189 Skilled Independent Visa Breakdown: Your Pathway to Australian Residency
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- Sep 18
- 3 min read

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most sought-after visa pathways for skilled workers looking to migrate to Australia. This permanent visa allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without the need for employer or state sponsorship. If you’re thinking of migrating to Australia and have the skills Australia needs, this visa could be your ideal option.
What is the 189 Skilled Independent Visa?
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. Here are the key benefits of this visa:
No employer or state sponsorship needed: Unlike some other visas, the 189 visa does not require you to be sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory government.
Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia: Once granted the visa, you are free to live and work anywhere across the country, with access to all employment and educational opportunities.
Pathway to citizenship: The Subclass 189 visa is a pathway to Australian citizenship, allowing you to apply for citizenship after fulfilling the necessary residency requirements.
Key Eligibility Criteria (Point-Tested Stream)
To be eligible for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
English Language Requirements: You need to meet the required English language proficiency, typically through IELTS, PTE, or another approved test.
Expression of Interest (EOI): You must submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system.
Points Score: You must score at least 65 points based on various factors like age, skills, experience, education, and more.
Health and Character Requirements: You must meet health and character requirements as set by the Department of Home Affairs.
How to Get Points for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa?
Points are awarded based on various factors that help determine your eligibility for the 189 visa. These include:
Age: Younger applicants receive more points.
English Language Skills: Higher proficiency in English gives you more points.
Skilled Employment Experience: Points are given based on the number of years of relevant work experience.
Educational Qualifications: A higher level of education increases your points.
Specialist Education Qualification: Specific qualifications in high-demand sectors can earn you additional points.
Australian Study Requirement: Completing study in Australia can increase your points.
Professional Year in Australia: Completing a professional year in Australia can boost your points.
Credentialled Community Language: If you have a community language qualification, you can gain extra points.
Study in Regional Australia: Studying in regional Australia adds points to your score.
Partner Skills: If your partner meets specific eligibility criteria, their skills can contribute additional points.
Invitation Rounds and Application Process
To apply for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system. Invitations to apply are issued based on your points ranking, and competition varies depending on your occupation and the number of places available in the program.
Invitation rounds are typically held every month, where the Department of Home Affairs invites applicants with the highest points scores to apply for the visa.
Quota-based invitations mean that only a limited number of applicants in each occupation can receive an invitation during each round.
189 Skilled Independent Visa Application Process: Book A Consultation
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa provides a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to migrate to Australia permanently. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a high-ranking EOI, you can increase your chances of receiving an invitation and successfully applying for this visa.
Book a consultation with RACC Australia to get expert advice on the 189 Skilled Independent Visa. Our migration specialists will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and submit a successful application.







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