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Move to Australia with Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Expert Advice
GIEC Global UK provides expert support to help skilled professionals apply for the Visa 189 and live permanently in Australia.
Complete Guide to skilled independent visa 189
If you’re a skilled professional dreaming of making Australia your permanent home, then the subclass 189 visa Australia might be your golden ticket. As an MARA Registered Agent we have helped hundreds of clients navigate this pathway. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this 189 visa in simple, straightforward terms.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa Australia?
The subclass 189 visa australia is a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or a state/territory. Also known as skilled Independent visa, it is allocated based on Australia’s PR points system. To be eligible, applicants need at least 65 points, which are calculated based on age, English proficiency, work experience, education and other factors. You can use Australia PR Point Calculator to check if you meet the minimum point requirement or not. Australia independent skilled visa allows you to live and work anywhere in the country, Unlike employer-sponsored visas or state-nominated visas, this visa provides full flexibility to choose your city or region without restrictions.
Key Benefits of a 189 australia visa
The benefits of a 189 visa are substantial and life-changing:
- Complete freedom: Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
- Permanent residency: Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Family inclusion: Include your spouse and unmarried children under 25
- Healthcare access: Enjoy Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Pathway to citizenship: Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements
- Travel flexibility: Come and go from Australia as you please
- Work rights: No restrictions on employment – work for any employer or start your own business.
Why You should contact GIEC Global UK
The 189 visa process may look simple but it’s not, and lodging the visa application yourself can be risky, even a small mistake can lead to visa rejection. The visa process is a long-term and detailed procedure that requires proper documentation and accuracy. Any missing information, incorrect form or misunderstanding of eligibility criteria can cause unnecessary delays or even a refusal.
If you’re ready to build your future in Australia, consult MARA Registered agent for expert advice. Giec Global UK is proud to have its own MARA registered migration agent, offering you direct access to professional and reliable immigration advice. Unlike many other agencies, we do not rely on third-party consultants, because we don’t pay high outsourcing fees, the cost savings are passed directly on to you.
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189 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Qualify
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.
Is It Hard to Get a 189 Visa?
Getting a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is not exactly easy, but it’s definitely achievable with the right preparation. This visa is for skilled worker who are not sponsored by an employer,family member or state. This visa is competitive,since it’s a point based visa you have to score well on factors like age,english skills ,education and work experience. You need at least 65 points to qualify but the higher your score improve the chance of receiving an invitation. The Success rate of a 189 visa depends on your profile and the overall competiiton in your occupation group. To be on safe side score around 85 to 95 points to improve your chance. People who have work experience in australia, good english proficiency and qualification in a high demand occupation often receive invitations faster. The Processing time for a 189 visa can vary depending on how quickly you submit all required documents and the number of application in the queue. Usually it take about 6 to 8 months from the time you lodge your application to receive a final decision. Earning $70,000 per year in australia is considered a decent salary for a comfortable lifestyle,especially for single or couples without kids. In major cities like sydney or melbourne where the cost of living is higher $70,000 may feel average rather than high. Australia’s average full time salary is around $95,000 per year.
Points and invitation rounds
Your points determine your competitiveness. These points are based on age, English, skilled employment (Australia/overseas), qualifications, Australian study, partner points, NAATI credentials, and specialist STEM qualifications.
- The aus 189 visa points threshold is 65, but invitations often go to higher scores depending on demand and occupation ceilings.
Use an australia 189 visa points calculator to estimate your score before you lodge an EOI. - Invitations are issued through SkillSelect during the australia 189 visa invitation round. Authorities may prioritize critical sectors (for example, health and education) based on program needs.
- While some people refer to it as an australia 189 visa draw, invitations are not a lottery; they follow a points ranking and date-of-EOI logic.
Australia 189 Visa Draw
Invitation rounds for the Subclass 189 visa happen irregularly, sometimes monthly, sometimes less frequently and only the highest-scoring applicants are invited. Cut-off scores change by occupation and overall demand, so some fields need higher points than others. Because rounds have become less frequent and more competitive in recent years, it’s important to maximise your points—through higher English scores, extra work experience, qualifications or partner points—and keep your EOI updated. Submitting a strong, up-to-date EOI gives you the best chance when invites are issued.
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.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
In my experience helping clients with their skilled independent subclass 189 visa applications, these are the most common mistakes:
- Underestimating processing times: Start your skills assessment early
- Poor English preparation: Don’t settle for minimum scores if you can achieve higher
- Incomplete documentation: Missing documents cause significant delays
- Age timing: Apply before you turn 33 to maintain maximum age points
- Occupation choice: Ensure your occupation has regular invitation rounds
Difference between 189 and 190
| Criteria | Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent | Subclass 190 - Skilled Nominated |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination Requirement | No nomination required Advantage | State/Territory nomination required Extra Step |
| Points Requirement | Minimum 65 points (realistically 75-80+) Higher | Minimum 65 points + 5 nomination points Lower |
| Living Restrictions | Live anywhere in Australia immediately Freedom | Must live in nominating state for 2+ years Restricted |
| Occupation Lists | Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) | MLTSSL + Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) More Options |
| Application Process |
1. Skills Assessment 2. EOI Submission 3. Invitation 4. Visa Application |
1. Skills Assessment 2. State Nomination 3. EOI Submission 4. Invitation 5. Visa Application Complex |
| Processing Time | 8-12 months from invitation | 6-12 months from invitation Similar |
| Application Fee | AUD $4,640* (main applicant) | AUD $4,640* + state nomination fees (varies) Higher Cost |
| Invitation Frequency | Less frequent rounds Irregular | More regular state rounds Frequent |
| Competition Level | Very high competition Competitive | Moderate competition (varies by state) Easier |
| Work Rights | Unrestricted work anywhere in Australia Freedom | Unrestricted work (after nomination requirements) Similar |
| Pathway to Citizenship | 4 years permanent residence | 4 years permanent residence Same |
| Best Suited For |
• High points scorers (80+) • Flexible location preferences • MLTSSL occupations • Independent applicants |
• Medium points scorers (65-75) • Willing to commit to a state • STSOL occupations • Need nomination boost |
💡 Expert Recommendation
If you have 80+ points and your occupation is on the MLTSSL, pursue the 189 visa for maximum freedom. If you have 65-75 points or your occupation is only on STSOL, the 190 visa offers a more realistic pathway with state nomination support.