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Australia Immigration

Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 visa is Australia's premier skilled migration pathway, offering permanent residence to skilled professionals without requiring employer sponsorship or state nomination. This points-tested visa provides complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.

60 days
lodgement Window
65 points
minimum Points
Under 45 years
age Limit
Permanent
validity Period
Australia skilled migration points and document planning session
Prepared with purpose
Evidence before EOI

Every point claimed should have a document behind it.

The 189 pathway starts with an indicative points score, but the application must prove the claims made in SkillSelect. Organize skills, English, employment, and qualification evidence before an invitation arrives.

  • Align the nominated occupation with the correct assessing authority
  • Keep English results and skills assessments valid through invitation
  • Use 65 points as an eligibility threshold, not an invitation promise
Estimate your points

Ready to Start Your Australia 189 Visa Journey?

The Subclass 189 visa requires careful preparation and comprehensive documentation. Our expert migration consultants help you navigate the complex requirements and maximize your points for success.

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60 days
lodgement Window
65 points
minimum Points
Under 45 years
age Limit
Permanent
validity Period

Eligibility Requirements

Comprehensive requirements for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa

JOB

Occupation Requirements

  • Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Positive skills assessment from relevant assessing authority
  • Meet English language requirements for your occupation
  • Satisfy registration or licensing requirements (if applicable)
PTS

Points Test Requirements

  • Score minimum 65 points (higher scores improve chances)
  • Age: 25-32 years (maximum 30 points)
  • English proficiency: Competent minimum (0-20 points)
  • Work experience: 3+ years preferred (0-15 points)
  • Education: Bachelor's minimum (15-20 points)
🏥

Health & Character

  • Meet health requirements through medical examinations
  • No significant health conditions that could burden Australian healthcare
  • Police clearances from all countries lived in 12+ months since age 16
  • No substantial criminal record or security concerns
TIME

Age & Timeline

  • Under 45 years of age at time of invitation
  • Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) first
  • Receive invitation to apply based on points ranking
  • Apply within 60 days of receiving invitation

Complete Document Checklist

Detailed documentation requirements for your Subclass 189 visa application

Important Advisory

WARNIndividual Case Variations

  • - Requirements can vary significantly based on individual circumstances
  • - Occupation-specific requirements may apply beyond standard criteria
  • - Previous visa history and compliance record affects assessment
  • - Family composition impacts documentation requirements

ADVProfessional Consultation Essential

  • - Complex cases require professional migration advice
  • - Mistakes can result in application refusal and significant delays
  • - Professional agents understand current policy interpretations
  • - Expert guidance maximizes chances of success

TIPFinancial and Time Investment

  • - Visa charges change every July: check the Home Affairs pricing estimator before you budget
  • - Skills assessment and English test fees are set by each authority and test provider
  • - Opportunity costs of delayed migration must be considered
  • - Early planning and preparation are crucial for success
ID

Identity & Personal DocumentsREQUIRED

Essential documents to establish your identity and personal circumstances

Passport (biographical pages)

Current passport valid for at least 6 months, including all personal detail pages

Tip: Ensure passport has blank pages for visa label

Birth certificate

Official birth certificate showing parents' names and place of birth

Tip: Must be certified copy if not original

Change of name documents (if applicable)

Legal documentation for any name changes including deed polls, marriage certificates

Tip: Required if current name differs from birth certificate

National identity card (if applicable)

Government-issued identity card from your country of citizenship

Tip: Include if your country issues national ID cards

Relationship documents

Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates of former spouses

Tip: All relationship status changes must be documented

SKL

Skills AssessmentREQUIRED

Proof that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation

Positive skills assessment

Valid skills assessment from relevant assessing authority (Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, etc.)

Tip: Must be valid at time of invitation and application

Skills assessment supporting documents

All documents submitted to obtain your skills assessment

Tip: Include employment references, qualifications, CVs used for assessment

Academic transcripts and qualifications

University transcripts, degree certificates, professional qualifications

Tip: Must match documents used for skills assessment

Employment references for skills assessment

Reference letters from employers confirming roles and responsibilities

Tip: Should align with ANZSCO descriptions for your occupation

ENG

English Language ProficiencyREQUIRED

Evidence of English language ability through recognized testing

IELTS Academic or General Training

Results within 3 years showing minimum Competent English (6.0 each band)

Tip: Higher scores award more points - aim for Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0)

PTE Academic results

Pearson Test of English Academic with minimum score of 50 in each component

Tip: Valid for 2-3 years, check current validity period

TOEFL iBT results

Internet-based TOEFL with minimum scores: Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18

Tip: Less commonly used but accepted alternative

OET results (healthcare professionals)

Occupational English Test with minimum Grade B in all sub-tests

Tip: Specifically designed for healthcare professionals

Cambridge English exams

C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with minimum score of 169

Tip: Lifetime validity, excellent option for high achievers

EDU

Education DocumentsREQUIRED

Academic qualifications and educational achievements

Academic transcripts

Official transcripts from all tertiary institutions showing subjects and grades

Tip: Must be official university-issued documents

Graduation certificates/diplomas

Degree certificates, diplomas, or completion certificates

Tip: Include all post-secondary qualifications

Completion letters from institutions

Official letters confirming completion of studies if certificates delayed

Tip: Temporary measure until official certificates available

Professional qualification certificates

Trade certificates, professional memberships, industry qualifications

Tip: Include all relevant professional credentials

JOB

Employment EvidenceREQUIRED

Comprehensive evidence of work experience and employment history

Employment references on company letterhead

Detailed reference letters from supervisors confirming roles, duties, and employment periods

Tip: Must include company contact details and supervisor's position

Payslips or salary certificates

Recent payslips or official salary certificates showing remuneration

Tip: Provide several months of payslips for current employment

Tax returns or income statements

Annual tax returns or income tax assessments showing employment income

Tip: Demonstrates legitimate employment and income history

Employment contracts

Signed employment contracts or offer letters showing terms and conditions

Tip: Include job descriptions and reporting relationships

Organizational charts

Company organizational charts showing your position and reporting structure

Tip: Particularly important for managerial or senior positions

🏥

Health RequirementsREQUIRED

Medical examinations to ensure you meet Australia's health standards

Health examination

Medical examination by panel physician including physical check and medical history

Tip: Must be completed by approved panel physician

Chest X-ray

Chest X-ray examination to screen for tuberculosis and other conditions

Tip: Required for applicants aged 11 years and over

Additional health examinations

Blood tests or specialist examinations if indicated by initial health screening

Tip: Follow panel physician instructions

Health insurance evidence

Proof of health insurance if currently residing in Australia

Tip: Demonstrates healthcare coverage during application process

CHR

Character RequirementsREQUIRED

Police clearances and character evidence to demonstrate good character

Police clearance certificates

Police checks from all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16

Tip: Must be less than 12 months old when submitting application

Form 80 / character information (if requested)

Detailed personal, travel, and employment history as requested by the department

Tip: Answer completely and consistently with other documents

BON

Points Claims (If Applicable)

Evidence for additional points you claim in your EOI

NAATI credential certificate

Credentialed Community Language (CCL) test results or NAATI certification

Tip: Awards 5 points for community language skills

Professional Year completion

Certificate of completion for Professional Year in accounting, engineering, or IT

Tip: Awards 5 points

Regional study evidence

Evidence of study in designated regional areas of Australia

Tip: May award additional points for regional study

Partner skills assessment & English

Partner's skills assessment and English test if claiming partner points

Tip: Can award 5-10 points if partner meets requirements

Quick Actions

Calculate Points ScoreGet Professional Help

Processing Times

Home Affairs updates processing times monthly and visa charges every July.

Current processing timesVisa pricing estimator

Related Documents

Australia Subclass 190Canada Express EntryStudy Visa Documents

Application Process Timeline

Step-by-step process from initial preparation to visa grant

1

Skills Assessment

Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant authority

Timeline: Set by the assessing authorityCost: Set by the assessing authority
2

English Language Test

Take approved English test and achieve required scores

Timeline: Regular test datesCost: Set by the test provider
3

Submit EOI

Submit Expression of Interest through SkillSelect

Timeline: ImmediateCost: Free
4

Receive Invitation

Wait for invitation based on points ranking

Timeline: Varies by occupationCost: No cost
5

Lodge Application

Submit visa application within 60 days of invitation

Timeline: Within 60 daysCost: Current Home Affairs visa charge
6

Health & Character

Complete medical examinations and police checks

Timeline: When Home Affairs asksCost: Set by the panel clinic and police authority
7

Decision

Await visa decision from Department of Home Affairs

Timeline: See Home Affairs processing timesCost: -

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