Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Subclass 189 is Australia's flagship points-based permanent residence visa for skilled migrants. Unlike employer-sponsored or state-nominated pathways, the 189 requires no sponsor — successful candidates are selected purely on merit through the SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) system.

How SkillSelect Works

1. 1.Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect online.
2. 2.If your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you score at least 65 points, you enter the pool.
3. 3.Department of Home Affairs runs regular invitation rounds. The highest-scoring candidates in each occupation are invited to apply.
4. 4.Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge a formal visa application.

Points Test (minimum 65 points to enter pool)

| Factor | Points | |---|---| | Age 25–32 | 30 | | Age 18–24 or 33–39 | 25 | | Age 40–44 | 15 | | Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each band) | 0 | | Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each band) | 10 | | Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each band) | 20 | | Bachelor degree | 15 | | Doctorate | 20 | | Australian study requirement met | 5 | | 3–4 years skilled employment (overseas) | 5 | | 5–7 years skilled employment (overseas) | 10 | | 8+ years skilled employment (overseas) | 15 | | 1–2 years skilled employment (Australia) | 5 | | 3–4 years skilled employment (Australia) | 10 | | 5+ years skilled employment (Australia) | 15 | | Skills assessment in a STEM field | 10 | | Accredited community language | 5 | | Partner skills | 5 | | Single / partner is citizen/PR | 10 |

Permanent Residence from Day One

The 189 grants permanent residence immediately on grant. You can live and work anywhere in Australia and sponsor eligible family members.