Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Overview

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent points-tested visa for invited workers with skills Australia needs. It does not require state, territory, family or employer sponsorship for the points-tested stream.

The process ordinarily begins with a suitable skills assessment and an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation.

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Requirements

The points below are a general orientation to the current government material. Meeting one item does not establish eligibility, and criteria can differ by stream or applicant circumstances.

• The occupation must be eligible and the applicant needs a suitable skills assessment.
• Applicants submit an EOI, state their points claims and must receive an invitation before applying.
• The points threshold is a minimum, not a guarantee of invitation.
• Age, English, health and character criteria apply.
• Claims in the EOI must be supportable at the invitation and application stages.

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Document Checklist

Typical planning covers identity, English results, skills assessment, employment history, qualifications, relationship and family records, and evidence supporting every points claim.

• Use the visa page's step-by-step instructions and any document checklist linked from it.
• Provide accurate, consistent information and clear colour scans of requested documents.
• Arrange English translations in the form required by the Department.
• Check whether health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, skills evidence or sponsor documents are requested.

How to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

After an EOI is submitted in SkillSelect, the Department may issue an invitation during an invitation round. An invited person has a limited period to lodge the visa application and provide evidence for the claims made.

• Confirm the correct visa and stream on the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Read every eligibility and step-by-step section that applies to the applicant and any family members.
• Use ImmiAccount for the application unless the official page instructs otherwise.
• Keep contact, passport and circumstances information current after lodgement.
• Read the written decision and, if granted, check all conditions in the grant letter and VEVO.

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Fees, Processing Times and Conditions

Visa charges can change and may include additional applicant charges, later instalments or separate costs. Use the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the intended lodgement date.

Published processing times describe recently decided applications and are a guide only. They are not a promise for an individual application. Check the official processing-time guide and respond promptly if the Department requests more information.

Visa conditions are legally significant and vary. A visa holder should use the grant letter and Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check the conditions attached to the granted visa.