What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) grants permanent residency in Australia without requiring sponsorship from an employer or nomination by a state or territory government. It is a points-based visa for skilled workers whose occupations are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Key facts:
- Permanent residency from day one
- No state/territory nomination required
- No employer sponsor required
- Must be on the MLTSSL
- Typically requires a high points score (no 5-point nomination bonus)
- Processing time: 6–18+ months for most applications
Points Requirements
The 189 works the same SkillSelect system as the 190, but without the 5 nomination points. This means applicants typically need:
- 80+ points for competitive occupations like software engineering, nursing, and accounting
- 90–95+ points for very popular occupations in high-competition rounds
Points factors include age, English proficiency, qualifications, skilled work experience, and partner skills (same table as the 190 — see the Subclass 190 Guide for the full breakdown).
Eligible Occupations
Only occupations on the MLTSSL qualify for the 189. The MLTSSL includes:
- Software/Applications Programmers
- Registered Nurses
- Accountants (General and Management)
- Civil, Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers
- ICT Project Managers
- Secondary and Primary School Teachers
- Medical Practitioners (various)
- Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists
Important: Occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) only qualify for the 190 (with state nomination), not the 189.
How to Apply
1. Get a skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing body (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia for engineers, AHPRA for healthcare, etc.)
2. Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect with your points claim
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — issued in monthly rounds; higher scores are invited first
4. Lodge the visa application within 60 days of your invitation
5. Pay the application charge: AUD $4,640 for the primary applicant (2024 rate)
6. Submit documents: Skills assessment, English test results, health exam, police clearances, and evidence for all claimed points
7. Await decision
English Language Requirements
- Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band): minimum for application
- Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each band): adds 10 points
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0 in each band): adds 20 points
Given how competitive 189 rounds are, most successful applicants achieve at least proficient English (70+ points from other factors + 10 from English = 80+ total).
vs. 190: Which Should You Choose?
Most skilled applicants should submit an EOI for both simultaneously:
- If your occupation is on MLTSSL only: Submit for 189 and check state nomination schemes for 190
- If your occupation is on STSOL: Only the 190 applies — focus on state nominations
- If your points are high (85+): 189 may be faster than waiting for state nomination
- If your points are lower (65–80): Focus on 190 nominations to use the 5-point bonus
Discuss your strategy with a MARA-registered migration agent who can advise based on current SkillSelect round data.
Pathway for International Graduates
1. Complete Australian degree in a MLTSSL occupation
2. Work in Australia on subclass 485 → gain points for skilled work experience
3. Achieve skills assessment and high English score
4. Lodge EOI in SkillSelect
5. Receive ITA (may take months to years depending on occupation and score)
6. Lodge 189 application
Related Guides
- Australia Subclass 485 Guide — post-study work rights step
- Australia Subclass 190 Guide — alternative with state nomination
- Best Consultancies for India → Australia — find a consultant to help with your Australian journey
- Find MARA agents in Sydney | Melbourne
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for the Australia subclass 189 visa?
The minimum to lodge an EOI is 65 points, but actual invitation scores in SkillSelect rounds are typically 80–95+ depending on occupation. Software engineers and nurses often need 85–90+. Check the latest round results for your specific ANZSCO code.
Do I need a job offer for the subclass 189 visa?
No — the 189 is entirely independent. You do not need an employer sponsor or a state nomination. You need a skills assessment, sufficient points, and an occupation on the MLTSSL.
How long does it take to get a subclass 189 invitation?
This varies widely by occupation and points score. High-demand occupations with many EOIs may take months or years to reach lower points scores. Some occupations are invited within weeks. Lodging a 189 EOI alongside a 190 nomination application is common practice.
Can I include my partner's skills in my 189 application?
Yes — if your partner's skills are assessed and they meet English requirements, they add 5 points to your score. This can be significant in competitive rounds.
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