https://nwivisas.com/assets/SkilledIndependent189-DbnC1N9x.js

1import{j as e}from"./index-GkWPVvRs.js";import{V as i}from"./VisaProductPage-B5DR2u83.js";import"./MediaPulseSidebar-C-h6WcL0.js";import"./newspaper-owWP5iC6.js";import"./arrow-up-right-zxbYk23o.js";import"./ReviewerByline-DnUR0cNN.js";import"./scale-CzYshwHr.js";import"./teamData-Glnh8eOY.js";import"./badge-check-CWDXmHdm.js";import"./YouTubeVideoEmbed-Dl_4ojsQ.js";import"./assessingAuthorities-DR7yCjKN.js";import"./stateOccupations-CVa_oJSq.js";import"./CaseWinsStrip-C1GzNAuw.js";import"./caseWins-Cg6efvya.js";import"./trophy-CiFj8RKG.js";import"./zap-DMXGBHoO.js";import"./graduation-cap-9h9cTLrj.js";import"./dollar-sign-ChkcjJ8V.js";import"./briefcase-CcOjb8Q-.js";import"./book-open-DcrFMyDH.js";import"./triangle-alert-Dj55YK8-.js";import"./circle-question-mark-DXLH3AR-.js";import"./phone-B-7Bh-Qm.js";const t={country:"Australia",countrySlug:"australia",visaName:"Skilled Independent Visa",subclass:"Subclass 189",slug:"skilled-independent-189",heroImage:"/visa-images/australia-hero.png",midImage:"/visa-images/australia-lifestyle.png",metaTitle:"Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | New World Immigration",metaDescription:"The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or family member. Learn about eligibility, points requirements and application process.",reviewerSlug:"jonathan-pretorius",lastReviewed:"2026-07-13",showAssessingAuthorities:!0,plainEnglishIntro:"Australia's most popular permanent residency visa, no employer, state, or family sponsor needed. You qualify based on your job, qualifications and a points score. If your score is high enough, you'll receive an invitation to apply for the visa outright.",relatedGuide:{title:"Australia Skilled Visa Guide",href:"/guides/australia-skilled-visa-guide",description:"Everything you need to know about points-tested skilled migration to Australia, skills assessments, EOI strategy, state nomination and the path from 65 points to a visa grant.",badge:"Complete Guide"},introduction:["The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who meet the points threshold and have an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. It does not require employer, state or family sponsorship.","This visa is one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency in Australia. It is points-tested and invitation-based, meaning applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply before lodging a formal application.","Once granted, the Subclass 189 provides unrestricted work rights, access to Medicare, eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for their own visa applications."],whoIsItFor:{description:"This visa is for skilled workers who want to move to Australia permanently and independently, no employer, state, or family member needs to sponsor you. If your job is on Australia's skills shortage list and your points score is high enough, this is the most direct route to a permanent visa.",checklist:["Your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)","You have obtained a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority","You are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation","You score at least 65 points on the points test (higher scores improve your chances)","You meet the English language requirement (minimum Competent English, with higher levels adding points)","You have no significant criminal or health concerns"]},rejectionReasons:["Occupation not on the MLTSSL: If your occupation is not on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List at the time of invitation, your EOI will not be eligible for an invitation. The list changes periodically and must be checked at each key stage.","Insufficient points score: Scoring exactly 65 points rarely results in an invitation. Competitive invitation scores are typically between 80 and 95 points depending on the occupation. Failing to reach the cut-off for your occupation means your EOI sits in the pool indef

1initely.","Failed or invalid skills assessment: A negative skills assessment or one that has expired (generally valid for three years) will result in visa refusal. The assessing authority must confirm your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.","English language test out of date: English test results must be less than three years old at the time of invitation. Submitting an expired test result, or one that does not meet the required score for your claimed points, is a common ground for application failure.","Health or character requirements not met: All applicants must meet Australia's health and character requirements. Undisclosed criminal history, significant health conditions, or police clearances that are incomplete or expired are frequent causes of refusal.","Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: Submitting an application without the required documents, or providing documents that contradict each other or do not align with the claims made in the EOI, will delay or prevent a positive decision."],tabs:{howToApply:{steps:[{title:"Complete an eligibility assessment",description:"Before submitting any formal applications, confirm that your occupation is on the MLTSSL, obtain an indicative points estimate, and verify your qualifications are likely to be assessed positively by the relevant assessing authority."},{title:"Obtain a skills assessment",description:"Lodge an application with the assessing authority relevant to your occupation (e.g. Engineers Australia, ANMAC, ACS, CPA Australia). Provide certified copies of your qualifications, employment references and any other required documentation."},{title:"Sit an English language test",description:"Book and complete an approved English language test (IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge C1 Advanced). Ensure your test result is valid at the time of invitation and achieves the score required for your claimed points level."},{title:"Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)",description:"Create an ImmiAccount and submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. Enter your points, occupation, skills assessment details and personal information accurately. Your EOI places you in the invitation pool for your occupation."},{title:"Receive and accept an invitation to apply",description:"Invitations are issued in regular rounds by the Department of Home Affairs. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application. Do not miss this deadline."},{title:"Complete health examinations and police clearances",description:"Undergo health examinations with an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years."},{title:"Lodge your visa application",description:"Submit the complete application through ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving your invitation. Include all required documents, pay the government visa fee, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information."}]},quickTips:["Maximise your points before submitting your EOI, even a few extra points can move you from the waiting pool to a realistic invitation score.","Your English test must remain valid at the time of invitation, not just at the time of EOI submission. Plan accordingly.","Skills assessments are occupation-specific. Confirm the correct assessing authority before you begin to avoid wasting time and money on the wrong body.","Check the MLTSSL before each invitation round, occupations are added and removed, and your eligibility can change.","Police clearances expire. If yours are approaching 12 months old, start the renewal process before you expect to receive an invitation.","Include all countries of residence in your police clearance disclosures, even short stays. Omissions are treated as non-disclosure.","Competent English (IELTS 6.0) is the minimum, but Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0) adds 10 or 20 bonus points respectively."],documentsNeeded:["Valid passport for all applicants","Positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority","English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge), must be within 3 years","Invitation to apply (issued through SkillSelect)","Birth certificates for all applicants","Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (if applicable)","Employment references covering the claimed work experience period","Certified academic qualifications and transcripts","Police clearances from every country of residence (12+ months in past 10 years)","Health examination results from an approved panel physician","Passport-sized photographs for all applicants","Evidence of any additional points claimed (e.g. Australian study, community language, specialist education qualification)"]},process:[{title:"Initial Eligibility Assessment",description:"We review your occupation, qualifications, work experience and English proficiency to determine whether you are likely to meet the points threshold and skills assessment requirements."},{title:"Skills Assessment",description:"Your qualifications and experience are assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This confirms your eligibility to apply."},{title:"Points Calculation",description:"We calculate your total points based on age, English ability, work experience, qualifications and any additional factors such as partner skills, Australian study or c

1ommunity language."},{title:"Expression of Interest (EOI)",description:"An EOI is submitted through the SkillSelect system. This places you in the pool of candidates. Invitations are issued in regular rounds based on points ranking."},{title:"Invitation to Apply",description:"Once you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application with all supporting documentation."},{title:"Visa Application Lodgement",description:"We prepare and submit your full application including identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, police clearances and health examinations."},{title:"Processing and Decision",description:"The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application. Additional information may be requested. Once approved, your permanent visa is granted."}],keyConsiderations:["The minimum points requirement is 65, but competitive invitation scores are typically between 80 and 95 depending on the occupation.","Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL at the time of both EOI submission and invitation.","Skills assessments can take 4 to 12 weeks depending on the assessing authority and complexity of the case.","English test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge) must be less than 3 years old at the time of invitation.","Police clearances are required from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.","Health examinations must be completed by a panel physician approved by the Australian Government.","Processing times vary depending on the completeness of your application and the volume of applications being processed.","Changes to occupation lists can occur at any time, which may affect eligibility."],costOverview:{description:["The total cost of a Subclass 189 application depends on several factors including the number of applicants, the skills assessing authority and the English test required."],categories:[{label:"Government Visa Fee (Primary)",range:"AUD 6,135"},{label:"Skills Assessment",range:"AUD 300 - 1,500"},{label:"English Language Test",range:"AUD 300 - 450"},{label:"Health Examinations",range:"AUD 300 - 600 per person"},{label:"Police Clearances",range:"AUD 50 - 200 per country"},{label:"Professional Service Fees",range:"Contact for quote"}],note:"Exact costs depend on individual circumstances, family composition and nominated occupation. Government fees are subject to change."},occupations:{description:"The Subclass 189 covers a wide range of skilled occupations across industries. Below are some commonly nominated occupations. The full MLTSSL is maintained by the Australian Government and is subject to periodic updates.",list:["Software Engineer","Registered Nurse","Civil Engineer","Accountant","Mechanical Engineer","Electrical Engineer","ICT Business Analyst","Quantity Surveyor","Occupational Therapist","Physiotherapist","Chef","Carpenter","Electrician","Plumber","Welder","Secondary School Teacher","Social Worker","Audiologist","Medical Laboratory Scientist","Architect","Surveyor","Mining Engineer","Chemical Engineer","Environmental Scientist","Sonographer","Midwife","Speech Pathologist","Psychologist","Data Scientist","Cybersecurity Analyst"]},timeframes:{description:"Timeframes vary depending on the occupation, skills assessment complexity, invitation round timing and completeness of the application at lodgement.",ranges:[{label:"Skills Assessment",duration:"4 - 12 weeks"},{label:"EOI to Invitation",duration:"1 - 12 months (varies by occupation and points)"},{label:"Visa Application to Decision",duration:"20 - 28 months"},{label:"Total (Straightforward Case)",duration:"24 - 36 months"},{label:"Total (Complex Case)",duration:"30 - 42+ months"}]},jobOffer:["A job offer is not required for the Subclass 189 visa. This visa is independent of employer sponsorship.","However, having a job offer or employment lined up in Australia can provide practical benefits when settling, even though it does not affect visa eligibility or points.","New World Immigration operates a dedicated recruitment division that connects skilled candidates with Australian employers across sectors including engineering, healthcare, IT, trades and construction. While no job offer can be guaranteed, this service provides meaningful support for candidates who wish to 

1secure employment ahead of their move."],faqs:[{question:"What is the minimum points score for the Subclass 189?",answer:"The minimum is 65 points. However, most occupations require significantly higher scores to receive an invitation. Competitive scores typically fall between 80 and 95 points depending on the occupation and invitation round."},{question:"How long does the EOI remain active in SkillSelect?",answer:"An EOI remains active for two years from the date of submission. If you do not receive an invitation within that period, you may submit a new EOI."},{question:"Can I include my family in the application?",answer:"Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa application. Additional visa fees apply for each secondary applicant."},{question:"Do I need to live in a specific state or territory?",answer:"No. The Subclass 189 allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without geographic restriction."},{question:"What happens if my occupation is removed from the MLTSSL?",answer:"If your occupation is removed after you have already received an invitation and lodged your application, your application will typically still be processed. However, if it is removed before you receive an invitation, your EOI may no longer be eligible."},{question:"Can I apply for citizenship after receiving this visa?",answer:"Yes. Subclass 189 holders are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirement, which generally involves living in Australia for at least four years, including at least one year as a permanent resident."},{question:"Is there an age limit?",answer:"You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply. There are limited exemptions for certain applicants."}],testimonialVideos:[{videoId:"xfpbu7nzLc0",label:"Occupational Therapist, 189 Invitation to Cairns",caption:"Michaela, a paediatric OT, received a 189 skilled independent invitation in a surprise September round. She and Craig share their full journey from South Africa to Cairns, including settlement, kids settling in, and what life really looks like on the other side."}],relatedComparisons:[{label:"Subclass 189 vs 190: Which Should You Choose?",href:"/australia/189-vs-190",description:"Both are permanent visas. The 190 requires state nomination but adds 5 points and often has lower invitation scores. Compare both pathways side by side."},{label:"Subclass 189 vs 491: Permanent vs Provisional",href:"/australia/189-vs-491",description:"The 491 is provisional (not permanent) but adds 15 points and typically processes faster. Compare the requirements and long-term pathways."}],closingStatement:["If you believe you may qualify for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), the next step is to complete a structured eligibility assessment.","Our team will review your qualifications, experience and points estimate to provide clear guidance on your options and the most appropriate pathway forward."]};function T(){return e.jsx(i,{data:t})}export{T as default};