Subclass 189
Skilled independent visa
This visa is for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills we need, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
List of Australia visas > Work and skilled visas > Visa 189
Registered migration agents – MARN 2318162
What is Skilled independent visa – subclass 189?
The Subclass 189 visa, known as the Skilled Independent visa, offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers through a points-based system. This visa category is designed for individuals who lack sponsorship from an Australian employer, family member, or state/territory nomination.
Applicants for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) must achieve a minimum of 65 points on the assessment scale. To initiate the application process, you are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and subsequently receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
Upon receiving an invitation, there is a 60-day window for submitting your visa application. Successful grant of the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent) bestows permanent residency upon the visa holder and their accompanying family members, affording them the privilege to reside, work, and study in Australia.
Visa 189 Benefits
With this visa, you can:
- stay in Australia permanently
- work and study in Australia
- enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, become an Australian citizen
Newly arrived residents may have to wait before they can access certain Australian Government payments and benefits.
General Requirements
To be eligible to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must:
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- be invited to apply for this visa
- satisfy the points test
- have at least competent English
Visa 189 streams
Overview
This visa lets invited workers with skills we need, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
- You don’t need a sponsor or nominator
- You must be invited to apply
- You must be under 45 to be invited
Processing Time
- 25% of applications: 5 Months
- 50% of applications: 6 Months
- 75% of applications: 6 Months
- 90% of applications: 8 Months
Overview
This visa lets eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.
Processing Time
- 25% of applications: 10 Months
- 50% of applications: 16 Months
- 75% of applications: 21 Months
- 90% of applications: 25 Months
Overview
This visa lets eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.
- You must hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
- You must meet certain visa requirements
- You must meet certain residence requirements
Processing Time
Processing times are not available.