How long does the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) take?

End to end, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) typically takes 6 to 24 months. Preparing a complete application (6 stages) usually takes around 21 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down Skilled Independent 189 applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the Skilled Independent 189?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇦🇺 Australia · Skilled Independent 189

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 6–24 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

6–24 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 6 stages of a Skilled Independent 189 application

1
Obtain a Skills Assessment
≈ 60 days
Apply to the relevant Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code. Processing times vary by authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA). A positive assessment is mandatory before submitting an EOI.
2
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
≈ 1 days
Create a myGov / ImmiAccount profile and submit your EOI in SkillSelect. Enter all points test factors accurately. Your EOI is ranked against others in your occupation. You may update your EOI at any time.
3
Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
≈ 180 days
If your score is competitive in a round, the Department will issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via your ImmiAccount. Rounds are held regularly — frequency and cut-off scores vary by occupation. Monitor your ImmiAccount.
4
Lodge Visa Application (within 60 days)
≈ 7 days
Submit your formal visa application in ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving your ITA. Upload all supporting documents. Pay the application fee. Include forms for any family members to be included on the application.
5
Health Examinations and Police Clearances
≈ 30 days
Complete mandatory health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
6
Await Grant Decision
≈ 365 days
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application. Processing times vary from a few months to over a year depending on complexity and volume. Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests for further information.

Are you eligible for the Skilled Independent 189?

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The 6 stages of a Skilled Independent 189 application

Obtain a Skills Assessment

≈ 60 days

Apply to the relevant Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code. Processing times vary by authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS, AHPRA). A positive assessment is mandatory before submitting an EOI.

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect

≈ 1 days

Create a myGov / ImmiAccount profile and submit your EOI in SkillSelect. Enter all points test factors accurately. Your EOI is ranked against others in your occupation. You may update your EOI at any time.

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

≈ 180 days

If your score is competitive in a round, the Department will issue an Invitation to Apply (ITA) via your ImmiAccount. Rounds are held regularly — frequency and cut-off scores vary by occupation. Monitor your ImmiAccount.

Lodge Visa Application (within 60 days)

≈ 7 days

Submit your formal visa application in ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving your ITA. Upload all supporting documents. Pay the application fee. Include forms for any family members to be included on the application.

Health Examinations and Police Clearances

≈ 30 days

Complete mandatory health examinations through an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

Await Grant Decision

≈ 365 days

The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application. Processing times vary from a few months to over a year depending on complexity and volume. Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests for further information.