Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa: Permanent Residency for Skilled Professionals in Australia

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of Australia’s most popular and direct immigration pathways, offering permanent residency to highly skilled professionals—without requiring employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family backing. If you meet the eligibility requirements and secure a competitive points score, this visa can give you and your family the full right to live, work, and build a future in Australia.

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we specialize in guiding skilled workers from around the world through every step of the 189 visa process. From obtaining a positive skills assessment to submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) and lodging your visa application, our team ensures your submission is compliant, complete, and strategically positioned to succeed.

What Is the 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-tested, permanent resident visa for individuals whose occupation appears on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It is designed specifically for highly skilled applicants who are not nominated by a state or territory and who do not require sponsorship from an employer or family member.

Successful applicants under this visa subclass receive the full benefits of permanent residency. You will have the right to live and work anywhere in Australia, access public healthcare through Medicare, include eligible family members in your application, and apply for Australian citizenship once eligible. You may also travel freely in and out of the country during the first five years of your visa.

There are two streams within the 189 visa category: the Points-Tested Stream and the New Zealand Stream. This page focuses exclusively on the Points-Tested Stream, which is intended for general skilled migrants applying independently through the SkillSelect system.

Who Is Eligible for the 189 Visa?

To qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa under the Points-Tested Stream, you must first nominate an occupation that appears on the Skilled Occupation List published by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs. You will then need to complete a positive skills assessment from a recognized authority corresponding to your occupation.

The next step involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. Your EOI outlines your qualifications, employment history, language ability, and other credentials that contribute to your overall points score. A minimum of 65 points is required to lodge an EOI; however, popular occupations often demand scores of 80 points or higher to receive an invitation.

You must also meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This involves undergoing medical checks and providing police clearance certificates. English language proficiency is mandatory, and must be proven through an approved test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.

Why Choose the 189 Visa?

One of the most significant advantages of the 189 Visa is its independence. You do not need sponsorship from a family member, employer, or regional government. This offers maximum flexibility in choosing where to live and work across the country.

Upon approval, you receive full permanent residency status from day one. This includes access to healthcare, the right to work in any job or industry, and eligibility for many social services. After four years of lawful residence in Australia—at least one of which must be as a permanent resident—you may apply for citizenship, subject to meeting the applicable criteria.

The visa also allows you to include family members in your application. Your spouse or de facto partner, as well as any dependent children, can be granted permanent residency under your application. You are not restricted to any specific state, city, or job, giving you the freedom to shape your Australian life on your own terms.

How the 189 Visa Process Works

The journey to obtaining a 189 Visa begins with securing a positive skills assessment through the designated assessing body for your occupation. Authorities such as Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, CPA Australia, and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) are commonly involved in this stage.

You must then complete an English language test that meets the minimum score for your occupation category. Once your English results and skills assessment are secured, you can calculate your total points and submit your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect.

If your EOI is competitive, you may receive an official invitation to apply. This triggers the visa application stage, during which you submit a complete application along with supporting documents such as educational certificates, employment references, identity documents, police clearance, and health records.

Processing times vary depending on the occupation, documentation, and caseload, but most 189 visa applications are finalized within 3 to 9 months. Once approved, you and your included family members receive permanent resident status in Australia.

Documents Typically Required

To prepare a complete 189 visa application, you will need a valid passport, a positive skills assessment report, and the results of your English language proficiency exam. Academic transcripts, degree certificates, and letters confirming your work experience are essential for both points calculation and verification.

You will also be asked to provide a copy of your Expression of Interest, police clearance certificates for each applicant over 16 years of age, and results from your health examination. Marriage certificates, birth certificates for children, and completed character assessment forms (such as Form 80 and Form 1221) may also be required, depending on your family situation.

At Phoenix Immigration, we create a personalized document checklist based on your occupation, family structure, and immigration background to ensure nothing is missed.

How Phoenix Immigration Can Help

We begin by conducting a comprehensive eligibility review to determine whether the Subclass 189 Visa or an alternative pathway—such as the Subclass 190 (State Nominated) or Subclass 491 (Regional Sponsored)—is better suited to your profile.

Next, we help calculate your points score accurately and identify strategies to improve your competitiveness. This may include retaking English exams, maximizing professional experience, or claiming partner points. We also assist in preparing and lodging your skills assessment with the appropriate authority.

Our team provides full visa application support—from EOI strategy to final submission—with meticulous attention to timelines, compliance, and presentation. Once your visa is approved, we offer post-landing assistance to help you and your family transition smoothly into Australian life.