Australia 189 Skilled Independent Visa
Achieve permanent residency in Australia without employer or state sponsorship. Navigate the 189 visa process with expert guidance from Career Connection Consulting.
Visa Type
Permanent Residency
Processing Time
9-12 Months
Points Required
Minimum 65
Age Limit
Under 45 Years
What is the 189 Visa Australia?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is Australia’s premier permanent residency pathway for skilled workers. Unlike the 190 or 491 visas, the 189 visa requires no employer or state sponsorship, giving you complete freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia from day one.
This points-based visa is designed for highly skilled professionals whose occupations are in demand in Australia. Once granted, you receive full permanent residency rights including access to Medicare, ability to sponsor relatives, and pathway to Australian citizenship after four years.
Why Choose the 189 Visa?
- No sponsorship required – complete independence
- Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
- Permanent residency from day one
- Include family members in your application
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Access to Medicare and social security
189 Visa Occupation List 2025
The 189 visa occupation list includes skilled professions across various sectors. Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to be eligible for the skilled independent visa Australia.
Popular Occupation Categories
Healthcare Professionals
Registered Nurses, Medical Practitioners, Dentists, Pharmacists, Allied Health Professionals
Engineering
Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Software Engineers, Chemical Engineers
ICT & Technology
Software Developers, ICT Business Analysts, Network Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists
Trades & Construction
Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Metal Fabricators, Construction Managers
Business & Finance
Accountants, Auditors, Financial Analysts, Management Consultants, Marketing Specialists
Education
Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary Teachers, Special Education Teachers, University Lecturers
Check Your Occupation
Not sure if your occupation qualifies? The MLTSSL is regularly updated by the Australian Government. Contact Career Connection Consulting for a comprehensive occupation assessment and skills matching analysis.
189 Visa Requirements Australia
Meeting the 189 visa requirements is crucial for application success. Here are the essential eligibility criteria for the skilled independent visa Australia:
Age Requirement
Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation. Maximum points awarded for ages 25-32.
Occupation
Nominated occupation must be on the MLTSSL and you must have a positive skills assessment.
Points Test
Score minimum 65 points (though competitive scores are typically 80-95+ depending on occupation).
English Proficiency
Competent English minimum (IELTS 6.0 each band or equivalent). Superior English earns additional points.
Work Experience
At least 3 years of skilled work experience in your nominated occupation (more experience = more points).
Health & Character
Meet health requirements and provide police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months.
Point Check for 189 Visa – How Points Are Calculated
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 | |
| 33-39 years | 25 | |
| 40-44 years | 15 | |
| English | Competent (IELTS 6.0 each) | 0 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7.0 each) | 10 | |
| Superior (IELTS 8.0 each) | 20 | |
| Work Experience (Overseas) | 3-4 years | 5 |
| 5-7 years | 10 | |
| 8+ years | 15 | |
| Australian Work Experience | 1-2 years | 5 |
| 3-4 years | 10 | |
| 5+ years | 15 | |
| Education | Doctorate from Australian university | 20 |
| Bachelor or higher qualification | 15 | |
| Other | Partner skills qualification | 10 |
| STEM qualification from Australia | 10 | |
| Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
Maximize Your Points Score
Strategic planning can significantly increase your points. Career Connection Consulting provides personalized strategies to boost your score through:
- English test preparation and guidance
- Skills assessment application support
- Professional Year program recommendations
- Partner skills qualification assistance
- Work experience documentation strategies
189 Visa Process – Step by Step
Understanding the 189 visa process helps you prepare effectively. Here’s the complete skilled independent visa application journey:
- Skills Assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. - Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect, declaring your points score. Your EOI remains valid for 2 years or until you receive an invitation. - Receive Invitation to Apply
If your points score is competitive, you’ll receive an invitation during a monthly invitation round. You have 60 days to lodge your full application. - Lodge Visa Application
Submit your complete 189 visa application with all supporting documents including identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, and employment evidence. - Medical Examinations
Complete health examinations with approved panel physicians. Some applicants may also need to provide biometrics. - Police Clearances
Provide police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. - Application Assessment
Department of Home Affairs reviews your application. You may be contacted for additional information or clarification. - Visa Grant
Receive your 189 visa grant notification. You must make your first entry to Australia before the specified date on your grant letter.
189 Visa Processing Time
Understanding processing times helps you plan your migration timeline effectively. The 189 visa processing time varies based on application complexity and Department of Home Affairs workload.
Current Processing Timeframes
| Processing Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | 2-4 months (varies by assessing authority) |
| EOI to Invitation | 1-12 months (depends on points score) |
| 25% of applications processed in | 7 months |
| 75% of applications processed in | 11 months |
| 90% of applications processed in | 14 months |
Factors Affecting Processing Time
- Completeness of application and supporting documents
- Complexity of employment history verification
- Time to obtain police clearances from certain countries
- Additional health checks or security assessments
- Department of Home Affairs workload and priorities
- Response time to requests for additional information
Pro Tip: A well-prepared application with comprehensive documentation from the start significantly reduces processing delays. Our experienced team ensures your application is submission-ready.
189 Visa vs Other Skilled Visas
Comparing the skilled independent visa with other options helps you choose the right pathway:
| Feature | 189 Visa | 190 Visa | 491 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 years) |
| Sponsorship Required | No | State/Territory | State/Territory or Family |
| Location Restriction | None | 2 years in sponsoring state | 3 years in regional area |
| Points Boost | – | +5 points | +15 points |
| Minimum Points | 65 (competitive 85+) | 65 (competitive 70+) | 65 (competitive 65+) |
| Occupation List | MLTSSL | MLTSSL + STSOL | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your 189 Visa Journey?
Let Career Connection Consulting guide you through every step of your skilled independent visa application. Our expert team has helped hundreds of professionals achieve their Australian PR dream.
Why Choose Career Connection Consulting?
✓ Expert Migration Agents
Registered MARA agents with deep knowledge of 189 visa requirements and Australian immigration law.
✓ High Success Rate
Proven track record of successful 189 visa applications across diverse occupations and backgrounds.
✓ Comprehensive Support
End-to-end assistance from skills assessment to visa grant, including post-arrival settlement support.
✓ Points Maximization
Strategic guidance to boost your points score through legitimate pathways and professional development.
✓ Document Excellence
Meticulous preparation of all documentation to meet Department of Home Affairs standards.
✓ Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront fee structure with no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what to expect.
Book Your Free Consultation
Get personalized advice on your 189 visa prospects. Our consultation includes:
- Detailed points assessment
- Occupation eligibility review
- Timeline and strategy planning
- Cost breakdown and investment analysis
- Alternative visa options if applicable
No obligation. No pressure. Just expert guidance to help you make informed decisions about your Australian migration journey.
Contact Career Connection Consulting
Take the first step toward your Australian permanent residency today.
📞 Phone
+92 213-5883777
✉️ Email
info@cc-consultings.com
📍 Location
Karachi, Pakistan