The Skilled Independent visa
How the Subclass 189 visa works
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited workers with skills Australia needs. You do not need an employer, a state or territory, or a family member to sponsor or nominate you. Selection depends on your points score and the places available for your occupation.
The 2026-27 Permanent Migration Program sets 21,090 places for Skilled Independent visas.
What the 189 visa gives you
- Permanent residence from the day the visa is granted
- The right to live, work and study anywhere in Australia
- Enrolment in Medicare
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship later
The 189 visa may suit you if you
- work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- can score well on age, English, experience and education
- want permanent residence without committing to one state or region
- are under 45 and can obtain a positive skills assessment
Eligibility
189 visa eligibility and requirements
To be invited and granted the 189 visa, you must meet each of these criteria.
- Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the skilled occupation list that applies to subclass 189.
- Skills assessment: You need a suitable skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation. It must have been obtained within the three years before your invitation.
- 189 visa age limit: You must be under 45 when you are invited. If you turn 45 after the invitation, you can still apply. If you turn 45 before it, you will not be invited.
- English requirements: You need at least competent English at the time of invitation. Higher scores earn extra points.
- Points: You need at least 65 points on the points test.
- Health and character: You and each included family member must meet the health and character requirements.
Points
189 points requirement and how invitations work
The 189 visa has a minimum of 65 points, but reaching 65 does not guarantee an invitation. When you submit your EOI, SkillSelect gives you an indicative score based on your claims. You are then ranked against other candidates, and invitations depend on your score and the places allocated to your occupation.
Points you can claim
- Age: up to 30 points, highest between 25 and 32
- English: 10 for proficient, 20 for superior
- Skilled employment: up to 20 points combined across Australian and overseas experience
- Education: 15 for a bachelor degree, 20 for a doctorate
- Partner skills, or single applicant: up to 10 points
- Australian study, a Professional Year or regional study: further points where eligible
Your invitation states the score you must prove when you apply. That score may be higher than 65, depending on your EOI claims. You can update your EOI as your circumstances change, for example after a better English result or another year of experience.
The process
Subclass 189 visa application process
- Profile assessment. We confirm your occupation and estimate your points with you.
- Skills assessment and English test. You apply to your assessing authority and take an accepted English test.
- Expression of Interest. You submit your EOI in SkillSelect. There is no fee, and it remains valid for up to two years.
- Invitation. You may be invited if your score and your occupation's allocation allow it.
- Visa application. You lodge your application, with evidence for every claim, within 60 days. This period cannot be extended.
- Health and character checks. You complete medicals and provide police certificates when requested.
- Decision. The Department assesses your application and decides on the grant.
You can be invited a maximum of two times. If you do not apply after the second invitation, your EOI is removed.
189 visa documents
- Passport and identity documents
- Skills assessment outcome letter
- English test results
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Reference letters showing duties, hours, salary and dates
- Partner and family documents, if applicable
Find out your likely points score before you book an English test.
Costs and timelines
189 visa cost and processing time
Current Home Affairs charges. Use the Visa Pricing Estimator for your family's total.
Each included family member adds a further charge. Skills assessment, English test, medical and police certificate fees are paid to the providers. Our professional fees come to you in writing after your assessment.
Why KINBRIDGE
How KINBRIDGE supports your 189 application
The 189 visa rewards a strong, provable points score. Our support focuses on that.
Factor-by-Factor Points Review
We calculate your points from the evidence you hold, not from estimates, so your EOI reflects a score you can prove.
Occupation Matching
Your duties are matched to the right occupation code, which determines your assessing authority and invitation prospects.
Points Improvement Options
We review which factors you can realistically improve, such as an English retest or partner points, and which are not worth pursuing.
189 or 190 Comparison
If your points are unlikely to be competitive for 189, we explain whether state nomination could offer a clearer route.
Evidence Before Invitation
Your documents are prepared while your EOI is active, so the 60-day window is used for lodging, not gathering.
IELTS and PTE Training
Superior English adds 20 points. Our test preparation keeps your training with the same team.
FAQs
Your 189 visa questions, answered
Can I apply for the 189 visa from India?
Yes. You can submit an EOI and apply from outside Australia, provided you meet the occupation, skills assessment, age, English and points requirements.
What is the difference between the 189 and 190 visa?
Both are permanent. The 189 needs no nomination. The 190 requires state or territory nomination, which adds 5 points, and states usually expect you to live there.
Is 65 points enough for a 189 invitation?
It meets the minimum for an EOI, but invitations are competitive. Whether 65 is enough depends on your occupation and the scores of other candidates.