Australia•OceaniaSkilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
At a Glance
Processing Time
~240 days
Application Fee
4,290 AUD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Points-based permanent visa for skilled workers with occupations in demand. Requires minimum 65 points and invitation through SkillSelect. Permanent residency without sponsorship.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is Australia's primary skilled migration pathway. It allows skilled workers from around the world to migrate to Australia permanently without state sponsorship. Selection is based on a points system evaluating age, English proficiency, skilled employment, and qualifications.
Annual Visa Allocation
16,900 visas per year
Planning levels are set annually by the Australian Government; the 2024-25 and 2025-26 allocation is 16,900 places. Occupation ceilings are applied across the skilled program, and the New Zealand stream is closed to new applications.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Experience
3+ years
Language
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
With sufficient validity
Passport photo
Recent digital photo
Skills assessment
Positive assessment from relevant assessing authority
English language evidence
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or equivalent
Qualifications
Degree certificates, transcripts, and credentials
Employment records
Reference letters, contracts, payslips
Health certificate
If requested by immigration
OptionalPolice clearance
From all countries lived in for 12+ months
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Permanent residency granted immediately
- No state sponsorship required
- No location restrictions
- Can work in any occupation
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
Considerations
- Points-based with 65-point minimum
- Limited invitation places (capped)
- Competitive selection process
- High application costs
- Must have occupation on skilled list
Application Process
Check occupation on skilled list
Verify your occupation is on the skilled occupation list
Get skills assessment
Obtain positive assessment from relevant assessing authority
Calculate points
Assess if you have 65+ points using points calculator
Create ImmiAccount
Register on the immigration portal
Lodge Expression of Interest
Submit EOI through SkillSelect
Receive invitation
Await invitation to apply (if selected)
Submit visa application
Lodge complete visa application with all documents
Pay visa fee
Pay AUD 4,290 application fee
Await decision
Monitor application status
Application Forms
Skilled Independent visa application
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa
