Skilled Independent Visa (189)
- Skilled Visas
- Skilled Independent Visa (189)
Who is this Visa for?
You (the applicant) are a skilled worker who wants to live and work in Australia permanently.
You are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member — you qualify based on your own skills and points score.
Your occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list, and you must have a positive skills assessment.
You are able to meet the points-tested requirements, considering factors like age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience.
Skilled Visas
Everything you need to know about this visa
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is one of the most flexible visas in the General Skilled Migration program. It allows skilled workers to migrate permanently to Australia based solely on their own skills, qualifications, and points score — without the need for employer, family, or state/territory sponsorship.
Key Points at a Glance
- Permanent residency – This is a permanent visa, giving you and your family the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- No sponsorship required – You do not need an employer, state/territory, or family member to sponsor you.
- Occupation requirements – Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you must have a positive skills assessment.
- Work and study rights – Full rights to work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Points-tested – Eligibility is based on a points test that considers your age, English proficiency, qualifications, and work experience.
- Family included – Eligible family members can be included in your application, with work and study rights.
- Pathway to citizenship – As a permanent resident, you can eventually apply for Australian citizenship once you meet residency requirements.
You can read more about the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) on the Department of Home Affairs website
