Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points. Some applicants can use other evidence, so check which applies.
How does the points test work?
Points are awarded for age, English, skilled employment, education and extras such as a skilled partner, Professional Year or regional study. The Government announced a points-test reform in May 2026, so the values may change.
Is the points test changing in 2026?
Yes. The May 2026 Budget announced reforms to favour younger, better-educated and higher-skilled migrants. Specific settings had not been announced when we compiled this page, so plan for change and check Home Affairs.
How much does the 189 visa cost?
The main applicant charge is about AUD 6,135 from 1 July 2026, and additional applicants pay extra. Skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates are additional. Confirm all amounts with Home Affairs.
How long does the 189 take?
Time depends on how long you wait for an invitation and how long Home Affairs takes to decide after you lodge. Home Affairs publishes processing times, which are not guaranteed. Avoid fixing your resignation or relocation date around an estimate.
Do I need a job offer?
No. The 189 does not require a job offer or sponsorship. You are selected on points, and if granted you can work for any employer anywhere in Australia.
Can my family be included?
Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can usually be included, and each additional applicant pays a charge and must meet health and character requirements. A skilled partner or a partner with competent English may add points.
Can I apply if I am over 45?
Not for the 189. The age limit is generally under 45 at the time of invitation. Other pathways, such as employer-sponsored visas, have different age rules, so ask us about alternatives.
What is the difference between the 189 and the 190?
The 189 needs no sponsorship and no commitment to a state, while the 190 needs nomination from a state or territory, which adds 5 points and usually involves living and working there for a period. Many applicants compare both.
Does the 189 let me live anywhere in Australia?
Yes. The 189 carries no state or regional conditions, so you can live and work anywhere in Australia once it is granted.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.
Can Visatrix Global guarantee my 189 visa?
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted, and no consultant can guarantee approval, invitations or processing times. We help you assess your options and prepare an accurate, well-organised application.
Related Advisory Services
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Explore Subclass 190 Advisory →Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
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Choose the right assessing authority.
Explore Skills Assessment Advisory →Start Your 189 Eligibility Assessment
Get a free assessment of your Skilled Independent visa options from our Dubai-based advisors. We review your points, English, occupation and documents, and explain which pathways may fit your profile. No obligation.
Immigration regulations, eligibility criteria, occupation lists, points requirements, language requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting any application.
Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. We do not guarantee visa approval, invitations, points outcomes or processing times. Our services are limited to general information, eligibility assessment and document organisation; immigration assistance on Australian visa applications must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer, which you can verify at the OMARA public register (omara.gov.au).
Content compiled October 2026; figures marked “about” or “reported” should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Official sources to verify
- immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), points test, SkillSelect and the fee table.
- The 2026–27 Federal Budget papers and Migration Program planning levels.
- Home Affairs notices on the 1 July 2026 visa application charges.
- omara.gov.au — to verify any migration agent named on the page.