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.

Preparation checklist

• Passport and EOI
• Skills assessment
• English test
• Qualification and employment evidence
• Health and police clearances

Points-tested skilled migration variants

These routes serve a similar purpose or sit within the same visa family, so they are shown together for comparison; each has its own page.

Australia Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190 A points-tested permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory. Open 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 route →

Official source

Official source: Australian Department of Home Affairs

Also look at similar visas from these countries

Higher rating for quality of life

🇺🇾 Uruguay Uruguay Family-based Residence A residence basis for qualifying family members of Uruguayan citizens or residents, subject to relationship evidence. Open this route →

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