Requirements for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) in Australia in 2026

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa that allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. It is one of the most sought-after pathways in Australia’s points-based migration system because it offers full permanent residency from the outset.

The application is managed entirely online through the Department of Home Affairs. The process is competitive: you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply before you can lodge a formal visa application. Meeting the minimum points threshold does not guarantee an invitation — the department issues invitations based on the highest-scoring candidates in each occupation round.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or a state or territory. It sits within Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Who it applies to:

• Skilled workers outside Australia who want to migrate permanently without employer or government sponsorship.
• Certain New Zealand citizens already residing in Australia who meet specific criteria.
• Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation (with limited exceptions).
• Applicants must nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and have that occupation assessed by the relevant assessing authority.

Official body responsible: The Department of Home Affairs is the agency responsible for this visa. Applications are lodged and managed through the ImmiAccount portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Documents required

The documents below are required at the time of lodging your formal visa application after receiving an invitation. All documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation by a NAATI-accredited translator. Provide certified copies unless originals are explicitly requested.

Identity and personal documents

• Valid passport (biographical data page; must be valid for the duration of processing)
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• National identity card (if applicable in your country of origin)
• Marriage certificate or evidence of de facto relationship (if including a partner)
• Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)

Skills and qualifications

• Positive skills assessment outcome letter from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS, ANMAC)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Employment reference letters confirming roles, duties and dates (on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor or HR representative)
• Resume / curriculum vitae

English language proficiency

• Official English language test results (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET or Cambridge C1 Advanced) — results must be no more than three years old at the time of invitation
• Exemption evidence if you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland

Points test evidence

• Evidence for every points-scoring factor you claimed in your EOI, including:
  • Proof of Australian study (if claiming study points)
  • Evidence of specialist education qualification (if applicable)
  • Evidence of accredited community language (NAATI credential, if applicable)
  • Partner skills assessment and English test results (if claiming partner points)

Health and character

• Health examination results — completed through an approved panel physician listed on the Department of Home Affairs website; do not book until instructed
• Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (must be less than 12 months old at time of decision)
• Australian Federal Police (AFP) check if you have lived in Australia

Financial and other supporting documents

• Evidence of funds to support yourself and dependants upon arrival (no fixed minimum is prescribed, but you must demonstrate financial capacity)
• Completed Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) — available on the Department of Home Affairs website
• Completed Form 1221 (Additional personal particulars information) if required
• Passport-sized photographs (as specified in the ImmiAccount upload requirements)

Note on apostilles: Australia is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Foreign public documents (e.g., police clearances, birth certificates) issued by Hague Convention countries may require an apostille. Check the requirements for each issuing country.

Steps to complete the procedure

Step 1 — Check your occupation and eligibility Confirm your nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or relevant list in force). Check the points test using the Department of Home Affairs points calculator. You need at least 65 points to submit an EOI, but in practice invitations are issued to candidates with higher scores.

Step 2 — Obtain a skills assessment Apply to the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Processing times vary widely by authority (from 4 weeks to several months). You cannot submit an EOI without a positive outcome.

Step 3 — Sit an English language test Book and complete an approved English language test if you are not exempt. Results must meet the minimum score for your claimed points level.

Step 4 — Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect Create or log in to your ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and submit your EOI through SkillSelect. There is no fee to submit an EOI. Your EOI remains active for two years; update it promptly if your circumstances change.

Step 5 — Receive an invitation to apply The Department of Home Affairs runs invitation rounds (typically monthly). If your points score and occupation are competitive, you will receive an invitation by email and in your ImmiAccount. You have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge your formal application — this deadline is strict.

Step 6 — Lodge your visa application online Log in to ImmiAccount, select subclass 189, pay the visa application charge and upload all required documents. Include all family members (partner, dependent children) in the same application if they are to be included on the visa.

Step 7 — Complete health examinations After lodging, you will receive a HAP ID (Health Advice Portal identifier). Book your medical examination with an approved panel physician. Results are submitted directly to the Department of Home Affairs.

Step 8 — Provide biometrics if requested Some applicants are asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection point.

Step 9 — Respond to any requests for further information The case officer may request additional documents via ImmiAccount. Respond promptly within the timeframe given.

Step 10 — Receive a decision You will be notified via ImmiAccount and email. If granted, you must enter Australia before the initial entry date stated on the visa grant notice to activate your permanent residence.

Fees and timelines

• Primary applicant visa application charge: approximately AUD 4,640 (as of 2025–26; subject to annual indexation on 1 July each year)
• Secondary applicant (adult, 18 or over): approximately AUD 2,320
• Secondary applicant (child under 18): approximately AUD 1,160
• Skills assessment fee: varies by assessing authority — typically AUD 300–AUD 1,000
• English language test fee: approximately AUD 300–AUD 400 depending on the test
• Health examination fee: varies by panel physician and country — typically AUD 300–AUD 500 per adult
• Police clearance fees: vary by country of issue
• Estimated processing time: 75% of applications are processed within approximately 9 months; 90% within approximately 18 months (figures vary by occupation and application completeness — check the Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times)
• Validity of the visa: The subclass 189 is a permanent residence visa. The initial travel facility (to enter and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident) is valid for 5 years from the date of grant. After that, you may need to apply for a Resident Return visa or Australian citizenship to travel on your permanent residence status.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Claiming points you cannot evidence: Every points factor claimed in your EOI must be supported by documentation at the time of application. If you claim points for a qualification, employment period or language score you cannot prove, your application may be refused or you may face character concerns for providing false information.
• Letting your skills assessment expire: Most skills assessments are valid for three years. If your assessment expires between your EOI submission and your invitation (or between invitation and lodgement), your application will be invalid. Check the expiry date carefully and renew if needed before lodging.
• Missing the 60-day lodgement deadline: The invitation to apply expires exactly 60 days after it is issued. There are no extensions. If you miss this window, your EOI returns to the pool and you must wait for a new invitation.
• Submitting incomplete or uncertified documents: Uploading low-resolution scans, documents without certified translations, or employment references that do not specify duties and dates are among the most common reasons for delays and refusals. Ensure every document meets the Department of Home Affairs specifications before uploading.
• Not updating your EOI when circumstances change: If your points score changes (e.g., a new English test result or a completed qualification) after you submit your EOI, you must update it immediately. An outdated EOI with a lower score may result in you missing higher-scoring invitation rounds.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer to apply for the subclass 189? No. The subclass 189 is an independent visa — you do not need an employer sponsor, a state or territory nomination, or a job offer. You must, however, have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.

What is the minimum points score needed to receive an invitation? The minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points, but invitations are issued to the highest-scoring candidates in each occupation round. In practice, many occupations require scores of 80–90 or higher to receive an invitation. Check the latest invitation round results published by the Department of Home Affairs for your specific occupation.

Can my partner and children be included in my application? Yes. Your partner (married or de facto) and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants in the same application. They will each need to meet health and character requirements. Your partner may also be able to contribute points to your score if they have a suitable skills assessment and English language score.

How long does a skills assessment take, and when should I apply for one? Processing times vary significantly by assessing authority — from around 4 weeks (some ICT assessments) to 6 months or more (some engineering or health assessments). Apply for your skills assessment as early as possible, ideally before or at the same time as sitting your English language test, so both are ready when you submit your EOI.

What happens if my application is refused? If your application is refused, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons. Depending on the grounds for refusal, you may have the right to seek a review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within a specified timeframe. Review rights and fees apply — check the refusal notice carefully and seek registered migration agent advice if needed.

What to do next

The most important first step is confirming your occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list and obtaining a positive skills assessment — without these two elements, no further steps are possible. Once you have your skills assessment and English test results, calculate your points score honestly and submit your EOI through SkillSelect via ImmiAccount.

Keep all your documents current and organised: skills assessments, English test results and police clearances all have expiry dates that must align with your application timeline.

Important notice: Visa requirements, occupation lists, points thresholds and application charges change regularly. Always verify the current requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before taking any action. Consider engaging a registered migration agent (MARA-registered) for personalised advice.