Australia’s skilled migration system offers a range of permanent visa pathways for highly qualified individuals. One of the most flexible and desirable options is the Skilled Independent Visa, officially known as Subclass 189. This visa allows skilled professionals to live and work permanently in Australia without the need for employer sponsorship or state nomination.
If you are considering skilled migration and want an independent pathway to Australian permanent residency, understanding how the Subclass 189 visa works is essential. In this article, we explore who the visa is designed for, the application process, how the points test works, and practical tips for building a strong and compliant application.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent Visa is a points tested permanent residency visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia independently. It does not require nomination by a state or territory government or sponsorship by an employer or family member.
This visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration program and is suitable for people who have qualifications and experience in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List.
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency status from the date of grant
- Full work and study rights across Australia
- Access to public healthcare through Medicare
- Pathway to apply for Australian citizenship
- No need for employer or state nomination
- Ability to include eligible family members
This visa suits professionals who wish to retain flexibility in where they live and work while enjoying all the benefits of permanent residency.
Thinking about applying for a Skilled Independent Visa Speak to AIM Lawyers for expert advice on eligibility and points calculation.
Who Should Consider a Skilled Independent Visa
You may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 189 visa if:
- Your occupation is on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List
- You are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- You have a positive skills assessment for your occupation
- You can meet the minimum English language requirements
- You can score at least 65 points on the points test
- You receive an invitation through the SkillSelect system
The visa is open to applicants both inside and outside Australia and is well suited to those who want to migrate independently based on their skills and qualifications.
To learn more about eligible occupations and how skilled migration works, visit our Skilled Visas Overview page.
Application Process for the Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa application involves multiple stages, from skills assessment through to visa lodgement. Below is a step by step guide.
Step One Check Your Occupation
Confirm that your occupation appears on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. This list is maintained by the Australian Government and includes occupations that are in national demand such as engineers, nurses, IT specialists and trades workers.
Step Two Complete a Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your nominated occupation. This step verifies that your qualifications and work experience align with Australian standards.
You can explore skills assessment requirements in more detail through our Immigration Tools.
Step Three Calculate Your Points
The minimum required score is 65 points. However, many occupations require higher scores due to competition. Points are awarded based on criteria such as age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, and qualifications.
Use the Skilled Points Visa Calculator to assess your likely score.
Step Four Submit an Expression of Interest
Lodge an Expression of Interest through the SkillSelect system. Your EOI must include details of your skills, work experience, English test results and your claimed points.
Submitting an EOI is not the same as lodging a visa application. It is an initial step indicating that you wish to be considered for a visa.
Step Five Receive an Invitation
If your EOI is competitive, you may receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa. Invitations are issued based on factors such as occupation ceilings and the points ranking of all applicants.
Step Six Lodge Your Visa Application
Once you are invited, you have 60 days to submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs. Your application must include supporting evidence for all claims, as well as health and character documents.
Get your 189 visa points assessed by an experienced migration lawyer in Melbourne today.
Understanding the Skilled Migration Points Test
The Skilled Independent Visa is points tested. Points are awarded across a range of factors that reflect your likelihood of contributing to the Australian workforce.
Here is how the points are structured.
Age
- 18 to 24 years: 25 points
- 25 to 32 years: 30 points
- 33 to 39 years: 25 points
- 40 to 44 years: 15 points
English Language Proficiency
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
Skilled Employment Outside Australia
- Three to four years: 5 points
- Five to seven years: 10 points
- Eight or more years: 15 points
Skilled Employment in Australia
- One to two years: 5 points
- Three to four years: 10 points
- Five to seven years: 15 points
- Eight or more years: 20 points
Educational Qualifications
- Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
- Bachelor or Masters degree: 15 points
- Doctorate: 20 points
Other Points Factors
- Australian study requirement met: 5 points
- Specialist education qualification: 10 points
- Credentialled community language: 5 points
- Study in regional Australia: 5 points
- Partner skills: up to 10 points
You can estimate your current points score using our Skilled Points Visa Calculator.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa you must meet the following:
- Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Have an occupation on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List
- Have a valid skills assessment for the nominated occupation
- Meet English language requirements
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation
- Meet health and character requirements
If you are unsure about your eligibility or want help improving your score, reach out via our Contact page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often delay or jeopardise their chances by making simple mistakes. Here are common errors to watch out for:
- Claiming points without sufficient documentation
- Submitting an EOI before completing the skills assessment
- Providing outdated or incorrect English test results
- Failing to update the EOI when circumstances change
- Underestimating the points required for competitive occupations
A detailed review by a migration professional can prevent unnecessary delays or refusals.
How to Strengthen Your Skilled Independent Visa Application
Improving your competitiveness can make the difference between receiving an invitation and waiting indefinitely. Here are some ways to boost your points score and strengthen your overall profile.
Improve English Language Results
Moving from proficient to superior English can increase your score by 10 points. Retaking your language test is often worth the effort.
Gain More Work Experience
Additional years of skilled employment, especially in Australia, can increase your score. Make sure you properly document and claim all eligible experience.
Claim Partner Points
If your partner meets the age, English and skills criteria, you may be able to claim up to 10 additional points.
Study in Australia
Completing an eligible qualification in a regional area may give you bonus points.
Credentialled Community Language
If you speak a community language and can pass a NAATI test, you may be eligible for five extra points.
Contact AIM Lawyers to strengthen your Skilled Independent Visa application.
Why Seek Legal Advice for Your Skilled Visa
The 189 visa process is competitive and regulated. Even small mistakes in your EOI or documentation can delay or derail your application.
At AIM Lawyers, we help skilled professionals:
- Assess their eligibility and points
- Prepare strong and compliant EOIs
- Navigate skills assessment requirements
- Maximise their points potential
- Prepare and lodge successful visa applications
Our legal knowledge and migration expertise ensures that your application is structured for the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189
It is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored. It is points tested and part of the General Skilled Migration program.
How is the 189 visa points test calculated
Points are awarded for age, English skills, work experience, education and other factors such as partner skills or community language.
What is the minimum eligibility for the 189 visa
You must have an occupation on the skilled list, score at least 65 points, be under 45 and receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
Can I apply for this visa from outside Australia
Yes the visa is open to both onshore and offshore applicants who meet all criteria.
Why choose AIM Lawyers
We provide tailored legal support and maximise your chance of success through expert advice and strong visa preparation.
Final Thoughts
The Skilled Independent Visa offers one of the most straightforward and flexible paths to permanent residency in Australia. However, the process is detailed and increasingly competitive. A properly prepared application, supported by expert advice, significantly improves your chance of success.
Ready to begin your journey to Australian permanent residency Contact AIM Lawyers to get started.