Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Permanent Residency Without Employer or State Sponsorship
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for highly skilled professionals who are invited by the Australian Government to live and work in Australia without employer, state, or family sponsorship.
Our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne provide realistic points assessment, occupation strategy, and invitation-focused planning to help skilled applicants maximise their chances under this highly competitive visa category.
What Is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Subclass 189 visa grants Australian Permanent Residency directly to skilled migrants who:
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Receive an invitation to apply from the Australian Government
- Meet points, skills, and eligibility criteria
This visa allows you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Apply for Australian citizenship (when eligible)
Important: You cannot apply directly for this visa without an invitation.
How the Subclass 189 Visa Works
- Check Occupation Eligibility
Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List. - Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. - Points Test
Score at least 65 points (real-world invitations often require much higher). - Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect. - Invitation to Apply
Only invited applicants can lodge a visa application. - Visa Application & Grant
This process is competitive, capped, and invitation-based.
Eligibility Requirements – Subclass 189
- Age Requirement
Under 45 years at time of invitation.
- English Language
Competent English minimum
(higher English = more points).
- Skilled Employment & Qualifications
Relevant qualifications and skilled work experience.
- Skills Assessment
Mandatory positive skills assessment.
- Health & Character
Medical examinations and police clearances.
Points Test - What Actually Matters
- Age
- English proficiency
- Skilled employment (Australia & overseas)
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study
- Partner skills
How V CAN Migration Services Helps
- Occupation & Points Feasibility Assessment
- Skills Assessment Strategy
- Points Optimisation Planning
- EOI Drafting & Submission
- Invitation Monitoring & Updates
- PR Visa Lodgement After Invitation
Key Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa
- Permanent Residency
PR is granted immediately upon approval.
- No Sponsorship Required
No employer, state, or regional sponsorship needed.
- Location Freedom
Live and work anywhere in Australia.
- Family Inclusion
Include spouse and dependent children with PR rights.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Failure
- ❌ Submitting EOIs with inflated or incorrect points
- ❌ Choosing the wrong ANZSCO occupation
- ❌ Weak or incorrect skills assessment
- ❌ Assuming invitations are “automatic”
- ❌ No backup visa strategy
Why Choose V CAN Migration Services?
- Registered Migration Agent-led PR planning
- Honest assessment of 189 feasibility
- Strong expertise in points-tested visas
- No misleading PR promises
Need Help With a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
Speak with Registered Migration Agents at V CAN Migration Services – Melbourne for realistic assessment and invitation-focused strategy.
Eligibility Requirements – SID (Subclass 482) Visa
Employer / Sponsor Requirements
- Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit locally unless exempt under international trade obligations.
- Minimum Salary Threshold
Sponsored workers must be paid:
- At least the Core Skills Threshold (CST)
- And in line with the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR)
Visa Applicant Requirements
- Work Experience
Applicants must demonstrate at least 12 months of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
- English Language Ability
Applicants must meet English language requirements unless an exemption applies.
- Police Clearance Certificates
Police clearances are required for every country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
Need Advice on the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa?
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It grants Australian PR directly.
No. Employment sponsorship is not required.
No. This visa is independent.
There is no fixed timeframe. It depends on points, occupation, and invitation rounds.
You may need alternative pathways such as Subclass 190, 491, or employer-sponsored visas.