Skilled Independent Visa Australia (Subclass 189) Guide
Understanding the Skilled Independent Visa
The Skilled Independent Visa allows skilled workers invited by Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Understanding the Subclass 189 Visa requirements and process is crucial. This guide covers everything you need to know, including Visa streams, eligibility criteria, benefits, application considerations, and how Turner-Rowe Migration can help you navigate the process with confidence and compliance.
This guide explains the 189 Visa requirements, eligibility criteria, processing times, work rights, costs, and the application process for 2026.
Skilled Independent Visa Australia Overview
Visa Name → Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Common Name → 189 Visa
Who Can Apply → Skilled professionals
Stay Period → Permanently
Work Rights → Full work rights
Study Rights → Yes
Include Family → Yes
Pathway to PR → Yes
What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent Australian Visa for skilled workers who are invited by Australia, allowing them to live, work and study in Australia permanently.
The 189 Visa allows skilled workers to:
Live in Australia permanently
Work without restrictions
Continue studying if desired
Travel freely in and out of Australia
Sponsor family members
Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the required residency and character criteria.
Skilled Independent Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for 189 Visa, applicants generally must:
Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Have a relevant skills assessment
Be invited to apply for this visa
Be aged under 45 when apply
Satisfy the points test
Meet English language requirements
Meet health and character requirements
Have no debt to the Australian Government
Eligibility requirements can vary depending on personal circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility With Us!
Documents Required for the 189 Visa:
Common documents required for a 189 Visa application include:
Passport
Relationship documents (if applicable)
Character documents
English test results
Partner documents (if applicable)
Dependant documents (if applicable)
Skills Assessment document
EOI (Expression of Interest) documents
Employment documents
Providing complete and accurate documentation may help reduce delays in Visa processing.
How much does the Skilled Independent Visa cost?
Cost: From AUD $4,910.00
How to Apply for a Skilled Independent Visa?
The 189 Visa application process generally includes the following steps:
Organise health exams
Submit an EOI (Expression of Interest)
Receive an invitation to apply
Gather Your Documents
Lodge the Visa application
Department of Home Affairs decision
Seek our guidance to avoid mistakes during the application process.
Apply for Your Skilled Independent Visa With Us!
What are the main benefits of the 189 Visa?
How can a Skilled Independent Visas benefit you?
Work and study anywhere in Australia permanently
You can travel in Australia
Include eligible family members
Become eligible to seek Australian citizenship
Book an appointment today to discuss your Skilled Migration Visa application and take the next step towards living and working in Australia
Skilled Independent Visa Processing Time
Points-Tested Stream current processing times (guide only):
50% of applications are processed within 6 months
90% of applications are processed within 7 months
Processing times vary depending on application volumes and individual circumstances.
Processing may take time, particularly during periods of high demand or if additional information is requested.
Incomplete applications or missing documents can lead to delays.
Applicants should refer to the latest processing information from the Department of Home Affairs Processing Times.
Why Apply Through a Registered Migration Agent?
Applying for a 189 Visa can be complex, especially when immigration requirements change regularly.
A Registered Migration Agent can help you:
Understand eligibility requirements
Prepare supporting documents correctly
Avoid common application mistakes
Respond to government requests
Improve the quality of your application
Professional guidance may help simplify the process and reduce unnecessary delays.
Skilled Independent Visa | Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. The Subclass 189 Visa allows eligible family members, such as your partner and dependent children, to be included in the application. If the visa is granted, they will also receive permanent residency.
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There is no fixed pass mark, but:
Minimum to submit: 65 points
In reality:
65–75 = low chance (for competitive jobs)
80–95+ = strong chance (especially for 189 visa)
Points come from:
Age
English level
Work experience
Qualifications
Partner skills / state nomination
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It varies, but typically:
Skills assessment: 1–3 months
Points test + Expression of Interest (EOI): waiting period varies
Visa processing: 6–12+ months
Delays depend on occupation demand and visa quota.
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You generally need:
An occupation on the skilled occupation list
A skills assessment (ex. VETASSESS)
English test results (IELTS / PTE / OET)
Enough points (based on age, education, work experience
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189 Visa → Permanent Residency, invitation form Australia needed
190 Visa → Permanent Residency, state nomination required
491 Visa → Temporary Regional Visa → leads to PR later
Ready to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa?
Turner-Rowe Migration helps you with your 189 Visa application.