Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 in Australia
Learn how international students on Subclass 500 visas can transition to Australian Permanent Residency via the Subclass 189 visa. Discover requirements, costs, processing times, and key application steps.
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Australia remains one of the world's most desirable destinations for international students and professionals seeking a fresh start and long-term career growth. With strong employment opportunities, a high standard of living, and clear migration pathways, foreign nationals regularly choose Australia as their permanent home.
What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for qualified workers who want to live and work in Australia without needing a sponsor or nominator. Among the various General Skilled Migration pathways, the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is one of the most direct avenues to Australian Permanent Residency (PR).
Because it is completely independent, applicants do not require sponsorship from a state, territory, employer, or family member. Instead, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) determines eligibility through an invitation based on skills, qualifications, and a competitive points score.
| Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189: At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) |
| Visa Status | Permanent Residency (PR) granted from day one |
| Nomination Needed | None — 100% independent |
| Living Rights | Unrestricted freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia |
| Application Cost | From AU $6,135 for the primary applicant |
| Age Ceiling | Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation |
| Minimum Threshold | 65 points on the SkillSelect Points Test |
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Subclass 500 to Subclass 189 Roadmap
For international students completing their studies on a Subclass 500 Student Visa, transitioning directly to permanent residency involves a structured, multi-step progression:
| Subclass 500 Student Visa → Graduation & Skills Assessment → Subclass 485 Graduate Visa → SkillSelect EOI Submission → Invitation (ITA) → Subclass 189 PR Grant |
Here’s the detailed process:
- Student Visa: Complete your higher education on the Subclass 500 Visa at an Australian institution.
- Graduation & Initial Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Temporary Graduate Visa: Gain Australian work experience on the Subclass 485 Visa, complete a Professional Year if applicable, and maximise English test scores.
- SkillSelect EOI Submission: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) claiming 65 or more points.
- Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): Receive an invitation during a DHA invitation round.
- Subclass 189 PR Granted: Lodge the formal application and receive Permanent Residency.
Subclass 189 Visa Benefits & Rights
Holding a Subclass 189 visa grants comprehensive rights and privileges across Australia:
- Indefinite Residency: Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without regional or employer commitments.
- Healthcare Access: Enrol immediately in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, which provides free or subsidised medical services.
- Family Inclusion: Include or sponsor eligible family members (spouse/de facto partner and dependent children) for Australian permanent residency.
- International Travel: Enjoy a 5-year initial international travel facility, allowing unlimited entries to and from Australia, renewable via a Resident Return Visa [RRV].
- Citizenship Pathway: Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling standard residency requirements, 4 years of continuous residence, including 12 months as a PR holder.
Note: While PR holders access Medicare immediately, newly arrived residents may face waiting periods for certain social security and government benefits.
Are you eligible for Subclass 189 PR? Navigating skills assessments, English scores, and occupation requirements can be complex. Check your eligibility and determine your best pathway to Australian Permanent Residency today.
Eligibility Streams & Requirements
To apply for the Subclass 189 visa, candidates must satisfy both general criteria governing all streams and specific criteria relevant to their designated stream.
A. Core Criteria (Applies to All Applicants)
- Meet all health (medical examination) and character (police clearance) checks.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
- Have no prior Australian visa cancellations or refusals.
B. Points-Tested Stream (Standard Pathway)
The primary pathway for international graduates and skilled migrants requires a minimum score of 65 points:
- Invitation Required: Lodge an EOI via SkillSelect and receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Nominated Occupation: Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Skills Assessment: Secure a full, valid, positive skills assessment for your occupation before receiving an invitation.
- Age Limit: Be under 45 years of age at the time the invitation is issued.
- English Standard: Demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in all bands, PTE 50 in all components, or equivalent).
C. Specialised Streams
- Hong Kong Stream: Dedicated pathway for British National (Overseas) or Hong Kong passport holders who have held a qualifying temporary visa (Subclass 482, 457, or 485) for at least 4 years continuously while residing in Australia and maintaining functional English.
- New Zealand Stream: Historically available to New Zealand citizens; closed to new visa applicants as eligible New Zealand citizens now hold a direct path to Australian citizenship.
How Student Visa Holders Maximise PR Points
International students on a Subclass 500 Student Visa can leverage their Australian studies and strategic choices to maximise their score on the SkillSelect Points Test:
| Points Category | Criteria & Bonus Opportunities | Max Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Highest points awarded to applicants aged 25–32 years | 30 pts |
| English Ability | Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each / PTE 79 each) • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 each / PTE 65 each) = 10 pts | 20 pts |
| Educational Qualification | Recognised Bachelor's or Master's degree • Doctorate / PhD = 20 pts | 15 pts |
| Australian Study Requirement | Complete at least 2 academic years (16 months minimum duration) of full-time study in Australia | 5 pts |
| Specialist STEM Qualification | Australian Master's by Research or PhD in specified STEM fields | 10 pts |
| Regional Australian Study | Live and study at a campus in a designated regional area | 5 pts |
| Professional Year (PY) Program | Complete an approved 12-month PY Program in Accounting, IT, or Engineering | 5 pts |
| NAATI CCL Certification | Pass the Credentialed Community Language test | 5 pts |
| Partner Points | Single applicant OR partner is an Australian citizen/PR OR partner has a positive skills assessment + Competent English | 10 pts |
Difference Between Subclass 189 and Subclass 190
While both visas offer permanent residency, they differ significantly in nomination rules, point allocation, and living obligations:
| Feature | Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) | State Nominated (Subclass 190) |
|---|---|---|
| Nomination | None required (100% Independent) | Must be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government |
| Bonus Points | 0 bonus points | +5 bonus points awarded automatically upon state nomination |
| Living Obligation | Unrestricted; live and work anywhere in Australia immediately | Commitment to live and work in the nominating state for the first 2 years |
| Occupation Lists | Strictly occupations on the MLTSSL list | Occupations on MLTSSL + Short-term (STSOL) lists based on state demand |
Unsure which PR visa stream suits your profile best? Whether you need state nomination points under Subclass 190 or want direct independence via Subclass 189, our registered migration specialists are here to guide your strategy.
Subclass 189 Visa Fees & Additional Costs
The overall cost of applying for a Subclass 189 visa involves the primary Visa Application Charge (VAC), charges for secondary family members, and third-party fees.
Department Charges
- Primary Applicant Fee: From AU $6,135
- Additional Adult Dependent (18+): ~AU $3,070
- Dependent Child (Under 18): ~AU $1,535
- Second Instalment Fee: AU $4,885 (Applies only to adult dependents aged 18+ who do not possess at least Functional English).
Third-Party Costs
- Skills Assessment Fees: AU $500 – $1,500+ (depending on assessing authority).
- English Language Exams: AU $400+ per attempt.
- Health & Character Checks: Medical check-ups and national police clearances for each country resided in for 12+ months.
Subclass 189 Processing Timeframes
Processing times depend on application completeness, health/character verification delays, migration quota limits, and DHA sector priorities. Current decision timeframes for the Points-Tested Stream generally range between 6 and 25 months post-lodgement.
Note: Processing times apply only after you lodge a formal visa application following an ITA; they do not include time spent in the SkillSelect pool waiting for an invitation.
Including Family Members
Applicants can include Members of the Family Unit (MOFU) in their visa application:
- Primary applicant's spouse or de facto partner.
- Dependent children or stepchildren under 23 years of age.
- Dependent children aged 23 or older who are unable to earn a livelihood due to physical or cognitive incapacities.
Family members included in the application are granted full Permanent Residency rights upon approval. If eligible relatives are omitted, a formal explanation (e.g., they already hold Australian citizenship or PR) must be provided to the Department.
How to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
Here’s how to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) while studying in Australia as an international student.
- Complete Qualification & Obtain Skills Assessment: Finish your Australian degree on your Subclass 500 visa. Apply to the relevant assessing body (such as Engineers Australia, ACS, CPA, or VETASSESS) for a positive Skills Assessment.
- Maximise English Scores & Calculate Points: Sit for an approved English exam (IELTS or PTE Academic). Target Superior scores (IELTS 8.0 bands / PTE Academic 79) to claim 20 points toward your total score.
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI): Register on Australia's SkillSelect portal and submit an EOI. Ensure you claim at least 65 points. Submitting an EOI is free.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Wait for invitation rounds conducted by the Department of Home Affairs. Upon invitation, your claimed points are locked.
- Lodge Visa Application within 60 Days: Submit your complete Subclass 189 application online via ImmiAccount within 60 calendar days of receiving your ITA, pay the application fee, and attach all supporting evidence.
- Complete Medicals & Police Clearances: Undergo health examinations with an approved panel physician and upload police clearances for all countries lived in for 12+ months over the past decade.
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 provides international students on a Subclass 500 visa with a clear, direct, and unencumbered route to long-term residency in Australia. By understanding the points test early, planning qualifications strategically, and completing necessary skills assessments, student visa holders can seamlessly position themselves for permanent residency.
Ready to take the next step toward Australian Permanent Residency? For tailored guidance on navigating SkillSelect invitation rounds, assessing MLTSSL occupation lists, or preparing your visa application error-free, get in touch with our team.
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 in Australia FAQs
Yes, provided you meet all eligibility criteria, hold a positive skills assessment, and score at least 65 points. However, most graduates first transition to a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa to accumulate relevant work experience, complete a Professional Year, and achieve higher English test scores to increase their points.
No. While 65 points is the minimum legal threshold to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), invitation rounds are competitive. Highly sought-after occupations (such as IT, Engineering, and Business) often require higher scores (e.g., 85–90+ points) depending on quota allocations.
No. The Subclass 189 is an independent visa stream. You do not require sponsorship or nomination from an employer, a state/territory government, or a family member.
Yes. Unlike regional or state-sponsored visas (such as Subclass 190 or 491), Subclass 189 visa holders have full, unrestricted rights to live, work, and study in any state or territory across Australia immediately upon visa grant.
The Subclass 189 visa provides Permanent Residency indefinitely. It includes an initial 5-year travel facility that allows you to re-enter Australia freely. After 5 years, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155/157) or qualify for Australian citizenship.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Shairha Munoz Bautista
Australia and New Zealand Student Visa and Pathways Expert | 10+ Years in International Education
Shairha Munoz Bautista is a QEAC-certified Education Counsellor with more than 10 years at AECC, guiding students on study options in Australia and New Zealand. Originally from the Philippines, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies before moving to Australia with her family in 2016. She joined AECC Melbourne that June, spent four years there, and has been with the Sydney office for over six years.
Shairha enjoys helping people make important decisions about their future. What motivates her most is seeing a student go from uncertain to confident about their direction. She starts by understanding the whole student, including their goals, concerns and long-term plans, and she is honest with them even when the answer isn't what they hoped to hear.
In one case, a student from the Philippines with a background in Chemistry came to her after Chemistry-related occupations were removed from the relevant skilled migration pathways. After reviewing his background and goals, they identified a Master of Social Work as a better-aligned pathway. Shairha helped him build a genuine link between the two fields by highlighting transferable skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication. His application was successful, and he went on to build his career in Australia and become an Australian citizen.
Shairha has been named Top Performer of the Year and Top Achiever on several occasions. Driven by a longstanding interest in science and medicine, she is currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at UNSW.
Reviewed by Samip Pokharel
Australia Course and Institution Selection Expert | 13 Years in International Education
Samip Pokharel is a QEAC-certified Education Counsellor at AECC Melbourne with 13 years of experience in international education, working in the field since 2013. He holds an MBA and has worked with students from diverse academic backgrounds across every study level.
Samip's approach is built on honest guidance, open communication and a genuine understanding of each student's goals, strengths and academic profile. He has worked on a wide range of applications, including profiles that needed careful positioning, realistic university selection and a well-planned strategy. He particularly enjoys helping students who feel unsure of their options. He helps them identify their strengths and present their profile authentically, while keeping expectations realistic.
Through university and college visits and several familiarisation tours, Samip has gained first-hand knowledge of institutions, campuses, programs and student life. That lets him give students practical insights beyond what brochures and websites can offer.
After 13 years in the field, his commitment remains the same: transparent, personalised and responsible guidance that helps students make decisions they can feel confident about.
