Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Wintr Consulting

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

A permanent visa allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer sponsorship.

The Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189 is a popular pathway to Australia. It is a permanent visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state or territory government, or a family member. Uniquely and different from skilled visas such as employer sponsored visas, it is points tested. While the minimum points requirement is 65, many skilled migrants prepare for more points to increase likelihood of invitation in competitive occupations.

Permanent Residency

Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions as a permanent resident.

Medicare

Enrol in Australia’s healthcare system, Medicare.

Sponsorship

Become a sponsor for eligible family members for temporary and permanent residence.

Citizenship

Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet residency requirements.

For families, it means security and access to services. For individuals, it means the freedom to pursue career opportunities across Australia without being tied to a particular job or location.

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet several requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Criteria
Occupation	Must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment	Positive assessment from the relevant authority.
Points Test	Minimum of 65 points (though higher is often needed).
Age	Under 45 at the time of invitation.
English Language	Competent is the minimum, but points are only awarded for Proficient and above.
Invitation	EOI required; only invited applicants may apply.

Applying for 189 visa is a staged process:

Confirm Eligibility

Confirm your occupation is on the MLTSSL and calculate your points score.

Skills Assessment

Obtain your Skills Assessment from the relevant authority.

Submit EOI

Submit Expression of Interest via SkillSelect with experience, qualifications, and English info.

Wait for Invitation

Invitations are issued by the Department. You must lodge visa within 60 days of receiving invitation.

EOI Validity: A submitted EOI applications are valid for two years. If not invited, it expires. You can continue to work on increasing your points and updating the information in your EOI application.

While very popular, the Independent Skilled visa subclass 189 visa has its challenges. For example, if you are in Australia and your temporary visa is soon to expire, you may not have enough time to prepare to work on increasing your points, obtain your Skills Assessment and wait for your invitation.

Navigating the 189 visa process can be complex, particularly when calculating your points score and preparing a competitive EOI all within time constraints.

Eligibility assessment: Reviewing your background, skills, and occupation to confirm your eligibility for this visa.
Points test guidance: Helping you identify maximum points where possible, such as through English testing or partner skills.
Skills assessment support: Managing your application with the relevant assessing authority.
EOI preparation: Drafting and lodging your EOI with SkillSelect, and updating where applicable.
Visa application management: Preparing and submitting your visa application with all supporting documents upon receiving your invitation.
End-to-end support: Guiding you from the first assessment through to final visa decision.

If you’re a professional seeking the 491 pathway, whether you are in or outside Australia, Wintr Consulting can assist you from the beginning. We look forward to hearing from you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Subclass 189 visa?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled applicants who receive an invitation through SkillSelect and do not require employer or state/territory sponsorship.

Who is eligible to apply for a 189 visa?

You hold a positive skills assessment, have at least 65 points, lodge an EOI, and meet age, English, health, and character requirements. A 189 visa is an invitation only visa, meaning you cannot apply for the visa unless invited by the Department of Home Affairs.

Do I need to live in a specific state if granted a 189 visa?

No. The 189 visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Can I apply from inside or outside Australia?

Yes. You can apply onshore or offshore. If applying onshore, you may be granted a bridging visa if you hold a substantive visa or hold a certain Bridging visa.

Do I need a skills assessment?

Yes. A valid positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation is required at the time of invitation.

How are invitations issued?

Invitations are points-based and competitive through SkillSelect. Higher points generally improve your chances of selection.

How long is my EOI valid for?

EOIs remain valid for two years. You must keep information up to date during this time.

What happens if my skills assessment expires before invitation?

Your skills assessment must be valid at the time of invitation, however following the Thapa decision and current policy, you may still meet this requirement if you obtain a new or renewed skills assessment within the 60-day invitation window. This exception applies to skills assessments only, English test results must be valid at the time of invitation.

Can I update my EOI after submitting?

Yes. You can update your EOI at any time before invitation. Your EOI must remain accurate at all times, failure to provide evidence of your points upon invitation will result in an unfavourable decision.

Can I include family members?

Yes. Eligible family members can be included and will receive permanent residence if granted.

What happens if my points increase after submitting my EOI?

Update your EOI. Invitations are based on the points recorded at the time of selection.

What if my circumstances change and I no longer meet my claimed points?

Update your EOI. If invited on points you cannot substantiate, you may receive an unfavourable decision.

Does professional year, NAATI, or Australian study count for points?

Yes, if completed and valid at the time of invitation.

Can I claim overseas work experience that overlaps with Australian study?

No. Periods counted for Australian study cannot also be counted as skilled work. Overlapping periods cannot be double-counted.

How do occupation ceilings affect invitations?

The 189 program may set occupation ceilings to manage migration levels. Once a cap is reached, no further invitations may be issued for that occupation in the program year.

How often are 189 invitation rounds held?

Invitation rounds are issued periodically and not always monthly. They may be paused or prioritised depending on program needs and government policy settings.

How do partner points work and what are the common pitfalls?

You may claim partner points if your partner meets skilled, English, and age criteria. Incorrect partner claims are a common refusal reason — ensure your partner can provide valid supporting documents at invitation.

How does SkillSelect rank EOIs with the same points score?

Tie-breaking may occur based on application date, occupation group, and government priority settings. Earlier EOIs with the same points may be selected first.

Does the New Zealand stream affect 189 program priorities?

The New Zealand stream is a separate pathway and does not directly affect general 189 invitation ranking. However, previous policy periods have seen program management adjustments between these cohorts depending on government priorities.