189 Visa

Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Australia offers several skilled migration pathways for people whose occupations, qualifications and experience align with workforce needs. The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence pathway for eligible skilled workers who receive an invitation through SkillSelect. It does not require state or territory nomination or employer sponsorship.

Who May Consider the 189 Visa?

  • Skilled professionals with an eligible occupation
  • Applicants able to obtain a suitable skills assessment
  • Applicants who can meet the points test and other visa criteria
  • Candidates who are competitive for an invitation in their occupation

The Process

How the Process Works

A typical pathway involves:

  • Confirming occupation eligibility and obtaining a skills assessment.
  • Meeting English requirements and calculating points.
  • Lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
  • Waiting for an invitation. An Expression of Interest is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation.

Important Strategy

Why Points Alone Are Not Enough

The minimum points threshold does not necessarily reflect the score required to receive an invitation. Invitation outcomes can vary by occupation and program settings. A strong strategy should consider whether another pathway, including state nomination or employer sponsorship, may provide a more realistic option.

Soodeh Jafari

Soodeh Jafari

Registered Migration Agent & Managing Director

Her work focuses on practical, strategic migration advice across skilled, employer sponsored, partner, student and complex migration matters. Our role is to help clients understand their options, identify risks early, prepare strong evidence and move through the process with greater clarity.

Our Approach: Personalised assessment | Clear communication | Practical strategy

Last reviewed: September 2026 | Reviewed by: Soodeh Jafari, Registered Migration Agent

Disclaimer: The information on this page is general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Australian migration law and policy can change. Your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.