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189 visa australia
Registered Australia Immigration Consultant
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is also known as the 189 visa Australia. It is a permanent visa for skilled workers who want permanent residency in Australia but are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state or territory government. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. This visa is point-tested and is designed to attract highly skilled individuals whose occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The subclass 189 visa is ideal for professionals who want to move to Australia independently. It gives the holder full work rights, access to Medicare, and a path to Australian citizenship. If you’re searching for a subclass 189 visa option, this is one of the most flexible and popular routes for skilled migrants.
There are two streams for this visa:
Points-tested Stream: For skilled workers who are not sponsored.
New Zealand Stream: For eligible New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia.
If you are confused about PR points, you can use the Australia PR Points Calculator to check your eligibility.
Applying for the Skilled Independent Visa (189)
General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas are designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. These visas allow individuals with some specific qualifications and work experience to contribute to the Australian economy.
- Check if Your Occupation Is on the MLTSSL: Your occupation must be listed to be eligible.
- Complete a Skills Assessment: You need a positive assessment from a relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Take an English Test: You must show competent English skills through an accepted test like IELTS or PTE.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect and provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
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189 australian visa requirements
If you’re considering applying for the Australian skilled independent visa subclass 189, it’s important to understand the basic requirements. This visa is ideal for individuals who want to migrate to Australia permanently without needing sponsorship. Meeting these basic requirements is essential to proceed with the visa application. The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Australia gives skilled workers a pathway to live, work and eventually become citizens of Australia. GIEC Global UK can help you understand these criteria and guide you through every step of the process.
The basic eligibility criteria for the 189 visa Australia requirements include:
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
You must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
You must complete a successful skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
You must score at least 65 points on the points test.
You must have competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6 in each band or equivalent).
You must meet the required health and character standards.
You must receive an invitation to apply after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
australian 189 visa processing time
The 189 Skilled Visa is in high demand because it offers permanent residency without requiring employer or family sponsorship. However, the waiting period may take several months. To reduce delays, ensure that all documents are correct and submit a complete application. In 2025, 90% of applications are expected to be processed within 8 to 12 months. The processing time for the 189 visa may vary depending on several factors.
- Higher application volumes can lead to longer processing times.
- Submitting all required documents at once speeds up processing.
- Some occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) may be processed faster than others.
- Background, health and character checks can take additional time.
visa 189 australia cost
If you are planning to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa then it’s important to know the costs involved before lodging your application. Many applicants only consider the application fee but forget about skills assessments and medical check expenses, which can add up quickly and can increase your budget.
189 visa australia fees
The Department of Home Affairs charges different fees depending on who is included in your application:
- Primary applicant: AUD $4,640*
- Additional applicant (18 years or older): AUD $2,320*
- Additional applicant (under 18 years): AUD $1,160*
Other Possible Costs
Apart from the visa application fee, you may also need to pay for these expenses.
- Skills assessment – varies depending on your occupation and the assessing authority.
- English language test – IELTS, PTE or other accepted exams may have different costs based on your test location.
- Medical examinations – required to ensure you meet Australia’s health standards.
- Police clearance certificates—costs depend on your home country and any other countries where you have lived.
Applying for Partner Visa Subclass 189
Partner Visa Processing Service
The Partner Visa Subclass 189 allows eligible applicants to live and work in Australia permanently. Our services include:
- Visa Go Australia processing service for smooth applications.
- Assessment of your eligibility and points.
- Guidance through the SkillSelect EOI process.
- Ensuring all visa documents are prepared correctly.
- Help with skills assessment requirements.
- Submitting your visa application on your behalf.
- Communicating with immigration authorities during processing.
How Long You Can Stay
- Stay in Australia indefinitely once granted permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligibility is met.
Including Family Members
You can include eligible family members in your application:
- Your partner (married or de facto).
- Your or your partner’s dependent children.
- Other dependent relatives (under certain conditions).
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have a job on the MLTSSL.
- Be invited to apply after submitting an EOI.
- Meet the minimum points test requirements (usually 65 points).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate competent English skills.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Key Factors in Visa Assessment
Important criteria considered when assessing your Partner Visa Subclass 189 application include:
- Age.
- English language proficiency.
- Skilled employment inside and outside Australia.
- Educational qualifications and Australian study requirements.
- Credentialed community language qualifications.
- Partner skills that add to your application strength.
Partner Visa Processing Service
The Partner Visa Subclass 189 allows eligible applicants to live and work in Australia permanently. Our services include:
- Visa Go Australia processing service for smooth applications.
- Assessment of your eligibility and points.
- Guidance through the SkillSelect EOI process.
- Ensuring all visa documents are prepared correctly.
- Help with skills assessment requirements.
- Submitting your visa application on your behalf.
- Communicating with immigration authorities during processing.
How Long You Can Stay
- Stay in Australia indefinitely once granted permanent residency.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date of grant.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when eligibility is met.
Including Family Members
You can include eligible family members in your application:
- Your partner (married or de facto).
- Your or your partner’s dependent children.
- Other dependent relatives (under certain conditions).
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have a job on the MLTSSL.
- Be invited to apply after submitting an EOI.
- Meet the minimum points test requirements (usually 65 points).
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate competent English skills.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Key Factors in Visa Assessment
Important criteria considered when assessing your Partner Visa Subclass 189 application include:
- Age.
- English language proficiency.
- Skilled employment inside and outside Australia.
- Educational qualifications and Australian study requirements.
- Credentialed community language qualifications.
- Partner skills that add to your application strength.
189 visa skills assessment
A skills assessment is a mandatory step in the 189 visa process. You need to make sure that your qualifications and work experience match the standards required in Australia.
For the skilled independent subclass 189 visa, this assessment ensures that your skills meet Australian industry standards. It’s an essential part of showing you qualify under the skilled independent visa Australia requirements.
Each occupation has a designated assessing body, such as Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, and ANMAC for nurses. You must complete the skills assessment before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).
The assessment process may take multiple weeks to a few months, depending on the authority. Fees change based on your occupation and the assessing body. For more detail visit Official website skill assessment.
To get a positive outcome for your skilled 189 visa in Australia, you need to make sure that your documents are complete, correct and meet all guidelines. GIEC Global UK can guide you in preparing the necessary paperwork and submitting it accurately to improve your chances of success.
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get in touch with 189 visa australia consultants
phone number
Office Telephone : +44 (742) 4234034
our address
First Central 200, 6th floor, Suite Number 6.034 2 Lakeside Dr, London NW10 7FQ
email address
admin@giecglobal.uk
frequently asked questions
You can learn more from our asked questions
The 189 visa Australia, also called the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), is a permanent resident visa for skilled workers. You don’t need a job offer, state nomination, or family sponsor to apply. It lets you live, work, and stay anywhere in Australia permanently.
You can apply if your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you’re under 45, have competent English, pass a skills assessment and score at least 65 points on the points test.
You must have at least 65 points in order to apply for the skilled independent visa subclass 189. Your invitation chances increase with your good score or if you show your all documents including your age, education, English proficiency, work experience
Yes, the 189 visa include your partner or spouse and children. They will also get permanent residency if your visa get approved. Your family must fulfill the health and character certificates also.
The processing time for the skilled independent visa Australia usually takes between 6 to 12 months* after you receive an invitation letter then you can submit or lodge your application. The processing time can be change depending on your documents, accuracy and case complexity.
No, you do not need a job offer letter to apply for the Subclass 189 visa Australia. This visa is for skilled workers who qualify based on their skills, qualifications and points, they do not required any sponsorship from a company or state.
To qualify, you must usually:
Have an occupation on the state’s Skilled Occupation List.
Meet the points test requirement.
Show commitment to live and work in that state or territory.
Meet English, skills assessment, health, and character requirements.
A British passport alone does not allow permanent residence. You can visit temporarily on a Visitor Visa or ETA. To live permanently, you need an appropriate visa like a Skilled Visa (189/190), Employer-Sponsored Visa (186) or Family/Partner Visa.
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Note: Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.