Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Australia

Are you an Indian skilled professional looking to build your future in Australia? The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) may offer a pathway to Australian permanent residency for eligible skilled workers who receive an invitation to apply.

Unlike employer-sponsored or state-nominated pathways, the points-tested Subclass 189 visa does not require an employer sponsor or state nomination. Eligibility depends on your occupation, skills assessment, English proficiency, points score and other visa requirements.

At Educate Migrate, we help you understand Australian skilled migration options, assess your profile and plan your next steps.

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What Is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), points-tested stream, is an Australian permanent residency visa for eligible skilled workers who are invited to apply through SkillSelect.

Successful applicants can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia, subject to the visa’s conditions and applicable laws. You do not need an employer sponsor or state or territory nomination for this stream. Meeting the eligibility criteria or minimum points score does not guarantee an invitation.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

  • Australian permanent residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.
  • Work and study: Work and study anywhere in Australia.
  • No employer sponsorship: You do not need an employer to sponsor your application.
  • No state nomination: You are not dependent on state or territory nomination for this visa stream.
  • Eligible family members: You may include eligible family members in your application.
  • Potential citizenship pathway: You may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the relevant requirements.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Eligibility

If you are applying from India, it is important to understand the main eligibility requirements before starting your skilled migration journey.

1. Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years old when you receive your invitation to apply. Age can affect both your eligibility and the number of points you can claim.

2. Points Test – Minimum 65 Points

You must be able to score at least 65 points under the skilled migration points test. Points may depend on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience in Australia and overseas, educational qualifications, eligible Australian study and other qualifying factors.

Important: Scoring 65 points is the minimum threshold, not a guarantee of an invitation. Invitation outcomes depend on factors including your points score, occupation and the relevant invitation round.

3. Eligible Skilled Occupation

Your nominated occupation must be eligible for the relevant Subclass 189 points-tested stream. The occupation you select should reflect your qualifications, employment history and skills. Check current occupation eligibility and assessing authority requirements against official lists.

4. Positive Skills Assessment

You generally need a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Requirements and evidence can vary between occupations.

5. English Language Proficiency

You must have at least Competent English at the time of invitation. Higher English proficiency may help you claim additional points, depending on the applicable rules and accepted evidence.

6. Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying for the points-tested Subclass 189 visa. An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation.

7. Health, Character and Other Requirements

You and any family members included in your application must meet the applicable health, character and other visa requirements. Your immigration history and the evidence supporting your claims may also affect the outcome.

How Is the Subclass 189 Points Score Calculated?

Your points score is calculated using the factors specified in Australia’s skilled migration points test.

FactorWhat is considered
AgeYour age under the applicable points-test rules
EnglishYour recognised level of English proficiency
Work experienceEligible skilled employment in Australia and overseas
QualificationsYour highest eligible educational qualification
Partner skillsEligible partner qualifications, skills and English, where applicable
Other factorsAdditional eligible categories under the official points test

The points available depend on your circumstances and the evidence you can provide. Use the official Subclass 189 points table to review the current criteria.

Educate Migrate can help you understand the factors that may affect your profile and identify areas to review before proceeding.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Application Process

Step 1: Assess Your Profile

Review your age, occupation, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency and potential points score.

Step 2: Check Your Occupation

Confirm whether your nominated occupation is eligible and identify the relevant skills assessing authority.

Step 3: Obtain a Skills Assessment

Prepare the required qualifications, employment evidence and other documents for your occupation’s assessment process.

Step 4: Meet the English Requirement

Check the applicable English requirements and consider whether a higher recognised English result could improve your points score.

Step 5: Submit Your Expression of Interest

Submit an accurate EOI through SkillSelect, including the points claims you can substantiate with evidence.

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation

Invitation outcomes depend on the relevant selection process and available places. An invitation is not guaranteed.

Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application

If invited, you generally have 60 calendar days to submit your visa application and supporting documents. You must meet the requirements specified for your invitation and application.

Step 8: Await the Decision

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and supporting evidence before making a decision.

Subclass 189 Visa Fees

The published base visa application charge is from AUD 6,135 for the main applicant, with concessions available in limited circumstances. Additional charges apply for family members included in the application.

You may also need to budget for skills assessment fees, English language testing, medical examinations, police certificates and other applicable costs.

Visa charges can change. Check the official Department of Home Affairs Subclass 189 page for current fees before applying.

How Educate Migrate Can Help

Choosing the right skilled migration pathway involves more than calculating your points. You also need to consider your occupation, skills assessment, English results, work experience and the evidence required to support your claims.

  • Understand the Subclass 189 eligibility requirements
  • Review your profile against the relevant criteria
  • Understand how different factors may affect your points score
  • Identify questions to resolve before proceeding
  • Understand the steps involved in the skilled migration process

Our founders bring first-hand experience of building a life in Australia, helping us understand the importance of informed planning when considering an overseas move.

Every applicant’s circumstances are different. Eligibility, invitations and visa outcomes depend on the applicable requirements and the Department of Home Affairs’ assessment.

Discuss Your Australian Skilled Migration Options

Are you an Indian professional exploring Australian permanent residency? Contact Educate Migrate to discuss your circumstances and understand the next steps.

Educate Migrate – Overseas Education and Migration Guidance

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✉️ Email: educatemigrate@gmail.com

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a guarantee of eligibility, an invitation or a visa grant. Visa requirements, occupation lists, points criteria and fees may change. Always verify current requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before making a decision.