Subclass 189 · Permanent
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Australia
Live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without a sponsor or nomination. For invited skilled workers under 45 who score 65 points or more.
About the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited skilled workers with an occupation Australia needs. You do not need an employer sponsor, a state nomination or a family sponsor. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, and the Department of Home Affairs invites the highest-ranked candidates to apply.
Because there is no nomination, the 189 is usually the most competitive skilled visa. Invitations go to the highest points scores first, so maximising your points is key.
With this visa you can
- Live, work and study anywhere in Australia, permanently
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
You must
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- Be invited to apply, and be under 45 at invitation
- Score at least 65 points on the points test
- Have at least Competent English at invitation
65 points is the minimum, not the target
Invitations go to the highest-ranked EOIs first. Where scores are equal, the EOI that reached its score earliest is invited first. Use our points calculator to see where you stand.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Subclass 189 Streams
The Skilled Independent visa has three streams. Most applicants use the Points-tested stream.
For invited skilled workers under 45 with an occupation on the relevant list, a skills assessment and 65+ points.
View full detailsFor Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet the visa and residence requirements.
View full detailsClosed to new primary applications since 1 July 2023. Eligible New Zealanders can now apply for citizenship directly.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
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A permanent visa for invited skilled workers with an occupation on the relevant skilled list. You do not need an employer, state or family sponsor, and you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
You must score at least 65 points to be invited. Invitations go to the highest-ranked EOIs first, so in practice many occupations need a higher score.
You must be under 45 at the time you are invited to apply.
From AUD6,135 for the main applicant, with concessions in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026, a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to lodge your visa application online.
No. The New Zealand stream closed to new primary applications on 1 July 2023. Eligible New Zealand citizens can now apply for Australian citizenship through the direct pathway.
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