How the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa works: points test breakdown, how many points you really need, SkillSelect invitation rounds, skills assessment, and how to maximise your chance of invitation.
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is one of the few Australian PR pathways that does not require employer sponsorship or state nomination. It is points-tested and awarded by invitation to the highest-scoring candidates in your occupation — a prestige route for independent, highly-skilled professionals.
| Visa type | Permanent, points-tested, no sponsor |
| Duration | Permanent |
| Work rights | Full — any employer, anywhere in Australia |
| Minimum points | 65 (higher in practice: 80–90+ to get invited) |
| Age limit | Under 45 at invitation |
| Occupation list | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) |
| Skills assessment | Required from the relevant assessing authority |
| Approx. base cost | ~A$4,640 main applicant (check current fee) |
Start Australian work experience toward your 189 points
Use our filters to narrow by location, salary, and work arrangement.
You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect with your points score. Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds — typically every few months — and invites the top-scoring EOIs in each occupation. Key point-scoring factors:
Skills assessment
Get a positive skills assessment from your nominated occupation's assessing authority.
Submit EOI in SkillSelect
Claim your points honestly — every claim is verified at visa stage.
Receive invitation
High-scoring EOIs are invited in invitation rounds. You have 60 days to lodge.
Lodge visa application
Submit evidence for every points claim plus health, character, and identity documents.
Decision
Processing typically 8–20 months depending on occupation and case complexity.
How many points do I need for 189?
Officially 65, but recent invitation rounds have required 85–95 points for most occupations. Target 90+ to be competitive.
Do I need a job offer for 189?
No. The 189 is unsponsored — you qualify on your own merits via the points test.
How long is 189 valid?
Permanent. There are no renewal requirements, but if you travel overseas the initial travel facility is 5 years (renewable via Resident Return Visa).
Can I apply for 189 from offshore?
Yes, the 189 can be granted onshore or offshore. Most onshore applicants transition from a 485 Temporary Graduate visa.
How is 189 different from 190 or 491?
189 needs no sponsor or nomination. 190 requires state nomination (+5 points). 491 requires state nomination or family sponsorship and regional residence (+15 points, provisional).
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and may change at any time without notice. Immigration law and visa conditions are complex and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. This content does not constitute legal or migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
