Subclass 189 Visa

Subclass 189 is Australia's Skilled Independent visa, a points-tested permanent residence visa that doesn't require employer, state, or family sponsorship. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.

The minimum is 65 points, but the score needed for an invitation depends on the occupation and the round. In the 15 October 2026 round the minimum invited scores ran from 65 points (for example electricians, carpenters, bricklayers and plumbers) to 100 points (ICT Security Specialist), with registered nurses at 70 and secondary school teachers at 80. Points are awarded for age, English, qualifications, work experience, and other factors.

Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) applies to the 482 and 186 visas, not to the 189. Being on the list does not mean you will be invited: in the 15 October 2026 round no invitations were issued for Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Accountant (General), Civil Engineer or Mechanical Engineer, while many trades, registered nurses and teachers were invited.

Processing time depends on your occupation, where you were when you lodged, and how complete your application is. Since 19 September 2026 Home Affairs has processed 189 applications in priority order under Ministerial Direction 122: applications relating to construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, or to law enforcement and defence interests, come first; then applicants who were in Australia when they lodged; then applicants who were outside Australia; then all others. Applicants applying from India should expect to be in the offshore group unless their occupation falls in a priority sector. Home Affairs publishes a processing time guide based on recently decided applications.

Yes, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation before being eligible to submit an EOI and receive an invitation.

You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect stating your points and occupation. When your score is competitive, you receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Subclass 189 grants permanent residence immediately upon approval. There's no expiry - you can live in Australia indefinitely and travel freely for 5 years on the visa label.

Yes, you can include your spouse/de facto partner and dependent children in your application. They receive the same permanent residence status as you.

The minimum is Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each component, or the equivalent in another approved test (for PTE Academic taken from 7 August 2025: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54). Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each) gives 10 points and Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each) gives 20 points. See our English language requirements page for the scores in each test.

You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation. Applicants aged 25-32 receive maximum age points (30 points), with points decreasing for older applicants.