Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Points-tested Stream

AUD6,135 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members. A lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.

You can include members of your family unit in your application.

In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance), both when you apply and when the visa is decided.

Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list for this stream.

You must have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation when you are invited.

You must be under 45 when you are invited.

This is a points-tested visa. Check your score with our points calculator.

You need at least Competent English when you are invited. For example, at least IELTS 6 in each of the four components, or PTE Academic scores of at least 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing and 54 speaking. Other accepted tests have equivalent scores, and holders of certain passports (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland) are treated as having Competent English.

If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C.

You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.

Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.

Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for 5 years from grant. After that, you need a Resident Return visa.

As a permanent resident you may be able to sponsor eligible relatives, and later apply for Australian citizenship.

Report a new passport, address or other change in circumstances.