Independent Skilled Migration

Apply for Permanent Residency Without Sponsorship

The Subclass 189 is designed for skilled workers who want to make Australia their home without relying on an employer or state or territory to sponsor them. If you are a tradesperson, technical specialist or professional with an eligible occupation, this points-tested visa may offer a pathway to permanent residency.

Your application is assessed against several requirements, including your occupation, skills assessment, age, English, qualifications, skilled employment and points score. Unlike state-nominated or employer-sponsored pathways, the 189 gives you the flexibility to live and work anywhere in Australia once granted.

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Registered with OMARA

Registered with OMARA

Turn Your Skills into an Australian PR Opportunity

Who Can Apply?

Do You Meet the Subclass 189 Requirements?

Age & Occupation

You generally need to be under 45 when invited to apply, and your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Skills Assessment & English

You need a positive Skills Assessment for your nominated occupation and at least Competent English, unless an applicable exemption applies.

Points & EOI

You need to meet the points requirement and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect with accurate details about your skills, qualifications and experience.

Invitation, Health & Character

You must receive an invitation before lodging your visa application and meet Australia's health and character requirements.

Our 189 Visa Process

From Your First Assessment to Your Visa Decision

Your profile is the starting point.

Your qualifications, employment history, and English results are reviewed to understand your potential Subclass 189 pathway. We calculate your migration points and look at the details that could affect your application before recommending the next step.

What happens:
  • Review your qualifications and employment history
  • Assess your English language results
  • Calculate your migration points
  • Review your nominated occupation
  • Identify potential gaps or issues in your profile
  • Explain your available pathway and next steps

Your evidence is prepared for the right assessing authority.

A positive Skills Assessment is generally required before you can submit your EOI. We help you identify the relevant assessing authority and prepare the evidence needed to demonstrate that your qualifications and experience match your nominated occupation.

What happens:
  • Identify the appropriate assessing authority
  • Review qualification documents and transcripts
  • Check employment references and supporting evidence
  • Prepare documents according to the authority’s requirements
  • Complete and lodge the Skills Assessment
  • Respond to requests for further information where required

Your EOI is prepared and submitted for consideration.

Once your Skills Assessment is in place, we prepare your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Your information needs to accurately reflect your qualifications, employment, English results and points claims because your EOI is used to assess you for an invitation.

What happens:
  • Prepare your SkillSelect profile
  • Enter your occupation and Skills Assessment details
  • Review your points claims and supporting information
  • Submit your Expression of Interest
  • Keep your EOI information accurate and up to date
  • Monitor the invitation stage and advise you on what happens next

Your invitation is the point where the visa application begins.

Once you receive an invitation to apply, there is a limited timeframe to lodge your visa application. We help bring together the required evidence, complete the application and respond to any requests during processing.

What happens:
  • Prepare your Subclass 189 visa application
  • Organise supporting documents and evidence
  • Complete required health and character checks
  • Lodge the application within the invitation timeframe
  • Respond to requests from the Department of Home Affairs
  • Support you while your application is being assessed
  • Follow the application through to the final decision

Migration Advice Tailored to You

Start Your Skilled Migration Journey

Not sure what your next step should be? Speak with our migration specialists about your circumstances and explore your options.

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FAQs

Have Questions About the 189?

Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa. Once granted, it allows you to remain in Australia permanently, subject to the visa’s conditions and the applicable rules for permanent residents.
No. The Subclass 189 does not require sponsorship or nomination by an Australian employer, state or territory. It is designed for skilled workers who qualify through the independent, points-tested pathway.
You generally need at least 65 points to be eligible for the points-tested pathway. However, reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. The score needed to receive an invitation can be higher depending on your occupation, demand and invitation rounds.
Yes. The Subclass 189 does not tie you to a particular state, territory or employer. As a permanent resident, you can generally live and work anywhere in Australia.
Yes. Eligible family members, including your partner and dependent children, can generally be included in your application, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
The Subclass 189 may suit skilled workers who want permanent residency without relying on an employer, state or territory nomination. Unlike state-nominated or employer-sponsored pathways, it gives you greater freedom over where you live and work in Australia. However, the right visa depends on your occupation, points, circumstances and eligibility.
Life After Your 189 Visa

Life After Your 189 Visa

What Can You Do Once Your Visa Is Granted?

Once granted, the Subclass 189 gives you permanent residency and greater freedom to build your life in Australia.

  • Live, Work & Study Anywhere in Australia
  • Access Medicare, Sponsor Eligible Family & Pursue Citizenship
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