Subclass 189 Visa: Skilled Independent Visa Complete Guide 2026
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What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
If you're looking for the most straightforward path to Australian permanent residency, the subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is often considered the gold standard. Unlike other skilled migration pathways, it puts you firmly in the driver's seat. You don't need to organise an employer to sponsor you, and you don't need a state or territory government to nominate you.
Your chance of receiving an invitation is based entirely on the points you score in SkillSelect. The moment your visa is granted, you become a permanent resident. That means you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, enrol in Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship if you meet the residence criteria. If you're finding the whole system a bit overwhelming, it's worth reading our Complete PR Guide to see how the 189 visa slots into the bigger picture.
No Sponsor Needed
This is a truly independent visa. You won't need to rely on an employer nomination, state government nomination, or family sponsor to make it happen.
Permanent From Day One
There are no provisional steps. The 189 grants permanent residency immediately upon approval, allowing you to settle with peace of mind.
Total Flexibility
You aren't locked into living in a regional area. Whether you fancy the hustle of Sydney or the lifestyle of Adelaide, you can live and work anywhere.
Subclass 189 Eligibility Requirements
The following requirements apply to the Points-tested stream. You must meet all of them at the exact time you are invited to apply. Importantly, meeting these baseline criteria allows you to lodge an EOI, but it doesn't guarantee you'll actually receive an invitation.
1. Under 45 Years Old
You must be under 45 at the time you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you happen to turn 45 after receiving the invitation but before lodging, you can still apply. However, if you hit 45 while waiting in the SkillSelect pool, you will unfortunately lose eligibility for this visa.
2. Score At Least 65 Points
The legislative minimum to submit an Expression of Interest is 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test. You can use our calculator to check where you currently sit. Remember, because this is a competitive process, higher scores are often necessary to actually secure an invite.
3. An Occupation on the MLTSSL
For the Points-tested stream, your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list features occupations that Australia anticipates needing over the long haul. If your occupation is only on the STSOL, you won't be able to apply for this visa.
4. A Valid Skills Assessment
You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority for your occupation (such as ACS, Engineers Australia, or Vetassess). This assessment verifies that your qualifications and experience match the Australian standards for your role.
Crucial detail: Your skills assessment must remain valid at the time you receiveyour invitation. Most assessments are valid for three years. If you've been sitting in the EOI pool for a while, it's highly recommended to keep a close eye on your assessment's expiry date to ensure you don't get caught out.
Subclass 189 Points Requirements: What Score Do You Actually Need?
There's a lot of confusion surrounding the 65-point mark. While hitting 65 points allows you to lodge your EOI, it doesn't mean an invitation is on the way. The SkillSelect system is highly competitive. Invitations are primarily issued to those with the highest scores in their occupation group, meaning the actual points required can fluctuate significantly from round to round.
| Score | Historical Context (Recent Rounds) |
|---|---|
| Below 65 | Ineligible to submit an EOI. |
| 65–74 | In the pool. Historically, invitations at this score have been rare outside of severe shortage occupations (e.g., healthcare). |
| 75–84 | Often worth exploring the subclass 190 visa as an alternative, which awards 5 extra points. |
| 85–94 | More competitive, but outcomes still heavily depend on how many allocations your occupation receives. |
| 95+ | Generally highly competitive, though even very high scores don't guarantee a fast invite in oversubscribed fields. |
Healthcare Roles (e.g., Registered Nurses)
Due to critical shortages, these occupations have occasionally seen invitations issued closer to the 65-point minimum in past rounds.
May be invited at lower scoresIT Professionals (e.g., Software Engineers)
Usually highly competitive. It's not uncommon to see cutoffs hovering around 85–90+ points depending on the round.
Often requires higher pointsAccounting & Finance
Historically one of the most oversubscribed fields. Cutoffs have often reached 100 points, making the 190 visa a pragmatic alternative.
Exceptionally competitiveThe Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds at its absolute discretion. While they have historically moved toward a quarterly model, they can change the frequency or occupational focus at any time without notice.
To get a better feel for what score you might need, it's sensible to review the historical SkillSelect invitation round results.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Organise Your Skills Assessment
Your first port of call is getting a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Processing times can be lengthy (often 6 to 12 weeks depending on the authority), so it pays to organise this well in advance.
→ See how to find your assessing authoritySit Your English Test
You must prove at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0). However, if you want a competitive score, aiming for Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79) gives you a massive 20-point boost.
→ IELTS vs PTE: which is better for PR?Calculate Your Points
Once you have your skills assessment and English scores, tally up your points. If you're sitting on 65, look for ways to increase your score before lodging your EOI, such as undertaking a NAATI credentialed community language test.
→ Use the points calculatorSubmit Your EOI
Log into the SkillSelect portal and lodge your Expression of Interest. It's free to submit, and it stays active for two years. You can jump back in to update it if you manage to secure more points later on.
→ Understand how SkillSelect worksReceive an Invitation
If you have a competitive score in an occupation the government is currently prioritising, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Once this arrives, the clock starts ticking. You have exactly 60 days to lodge your formal visa application.
⚠ The 60-Day Deadline Is Absolute
If you miss the 60-day window, your invitation will lapse, and you'll be placed back in the pool. It is highly recommended that you start gathering your supporting documents before you even receive your invitation, so you're ready to hit the ground running.
Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your application and pay the visa charges through your ImmiAccount. You'll need to provide documentary evidence for every single claim you made in your EOI.
Wait for the Decision
Now you wait. During this time, you may be asked to provide your health and character checks (police clearances and medicals). Processing times vary, but you can track global processing times on the Home Affairs website.
Documents Required for Subclass 189
It's wise to have these documents sorted out early. If you claim points for something in your EOI, you must be able to back it up with hard evidence at the time of application.
Identity and Relationships
- ☐ A valid passport for you and any family members
- ☐ Birth certificates (with NAATI-certified translations if not in English)
- ☐ Evidence of a de facto relationship or marriage certificate
- ☐ Change of name documents (if applicable)
Skills and English
- ☐ Your positive skills assessment outcome letter
- ☐ Valid English language test results (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
- ☐ Academic transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates
- ☐ Detailed employment reference letters (covering dates, duties, and hours)
- ☐ Financial proof of employment (tax returns, payslips, superannuation records)
Health and Character
- ☐ Australian Federal Police clearance (if you've lived in Australia for 12+ months)
- ☐ Overseas police clearances for any country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years
- ☐ Medical examinations (usually completed after lodging, via a panel physician)
⚠ Has Your Relationship Status Changed?
If your relationship status changes between submitting your EOI and receiving your ITA, it can directly affect the points you claimed for partner skills. This is a common pitfall. If this happens, it is strongly advised to seek guidance from a registered migration agent before lodging.
Subclass 189 Visa Cost (As of July 2026)
The Department of Home Affairs generally updates visa application charges on 1 July each year. Below are the government fees as of July 2026. Verify the latest amounts at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au: Visa Pricing.
| Applicant | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | AUD $6,135 |
| Partner or dependent over 18 | AUD $3,070 |
| Dependent child under 18 | AUD $1,540 |
| Second instalment (for adult dependents without functional English) | AUD $5,090 |
| Hidden Costs to Factor In | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment fee | AUD $350–$1,800+ (depending on the authority) |
| English language test (e.g., PTE or IELTS) | AUD $445 approx. per attempt |
| Immigration medical examinations | AUD $350–$500 per person |
| Police clearances (Australian and overseas) | Varies by country (AFP is ~AUD $42) |
Please note: Visa application charges are non-refundable if your application is refused. You should always verify the latest fees directly via the Department of Home Affairs website prior to lodgement.
Subclass 189 Processing Time (2026 Estimates)
It is crucial to remember that processing times start from the day you lodge your full visa application, not the day you submit your EOI.
Based on the Department of Home Affairs data available as of mid-2026, the global processing times for the Subclass 189 (Points-tested stream) generally fall within the following percentiles. Source: Department of Home Affairs: Subclass 189 processing times.
| Percentile | Processing Time After Lodgement |
|---|---|
| 50% of applications | 5–6 months |
| 90% of applications | 11–12 months |
Delays can happen. The most common reasons for a slow application include failing to provide all documents upfront (front-loading), delays with external agencies providing medicals or police checks, or the Department taking time to verify complex employment claims.
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