- Visas
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (ENS)
- Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Services
- Testimonials
- Blog
SUBCLASS 189 VISA
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
Secure permanent residency in Australia without requiring an employer sponsor or state nomination. We manage your entire 189 visa eligibility evaluation, point-test optimization, SkillSelect EOI, and formal application lodgement with strict attention to Department compliance.
96%
Agency Approval Rate
65+
Minimum EOI Points
4–8 Mo.
Typical Processing Time
PR
Permanent Residency Visa
CORE CRITERIA
189 Visa Eligibility Requirements
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa. To qualify for an invitation to apply, you must satisfy all fundamental Department of Home Affairs thresholds.
Skilled Occupation
Your profession must be included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for Australia.
Positive Skills Assessment
You must hold a valid, positive assessment of your qualifications and work experience from the designated Australian assessing authority.
Points Test Threshold
You must score at least 65 points on the SkillSelect migration points test based on age, education, experience, and language.
Competent English
You must demonstrate at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band), though higher scores are usually required for competitive EOIs.
Age Limit
You must be under 45 years of age when the official invitation to apply (ITA) is issued by the Department.
Health & Character
You and included family members must meet mandatory Australian medical examinations and national police clearance standards.
Avoid Common Disqualifying Mistakes: Overclaiming skilled work experience periods, miscalculating English test validity dates, or allowing your skills assessment to expire while waiting in the SkillSelect queue are top reasons for immediate EOI rejection or visa refusal.
STEP-BY-STEP
How We Handle Your 189 Visa Application
Our end-to-end management minimizes procedural delays and ensures every claim made in your EOI is backed by compliant evidentiary documentation.
01
Strategy & Points Audit
We review your credentials, confirm MLTSSL occupation alignment, and identify legitimate strategies to maximize your EOI points score.
02
Skills Assessment
We prepare and submit your formal evaluation to assessing authorities like ACS, Engineers Australia, or VETASSESS.
03
SkillSelect EOI Lodgement
We lodge a precise Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, ensuring no points claims are exaggerated or unsupported.
04
Invitation & Visa Application
Once invited, we have a strict 60-day window to compile and lodge your complete permanent residency application.
05
Liaison to PR Grant
We manage all Department of Home Affairs communications, request checklists, and post-lodgement updates through to visa decision.
EVIDENCE CHECKLIST
Documents Required for Subclass 189
A successful skilled independent visa application requires structured evidence. Below are the primary document categories you will need to assemble.
Identity & Civil Records
- Valid passport bio-data pages for all applicants
- Birth certificates showing parents' names
- National identity cards or household registers
- Marriage certificates or de facto relationship evidence
Skills & Employment
- Positive Skills Assessment outcome letter
- Academic transcripts, degrees, and diplomas
- Employment reference letters on official letterhead
- Payslips, tax records, and bank salary deposits
Language, Health & Character
- Valid English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
- Police clearances from any country lived in for 12+ months
- Partner English competency or qualification proofs
- Medical examination completion slips (post-lodgement)
INVESTMENT & TIMELINES
Costs & Processing Schedule
We believe in transparent budgeting so you know exactly what government fees and professional expenses to plan for.
Department of Home Affairs Fees
AUD $6,135
This is the standard government visa application charge for a primary applicant. Additional fees apply for secondary applicants (spouses and dependent children).
* Fees are set by the Department and subject to change — confirm current fees during your initial assessment.
Our Agency Service Fee
Case-Dependent
Our professional service fees are tailored to the specific complexity of your case. We evaluate your unique profile and requirements before providing a clear quotation.
* Our fee covers Skills Assessment guidance, EOI management, and full visa lodgement representation.
Typical Processing Timelines
4 – 8 Months
Processing times apply from the date of final visa lodgement (after receiving an ITA). EOI waiting times vary based on your occupation and total points.
* Clean, decision-ready applications with complete evidence tend to be processed significantly faster.
MARN 2619225
Why Work With a Registered Migration Agent for a 189 Visa?
While the Subclass 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship, it is one of the most strictly scrutinized points-tested visas in Australia. A frequent reason for visa refusal—or a 3-year ban for Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 misrepresentation—is claiming points on an Expression of Interest that cannot be legally proven at the application stage.
Assessing authorities and the Department of Home Affairs use different criteria to calculate "skilled work experience." What counts as skilled employment to an IT assessor may be deducted by a case officer if work date calculations or reference letter formatting fail to meet Migration Regulations standards.
As registered MARN professionals, we audit your professional history before you enter the SkillSelect pool. We ensure your claimed points reflect your verifiable documents, giving you the strongest foundation for a seamless permanent residency grant.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, direct answers regarding the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa program.
What is the minimum points score required for a Subclass 189 visa in 2026?
The legal minimum required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) is 65 points. However, because the Subclass 189 is competitive and invitation-based, most occupation groups require significantly higher scores (often 80 to 95+ points) to receive an invitation to apply.
Do I need state or employer nomination for the 189 visa?
No. The Subclass 189 is an independent visa. You do not need an employer to sponsor you, nor do you require nomination from an Australian state or territory government.
How long is a Skills Assessment valid for a 189 visa application?
Most positive Skills Assessments are valid for three years from the date of issue, unless the assessing authority specifies a shorter validity period on the outcome letter.
Can I include my family members in my Subclass 189 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner, as well as dependent children, in your application. Partner English competency and skills can also contribute additional points to your total EOI score.
What happens if I turn 45 while waiting for an invitation?
You must be under 45 years of age at the exact moment you receive an invitation to apply (ITA). If you turn 45 while your EOI is pending in SkillSelect, you will no longer be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa.
Can I stay in Australia while my 189 visa is being processed?
If you are already in Australia on a substantive visa when you lodge your definitive 189 application (after receiving an invitation), you will generally be granted a Bridging Visa A (BVA), allowing you to remain lawfully while your application is processed.
Ready to Check Your 189 Visa Eligibility?
Speak directly with registered MARN migration agents in Melbourne. Send us a message on WhatsApp to discuss your occupation, points test, and pathway to Australian PR.