Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) — Australia

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without employer or family sponsorship. You apply directly through the Department of Home Affairs.

This visa is part of Australia’s skilled migration program. You must hold an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list and receive an invitation through SkillSelect before you apply.

Unlike the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), this visa does not require state or regional nomination. It also differs from employer-sponsored options such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

To apply, you must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
• Hold an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Provide a suitable skills assessment
• Demonstrate required English language ability
• Meet health and character requirements
• Complete required forms, including Form Form 80 for background checks

You must have held a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) or a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) for at least three years at the time you apply.

Home Affairs may request additional information through your ImmiAccount. Submitting an outdated skills assessment or missing deadlines can result in refusal.

You apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) through the Department of Home Affairs. This is a points-tested skilled migration visa and requires an invitation before you can lodge an application.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before you receive an invitation, you must:

• Hold a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
• Claim points you can prove with evidence

If you receive an invitation, you must apply within 60 days.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You must provide evidence to support the claims made in your EOI. This includes:

• Skills assessment
• English language test results (if claimed)
• Qualification and employment documents
• Police certificates
• Completed Form Form 80, if requested

Police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If processing extends beyond that period, you may need new ones.

Step 3: Lodge the Application

Submit your online application through Home Affairs and:

1. Attach all required documents

2. Pay the visa application charge (in AUD (A$))

3. Pay any applicable second instalment

Fees change. Refer to Home Affairs for the current amount before you apply.

How Subclass 189 Compares to Other Skilled Visas

Subclass 189 does not require state or employer sponsorship. You qualify based on your points score and invitation.

Start by confirming that you meet the minimum 65-point threshold for skilled migration. If you cannot reach 65 points, consider alternatives such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).

Make sure your occupation is eligible and that you hold the qualifications required to work or train in that occupation in Australia.

Check Your Core Eligibility

You must meet all of the following:

• Score at least 65 points on the points test
• Hold qualifications for an eligible skilled occupation
• Provide accurate details of your work experience and employment history
• Meet health and character requirements
• Provide police certificates if you spent more than 12 months in the last 10 years in another country
• Disclose all international travel, including travel to conflict‑affected regions

Failing to disclose travel history can trigger security review and delay processing.

Prepare Key Documents

Provide complete and truthful information. Inaccurate or missing details can lead to refusal.

If the Subclass 189 is not suitable, you may review options such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482). Regional pathways may later lead to the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).

For official requirements and forms, refer to the Department of Home Affairs.

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) grants permanent residence, so you do not renew the visa itself.

You must maintain compliance with health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. If your visa is cancelled or refused on character grounds after your last arrival, you can only apply for a Protection visa (subclass 866).

If you include family members, keep identity, relationship, and character records accurate and consistent in any future dealings with Home Affairs. Skilled migration applications rely heavily on document consistency.

Documents to Keep Updated

Prepare and retain evidence that supports your original claims, especially if Home Affairs requests further information:

• Proof of your occupation and skills assessment
• Documents supporting your points test claims
• Identity and family documents
• Details of your qualifications and employment history
• Completed Form Form 80 (and Form 1221, if required)

If you submit both Form 80 and Form 1221, ensure all travel, employment, and address history matches exactly. Inconsistencies can delay processing.

If You Consider Other Skilled Visas

Your subclass 189 visa does not convert into another visa. If your circumstances change, you may consider other skilled migration options:

Home Affairs assesses each application separately. Review current eligibility criteria directly with Home Affairs before applying.

You must meet the core skilled migration criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa uses a points-based assessment and targets applicants in eligible skilled occupations.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold skills in an eligible skilled occupation
• Provide evidence of your qualifications or relevant work experience
• Demonstrate competent English language ability
• Receive an invitation to apply and lodge your application within 60 days
• Meet health and character requirements (including for family members)

Home Affairs assesses your application after you submit it through your ImmiAccount.

Key Requirement Overview

You must provide accurate personal history. Many applicants complete Form Form 80 to detail travel and background information.

Use passport stamps, boarding passes, and travel records to confirm travel dates. If exact dates are unavailable, provide the most accurate estimate possible.

Do not provide false or misleading information. Incorrect answers can lead to refusal, cancellation, and future visa bans.

This visa does not require state or regional nomination, unlike the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). It is separate from employer-sponsored options such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

If you later hold a regional visa such as subclass 491, you may instead pursue the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191).