Subclass 189 · Skilled migration · Points-tested
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189)
The subclass 189 is the most sought-after skilled visa because it is permanent from day one and ties you to no employer, state, or region. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and the Department invites the highest-ranked candidates in periodic rounds. Since the 2025 to 2026 program year these rounds run roughly quarterly rather than monthly.
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- Stay period
- Permanent
- Permanent residence
- Yes, PR or a pathway to it
- Points tested
- Yes, 65 points needed to be invited
- Age limit
- Under 45 at the date of invitation
- Base application charge
- From AUD 6,135 for the primary applicant, indexed each 1 July. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026.
- Processing time
- Roughly 5 to 12 months after invitation, occupation dependent
- English requirement
- Competent English (IELTS 6 equivalent) to qualify; Proficient (7) and Superior (8) add points
- Work experience
- None mandatory, but skilled experience is where most points come from
- Skilled occupation list
- MLTSSL only, assessed under the 2013 ANZSCO version. The CSOL does not apply to this visa.
Who it's for
To be invited you generally need:
- 1
An occupation on the relevant skilled list
- 2
A positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation
- 3
At least 65 points on the points test (the floor to be invited, not a guarantee)
- 4
Competent English or better
- 5
To be under 45 when invited
- 6
Health and character clearance
Pathway to permanent residence
The 189 is permanent residence. After meeting residence requirements you can apply for Australian citizenship. There is no provisional stage.
The points test
Points come from age, English level, skilled employment inside and outside Australia, qualifications, Australian study, study in a regional area, a Professional Year, credentialled community language, a skilled partner, and state or family sponsorship for the 190 and 491. The pass mark to submit is 65, but in practice recent 189 rounds have invited well above that for most occupations.
How invitation rounds work
You lodge an Expression of Interest, it sits in a pool ranked by points then by the date you reached that score, and the Department issues invitations in rounds. Trades occupations have recently been invited near the floor while ICT and accounting have needed 90 or more. See the invitation rounds history for the pattern.
If your score is not competitive
Most people lift their score with more skilled experience, a higher English test result, a partner skills assessment, or by pivoting to the 190 or 491 where state nomination adds 5 or 15 points and cut-offs are usually lower.
Visa conditions
No ongoing visa conditions beyond the standard requirement to be of good character. You are free to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): common questions
How much does the subclass 189 visa cost?
Base application charge for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): From AUD 6,135 for the primary applicant, indexed each 1 July. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens from 1 July 2026. Family members you include each pay an additional charge, and there are separate costs for health checks, police certificates, and skills assessments.
How long does the subclass 189 visa take to process?
Typical processing time for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Roughly 5 to 12 months after invitation, occupation dependent. Times vary with your occupation, how complete your application is, and demand at the time.
Does the subclass 189 visa lead to permanent residence?
The 189 is permanent residence. After meeting residence requirements you can apply for Australian citizenship. There is no provisional stage.
What is the age limit for the subclass 189 visa?
Under 45 at the date of invitation. Age is assessed at a specific point in the process, usually the date of invitation or application, so check exactly when before you plan around it.
How many points do I need for the subclass 189 visa?
You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 rarely gets an invitation. Recent rounds have invited trades occupations near 65, most professional occupations from about 75, and ICT and accounting from 90 or higher. Work out your score with our points calculator.
How long can I stay on the subclass 189 visa?
Stay period for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Permanent. The exact period and any conditions are set on your grant notice, so confirm yours on the Department of Home Affairs website or in VEVO before you plan travel, study or work around it.
Recent invitation rounds
Full history| Round | Stream | Invitations | Min points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Sept 2026(est.) | Points-tested | 7,000 | 65 |
| 4 June 2026 | Points-tested | 10,000 | 65 |
| 13 Nov 2025 | Points-tested | 10,000 | 65 |
| 21 Aug 2025 | Points-tested | 6,887 | 65 |
| 7 Nov 2024 | Points-tested | 15,000 | 65 |
| 13 June 2024 | Points-tested | 5,292 | 65 |
Not sure where you stand? Work out your points for the 189 and related visas.
Related guides and visas
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Been through the skilled independent visa yourself? Share what actually happened — it helps the next applicant more than another summary of the rules.
This is general information, not immigration advice, and Where To Apply is not a registered migration agent. Visa criteria change often, so always confirm the current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent (check their MARN on the OMARA website) before you apply.