Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Australia AUS
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
Australia's Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa requiring no employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family sponsorship. Applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and must receive an invitation based on their points score, which is calculated from factors including age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and qualifications. With a minimum of 65 points required and competitive cutoffs often much higher, successful applicants receive a five-year permanent residence visa.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 9 months
- Application Fee
- $3,000
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included; all members must meet health and character requirements
- Path to PR
- Yes — 0 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 4 years
- Physical Presence
- Must be physically present in Australia when the visa is granted; PR holders must reside in Australia for 2 years out of every 5 to maintain travel rights
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Permanent residents are treated as Australian tax residents and taxed on worldwide income from the date of entry
No minimum income, but nominated occupation must be on the skilled occupation list and points score must meet the invitation threshold
Key Requirements
- ✓Nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL)
- ✓Points test score of at least 65, with invitation thresholds typically much higher
- ✓Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation
- ✓Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
- ✓Competent English (minimum IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
- ✓Meet health and character requirements
points-basedpermanent-residencyno-sponsorskilledindependent