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.
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.
Eligibility Requirements
Comprehensive requirements for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa
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)
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
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
- - Total process cost can range from AUD $8,000-15,000+
- - Timeline from start to visa grant typically 12-18 months
- - Opportunity costs of delayed migration must be considered
- - Early planning and preparation are crucial for success
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Processing Times
Related Documents
Application Process Timeline
Step-by-step process from initial preparation to visa grant
Skills Assessment
Obtain positive skills assessment from relevant authority
English Language Test
Take approved English test and achieve required scores
Submit EOI
Submit Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
Receive Invitation
Wait for invitation based on points ranking
Lodge Application
Submit visa application within 60 days of invitation
Health & Character
Complete medical examinations and police checks
Decision
Await visa decision from Department of Home Affairs
Ready to Start Your Australia 189 Visa Journey?
Don't navigate this complex process alone. Our expert migration consultants provide personalized guidance to maximize your chances of success while avoiding costly mistakes.