Skilled Independent visa 189
Permanent visa for invited skilled workers with no employer, state or family sponsor.
ChangingInvitation only
Who it is for
Skilled workers invited through SkillSelect who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member.
Main requirements
- Invitation to apply after an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect.
- Under 45 when invited.
- At least competent English when invited.
- Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- A suitable skills assessment when invited (a provisional 485 assessment is not suitable).
- At least 65 points, and at least the score in your invitation.
- If you hold or last held a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
- Health, character and the Australian values statement.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia once invited (not in immigration clearance). If you are in Australia you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C. An Expression of Interest is not an application and gives no bridging visa.
Streams
- Points-tested stream (Hong Kong stream: see the Hong Kong stream guide; New Zealand stream: closed) See also 189 New Zealand stream (closed)
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Enquiry and points check
Occupation, age, English and a realistic points estimate.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent gives an honest view, including when an invitation is unlikely. - English test and skills assessment
Book an accepted English test and apply to the assessing authority for your occupation.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks that the occupation code matches your real duties. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Expression of Interest
Lodge a free Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. It stays active for up to 2 years.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent claims only points you can prove and keeps the Expression of Interest up to date. - Invitation
If you rank high enough and places exist, you are invited. An invitation is not a grant.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the invitation and diarises the 60-day deadline. - Lodge within 60 days
Lodge in ImmiAccount and pay the charge. The 60 days cannot be extended.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges a complete application consistent with the Expression of Interest and evidence. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Decision
Processing follows a Ministerial Direction from 19 September 2026.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent answers requests and keeps you informed. - Permanent residence and after
Live, work and study anywhere in Australia, Medicare, sponsor eligible relatives, and citizenship when you meet the residence requirement.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans travel, family sponsorship and citizenship timing.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,135 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,540 |
| Second instalment, each applicant 18 or over without functional English | A$4,885 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Skilled Independent | 50% in 61 days, 90% in 8 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Points claimed cannot be proven.
- Employment not in the nominated or a closely related occupation, or under 20 hours a week.
- Skills assessment not valid at invitation, or a 485 assessment used.
- English test outside its validity or below the level claimed.
- Age claimed wrongly at invitation.
- False or misleading documents, which can bring a multi-year bar.
- Health or character, or a family member not declared.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Points evidence
- Family and character
Recent and upcoming changes
- 19 September 2026
A new Ministerial Direction sets the processing order for skilled visas.
- 17 September 2026
Points test redesign announced. Not in force; the current table and 65 point minimum apply.
- 12 May 2026
2026-27 Skilled Independent places: 21,090 (up from 16,900).
Questions
Is 65 points enough?
Sixty-five is the minimum. Invitations go to the highest-ranked Expressions of Interest in each occupation, so many people are invited only at higher scores.
Has the points test changed?
Not yet. A redesign has been announced, but no new table, pass mark or start date has been published.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.