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Apply for Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and achieve permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship. OnePoint provides expert, research-backed guidance through every step of your application.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of Australia's most sought-after permanent residency pathways. Unlike many other skilled migration visas, it does not require sponsorship from an employer, a family member, or a state or territory government. Your application is assessed purely on the strength of your skills, qualifications, and points score.
Once granted, you and your eligible family members receive permanent residency from day one — giving you the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, on your own terms.
The Subclass 189 is designed for:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Under 45 years at the time of Invitation to Apply (ITA) |
| Occupation | Must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) |
| Skills Assessment | Positive assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation |
| Points Score | Minimum 65 points required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). In practice, 85–95+ points are needed to receive a competitive invitation |
| English Language | At least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or equivalent) |
| Invitation | Must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect before lodging an application |
| Health & Character | Must meet Australia's health and character requirements |
Note: Competitive invitation scores for the Subclass 189 have been 85–95+ points for most occupations, with some high-demand fields such as accounting and certain IT roles seeing scores above 95. The minimum 65 points qualifies you to submit an EOI but does not guarantee an invitation.
Points are awarded across the following categories. Higher scores in multiple areas significantly improve your competitiveness:
| Points Category | Maximum Points Available |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 years = maximum) | 30 points |
| English language (Superior English = maximum) | 20 points |
| Skilled employment — overseas experience (up to 10 years) | 20 points |
| Skilled employment — Australian experience (up to 10 years) | 20 points |
| Educational qualifications (PhD = maximum) | 20 points |
| Australian study requirement | 5 points |
| Specialist education qualification (STEM PhD) | 10 points |
| Community language (NAATI credential) | 5 points |
| Partner skills (partner holds skills assessment + Competent English) | 10 points |
| Professional year in Australia | 5 points |
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm Occupation | Check your occupation against the current MLTSSL on the Department of Home Affairs website |
| 2. Skills Assessment | Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS) |
| 3. Calculate Your Points | Use the official Points Calculator to estimate your score before lodging an EOI |
| 4. Submit EOI via SkillSelect | Lodge your Expression of Interest online, selecting Subclass 189 as your nominated visa |
| 5. Wait for Invitation | EOIs are ranked by points score. The Department conducts invitation rounds (typically monthly). Highest-scoring applicants are invited first |
| 6. Apply Within 60 Days | Once you receive an ITA, you must lodge your complete visa application within 60 days |
| 7. Await Decision | Processing typically takes 2–8 months, depending on application completeness and departmental workload |
Note: Fee amounts and program settings are subject to change. Verify current fees and MLTSSL at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before submitting your application.
Navigating the Subclass 189 process requires more than simply calculating a points score. It requires strategic planning, careful preparation of documentation, and an accurate understanding of invitation trends and occupation-specific requirements. OnePoint provides:
Points Profile Assessment: We review your full profile and calculate your current and potential points score, identifying areas where improvements are achievable.
Occupation and Assessing Authority Guidance: We help you identify the correct assessing authority, understand their requirements, and prepare a strong skills assessment application.
EOI Strategy: We advise on how to present your EOI to maximise your competitive position, including timing, occupation selection, and points enhancement strategies.
Full Application Preparation: Once you receive your invitation, we prepare and review your complete visa application — including all documentation and compliance checks.
Family Inclusion: We ensure eligible family members are properly included and all secondary applicant requirements are met.
Ongoing Updates: We keep you informed of changes to occupation lists, invitation cut-off scores, and program settings that may affect your pathway.
OnePoint is not just a form-filling service. Our team combines registered migration expertise with a genuine commitment to honest, personalised advice. We will not encourage you to pursue a pathway that does not suit your profile — and we will tell you clearly when another visa option may serve your goals better.
Permanent residency in Australia starts with the right strategy. Contact OnePoint today for a confidential skills assessment and a clear, honest view of your Subclass 189 prospects.
📞 Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation → Contact OnePoint Now
Find answers to the most common questions to help you better understand our services and processes.
A: No. The Subclass 189 is completely independent. You do not need employer sponsorship, state government nomination, or family sponsorship. Your application is assessed entirely on your points score and eligibility.
A: The minimum to submit an Expression of Interest is 65 points. However, in 2025–26, most competitive occupations are seeing invitation cut-offs between 85 and 95+ points. We recommend aiming for the highest possible score before lodging your EOI.
A: The Department of Home Affairs generally conducts invitation rounds monthly, though the frequency and number of invitations per round can vary. OnePoint monitors invitation trends and advises clients accordingly.
A: Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants. They will receive permanent residency alongside you and must also meet health and character requirements.
A: The Subclass 189 requires no nomination — it is fully independent. The Subclass 190 requires a state or territory government nomination and awards 5 additional points for that nomination. The 190 may be a better option if you are eligible for state nomination and your 189 score is not yet competitive.
A: The Subclass 189 grants immediate permanent residency and allows you to live anywhere in Australia. The Subclass 491 is a provisional visa requiring you to live and work in a designated regional area, with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
A: Processing typically takes between 2 and 8 months once a complete application is lodged. Processing times can vary depending on application completeness, occupation, and departmental workload.
A: If your skills assessment expires, your EOI may no longer be valid. You should ensure your skills assessment remains current throughout the period your EOI is active in SkillSelect. OnePoint can help you manage this timing.
A: Yes. Common strategies include: improving your English test result, completing professional year, obtaining NAATI community language accreditation, gaining additional Australian work experience, or having your partner obtain a skills assessment. OnePoint can help you identify the most realistic improvements for your profile.
A: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list is updated periodically by the Department of Home Affairs. Contact OnePoint or check immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for the current list.
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