Skilled Independent Visa
(Subclass 189)
Live anywhere in Australia with full work and residency freedom.
Permanent residency without state nomination — are your skills enough?
Australia offers abundant opportunities for skilled professionals looking to grow their careers independently. With high employment standards and supportive conditions for qualified workers, it attracts talent from around the world. At Career Education Consultancy Australia (CECA), we help applicants navigate the process for the Skilled Independent Visa.
Skilled Independent Visa – Work Independently in Australia
Australia’s job market is known for its growth and its impact on key global industries. Skilled professionals who do not have sponsorship from an employer, family member, or state/territory can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). Applicants must satisfy English language requirements and meet other eligibility conditions to qualify.
Highlights about Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Successful applicants for this visa can enjoy several advantages:
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with permanent residency.
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship when requirements are met.
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency, subject to meeting the relevant conditions.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Obtain a positive skills assessment in their nominated occupation.
- Be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation.
- Meet the minimum English language proficiency standards.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying for the visa.
How the process works
Skill Assessment
EOI (Expression of Interest)
Invitation
Visa Application
Visa Grant
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Points Test Summary
(Applicable for Subclass 189, 190 & 491 visas)
To be eligible for Australian skilled migration visas, you must score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on the following factors:
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age | Up to 30 points (maximum points for ages 25–32) |
| English Language Ability | Up to 20 points (Competent, Proficient, or Superior) |
| Skilled Employment Experience | Up to 20 points (combination of overseas and Australian work experience) |
| Educational Qualifications | Up to 20 points (based on highest qualification achieved) |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 points (for completing eligible Australian study) |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 points (completion of an approved professional year) |
| State/Territory Nomination | 5 points (only for Subclass 190 and 491 visas) |
| Family Sponsorship | 15 points (only for Subclass 491 family sponsorship stream) |
| Partner Skills and English Ability | Up to 10 points (if your partner meets requirements) |
Important Notes:
Minimum 65 points required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) applicants do not receive points for state nomination or family sponsorship.
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) applicants receive 5 bonus points for state or territory nomination.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa) applicants can receive either 5 points for state/territory nomination or 15 points for family sponsorship in designated regional areas.
Achieving higher points improves your chance of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
Points are calculated based on criteria at the time you receive an invitation.
FAQs About Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
What are the benefits of getting a Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Visa provides permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia without restrictions
- Access Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible family members to migrate to Australia
- Apply for Australian citizenship once residency requirements are fulfilled
What is the difference between Subclass 189 and Subclass 190?
The key distinction between the two visas is that the Subclass 189 Visa does not require state or territory nomination, whereas the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa requires applicants to be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
How long does it take to get the visa?
Processing times can differ depending on individual circumstances, the volume of applications, and government requirements. Generally, applicants may wait several months to receive an invitation, followed by additional time for the visa processing stage.
