Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 189 at a Glance
Visa type: Permanent residency. Application cost (2025–26): $4,640 (main applicant). Processing time: 6–12 months (varies by occupation and case complexity). Minimum points required: 65 (competitive invitations typically 85–95+). Occupation list: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Age limit: Under 45 at time of invitation. English requirement: Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent). No sponsor or employer needed — this is a fully independent pathway to permanent residency.
What is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of Australia's most sought-after permanent residency pathways. It allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently, without needing sponsorship from an employer, state, or territory government. Because it is entirely independent, it is also the most competitive skilled visa — you need a high points score to receive an invitation to apply. Once granted, you become an Australian permanent resident with access to Medicare, the ability to sponsor family members, and a pathway to citizenship.
How the Points Test Works
The points test is the core of the 189 visa application. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), but in practice, most occupations require 85–95+ points to receive an invitation. Points are awarded across several categories. Age: 25–32 years scores the maximum 30 points, scaling down to 0 points at 45+. English proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6.0) scores 0 points; Proficient (IELTS 7.0) scores 10; Superior (IELTS 8.0) scores 20. Overseas work experience in your nominated occupation: 3–4 years scores 5 points, up to 15 points for 8+ years. Australian work experience: 1–2 years scores 5 points, up to 20 points for 8+ years. Education: Trade qualification scores 10 points; Bachelor's degree 15 points; PhD 20 points. Australian study requirement (2 years of study in Australia): 5 points. Specialist education or STEM qualification: 10 points. Regional study in Australia: 5 points. Community language (NAATI accreditation): 5 points. Partner skills (if your partner also meets skills and English requirements): 10 points, or 5 points if partner has competent English only. Single applicants receive 10 points for having no partner. It is important to calculate your points accurately before submitting your EOI. A migration agent can help you identify all eligible points and avoid common errors.
Skilled Occupation Lists and Skills Assessment
Your occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to be eligible for a 189 visa. This list includes occupations in areas such as engineering, IT, healthcare, accounting, trades, and sciences. The list is updated periodically, so always check the current version on the Department of Home Affairs website before investing in a skills assessment. You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) assesses IT roles, CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants ANZ assess accounting roles, and VETASSESS covers a wide range of professional and trade occupations. The skills assessment process can take 4–12 weeks and typically costs $300–$1,500 depending on the assessing authority. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications, work experience, and in some cases complete a technical interview or portfolio review.
The SkillSelect and Invitation Process
Once you have your skills assessment and English test results, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. Your EOI sits in a pool with other candidates. The Department of Home Affairs runs regular invitation rounds (typically monthly), selecting the highest-scoring EOIs for each occupation. The number of invitations issued depends on the annual migration program planning levels. Some occupations have ceiling limits — once the ceiling is reached, no more invitations are issued for that occupation until the next program year (starting 1 July). If you are invited, you have 60 days to lodge your full visa application with all supporting documents. Keep your documents ready in advance so you can lodge quickly. After lodging, you may be asked to complete medical examinations and police checks if you have not already done so.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Current processing times for the 189 visa are approximately 6–12 months from lodgement, though this varies depending on your occupation, the complexity of your case, and the Department's workload. During processing, you may receive a request for additional information or documents — respond promptly within the given timeframe (usually 28 days). If you are in Australia on another visa, you will generally receive a bridging visa that allows you to remain while your application is processed. If you are offshore, you will need to maintain a valid passport and be prepared to provide biometrics if requested.
Total Costs Breakdown
The total cost of a 189 visa application includes several components. Government visa application fee: $4,640 for the main applicant, $2,320 for an additional adult applicant (e.g. partner), and $1,160 for a dependent child. Skills assessment: $300–$1,500 depending on the assessing authority. English language test: IELTS $395, PTE Academic $410, or equivalent. Medical examination: $300–$500 per person. Police clearances: $50–$200 per country you have lived in for 12+ months. Migration agent fees: $3,000–$6,000 for professional assistance. Total estimated cost for a single applicant: approximately $9,000–$13,000 including all components. Use our cost estimator tool at /tools/cost-estimator for a personalised breakdown.
Tips for Maximising Your Points Score
Every point matters. Here are practical strategies to boost your score. Improve your English: Moving from IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 across all bands adds 10 points — this is often the most accessible way to increase your score. Consider PTE Academic, which many applicants find easier to achieve high scores in. Gain more work experience: Each additional year of relevant experience adds points. Ensure your employment references clearly describe duties matching your nominated occupation. Study in Australia: Two academic years of study in Australia adds 5 points, and studying in a regional area adds another 5. NAATI community language accreditation: If you are bilingual, a NAATI credential adds 5 points. Partner skills: If your partner can also obtain a skills assessment and competent English, you gain up to 10 additional points. Consider a Professional Year: Available for accounting, IT, and engineering graduates — adds 5 points. A migration agent can review your situation and identify opportunities to claim points you might have missed.
189 vs 190 vs 491: Which Should You Choose?
If your points score is below the competitive threshold for the 189, consider the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas. The 190 adds 5 points through state or territory nomination but requires you to live in the nominating state for 2 years. The 491 adds 15 points through state or family sponsorship and requires you to live and work in regional Australia for 3 years before applying for permanent residency through the 191 visa. Many applicants lodge EOIs for multiple visa types simultaneously to maximise their chances. Read our guides on the Subclass 190 visa (/guides/subclass-190-skilled-nominated-visa) and Subclass 491 visa (/guides/subclass-491-skilled-work-regional-visa) for more details.
Find a Migration Agent for Your 189 Application
The Subclass 189 is one of the most competitive visas in Australia's migration program, and professional guidance can make a significant difference. A registered migration agent can help you maximise your points, choose the right occupation, prepare a watertight application, and respond to any requests from the Department. Use our directory at /migration-agents to search for MARA-registered agents who specialise in skilled migration, and verify any agent's registration with our MARA check tool at /tools/mara-check.
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