Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
Permanent skilled migration without employer sponsorship or state nomination. The key questions are whether you qualify, which points you can substantiate and whether you receive an invitation.
Advice from Amir Adhikari, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1803796), based in Melbourne.Consultations by phone, Zoom or at our Melbourne office.
- Outcome
- Permanent
- Sponsorship
- No employer sponsorship or state nomination
- Points test
- Minimum 65; invitation score may be higher
- Regional
- No regional restriction under this visa
What this visa allows
- Live, work and study in Australia permanently after grant.
- Enrol in Medicare as an eligible permanent resident.
- Include eligible family members and consider citizenship if separately eligible.
- A five-year travel facility applies from grant. Permanent residence does not expire after five years, but return travel may require a Resident Return visa or citizenship.
Requirements at a glance
- Be under 45 when invited to apply; meeting this age requirement when submitting an EOI is not enough.
- Nominate an eligible occupation and meet the relevant suitable skills assessment requirements, including validity and timing rules.
- Have at least Competent English at invitation, with evidence that meets the current requirements.
- Score at least 65 points, submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation. The invitation score must be supported at assessment.
- Meet health, character and other applicable visa criteria, including any requirements affecting accompanying family members.
Important limitations
- 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Occupation, available places, selection priorities and points affect invitation prospects.
- An Expression of Interest is not a visa application. It does not provide a bridging visa or lawful immigration status.
- Support the points score stated in your invitation with appropriate evidence. Overclaimed points or unmet criteria can lead to refusal.
- An invitation is not a visa grant. Lodge a valid application within the invitation period and meet all relevant criteria.
How the process works
- Assess your occupation, age, qualifications, employment and potential points.
- Arrange the relevant skills assessment and English evidence, checking validity and timing.
- Submit an accurate EOI and keep it updated before invitation.
- If invited, review the claims and lodge your visa application within 60 days of the invitation.
- Provide supporting evidence, respond to Department requests and await a decision while maintaining lawful status.
How we actually help
- Check which qualifications, employment periods and partner circumstances can support points claims.
- Review skills assessment and English evidence against the relevant timing rules.
- Prepare and maintain the EOI, then review the invitation and visa evidence before lodgement.
Related pathway
Compare 189 with state-nominated 190 and provisional regional 491 where those pathways fit your circumstances. A high points score is not a substitute for meeting each pathway’s criteria.
General information, not an individual eligibility assessment. Requirements, charges and processing change. Check the current position on the Department of Home Affairs page for subclass 189 (opens in a new tab).
About the 189
65 is the minimum threshold, not an invitation promise. Selection can require a higher score and depends on the occupation and relevant invitation priorities.
Not for the subclass 189 Points-tested stream. Other eligibility criteria, a suitable skills assessment, an EOI and an invitation still apply.
Keep your EOI accurate before invitation, including points-related changes. After an invitation, do not assume it can simply be amended; the invitation claims and applicable criteria need assessment.
Permanent residence allows an indefinite stay. The initial travel facility lasts five years; after it expires, returning as a permanent resident generally requires a Resident Return visa, unless you have become an Australian citizen.
Your matter:
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).
Selected service · Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your skilled independent visa (subclass 189) consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.