Why Apply for the Subclass 189 Visa?

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident
• Travel to and from Australia multiple times without restrictions
• Earn in Australian Dollars, often up to five times higher than your current salary
• Settle in Australia with your spouse and dependent children
• Access Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare)
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

 

 

Subclass 189 Visa

The Subclass 189, also known as the Skilled Independent visa, is a points-based permanent visa for skilled professionals who wish to live and work in Australia. This visa does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer, a family member, or a state or territory government.

To apply for the Skilled Independent visa, you must score a minimum of 65 points under Australia’s points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, English language proficiency, and other eligibility criteria.

You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. If your profile is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the invitation, you must submit your visa application within 60 days.

Once the Subclass 189 visa is granted, you and your eligible family members can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia as permanent residents. You will also gain access to healthcare services, social benefits, and a pathway to apply for Australian citizenship in the future.

Looking for jobs in Australia? Y-Axis is here to assist you at every step of the process.

 

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent resident visa that offers several long-term benefits:

• Live in Australia permanently with no time restrictions
• Work and study anywhere in Australia
• Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Travel to and from Australia freely for five years from the date the visa is granted
• Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements

 

Subclass 189 Visa Requirements

You may apply for the Subclass 189 visa if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Occupation and Skills Assessment

• Your occupation must be listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list for the Subclass 189 visa
• You must obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• This assessment confirms that your skills and qualifications match your nominated occupation

Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation

• You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
• You can apply for the visa only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Points Test

• You must score a minimum of 65 points under Australia’s points-based system
• Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language skills
• Some occupations may require more than 65 points due to high demand
• You must meet the required points score at the time you receive the invitation

English Language Requirement

• You must demonstrate the minimum required level of English language proficiency
• Higher English test scores may help you earn additional points

Age Requirement

• You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive the invitation

Health and Character Requirements

• You must meet health requirements, including medical examinations
• You must meet character requirements, usually through police clearance certificates

Special Note for New Zealand Citizens

• New Zealand citizens may be eligible under a separate New Zealand stream, depending on their circumstances

 

Documents Required for the Subclass 189 Visa (Australia)

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport and recent photographs
• Skills assessment report from the relevant assessing authority
• English language test results (IELTS or PTE)
• Documents related to the nominated skilled occupation
• Two recent colour passport-sized photographs
• Educational qualification documents, including the highest degree
• Evidence of meeting the Australian study requirement (if applicable)
• Skills assessment documents of spouse or partner (if applicable)
• Relationship proof documents
• Health examination reports
• Police clearance or character certificates
• Employment reference letters from employers

 

 

How to Apply for a Subclass 189 Visa

Step 1: Check whether your occupation is listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list.

Step 2: Calculate your points and ensure you score at least 65 points under Australia’s points-based system.

Step 3: Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Step 5: Wait to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Australian immigration authorities.

Step 6: Submit your visa application along with all required documents within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

Step 7: Once the visa is approved, move to Australia with your family and begin your new life as a permanent resident.

 

Need guidance to migrate to Australia on a PR visa? Get expert advice from Y-Axis counsellors.

 

Subclass 189 Visa Fee

The Subclass 189 visa fee must be paid online through the official Australian immigration website. Payments can be made using a debit or credit card; however, additional charges may apply depending on your bank. The visa application fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. Applicants may also incur additional costs for skills assessments, English language tests, medical examinations, and police clearance certificates. The table below provides a breakdown of the Subclass 189 visa fees:

 

 

Also read:

What are the key differences between Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 Visas in 2026?

 

Subclass 189 Processing Times

The processing time for a Subclass 189 visa can vary based on several factors. These include the duration of the skills assessment, the frequency of invitation rounds, the competitiveness of your points score, and whether all required documents are complete and accurate.

Step-by-Step Processing Timeline:

 

The total processing time for the Subclass 189 visa is typically 8 to 12 months, depending on factors such as your occupation, points score, and the accuracy of your submitted documents.

 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

• Free eligibility check using the Australia Immigration Points Calculator
• Expert guidance and counseling for Australia immigration
• Coaching services, including expert PTE coaching and IELTS proficiency coaching
• Free career counseling — book your slot today
• End-to-end assistance for the Australia PR visa
• Resume writing services to help you find suitable job opportunities in Australia