Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189 in Australia

Skilled Independent visa, subclass 189 · Australia visa route

skilled · last reviewed 2026-08-08 · all Australia routes

A points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers without state or family sponsorship.

Important notes

• Submit an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation for subclass 189.
• Nominate an occupation on the applicable list and obtain a suitable skills assessment.
• Meet the points, English, age, health, character, and identity requirements.
• Subclass 189 is independent: no state nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship points are available.
• Invitation cut-offs can be higher than the 65-point minimum.

Official source

Official source: Australian Department of Home Affairs

Also look at similar visas from these countries

🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190 A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. Open this route → 🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491 A provisional points-tested visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative in a regional area. Open this route → 🇳🇿 New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category From 24 August 2026 two new pathways open: Skilled Work Experience (5 years of relevant experience, at least 2 in New Zealand, paid at 1.1x the Skilled Migrant wage threshold) and Trades and Technician (4 years of post-qualification experience, at least 18 months in New Zealand, Level 4+ qualification). The existing six-point route stays, with a New Zealand bachelor's degree rising from 3 to 5 points, an overseas bachelor's from 3 to 4, and the New Zealand work experience needed for full points falling from up to 3 years to 2. Most applicants are assessed against the wage threshold that applied when they began accumulating qualifying New Zealand work. Unsubmitted draft EOIs are deleted when the new system opens. Open this route → 🇨🇦 Canada Canada Provincial Employer and Nominee Route A province- or territory-linked route where a qualifying job and nomination can support work permission or permanent residence. Open this route →

Visa rules change frequently. This page is a research guide, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.