Australia • Immigration Consulting
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who meet the points threshold and have an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. It does not require employer, state or family sponsorship.
This visa is one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency in Australia. It is points-tested and invitation-based, meaning applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply before lodging a formal application.
Once granted, the Subclass 189 provides unrestricted work rights, access to Medicare, eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, and the ability to sponsor eligible relatives for their own visa applications.
This visa is for skilled workers who want to move to Australia permanently and independently, no employer, state, or family member needs to sponsor you. If your job is on Australia's skills shortage list and your points score is high enough, this is the most direct route to a permanent visa.
We review your occupation, qualifications, work experience and English proficiency to determine whether you are likely to meet the points threshold and skills assessment requirements.
Your qualifications and experience are assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This confirms your eligibility to apply.
We calculate your total points based on age, English ability, work experience, qualifications and any additional factors such as partner skills, Australian study or community language.
An EOI is submitted through the SkillSelect system. This places you in the pool of candidates. Invitations are issued in regular rounds based on points ranking.
Once you receive an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application with all supporting documentation.
We prepare and submit your full application including identity documents, skills assessment, English test results, police clearances and health examinations.
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application. Additional information may be requested. Once approved, your permanent visa is granted.
The total cost of a Subclass 189 application depends on several factors including the number of applicants, the skills assessing authority and the English test required.
Exact costs depend on individual circumstances, family composition and nominated occupation. Government fees are subject to change.
Timeframes vary depending on the occupation, skills assessment complexity, invitation round timing and completeness of the application at lodgement.
A job offer is not required for the Subclass 189 visa. This visa is independent of employer sponsorship.
However, having a job offer or employment lined up in Australia can provide practical benefits when settling, even though it does not affect visa eligibility or points.
New World Immigration operates a dedicated recruitment division that connects skilled candidates with Australian employers across sectors including engineering, healthcare, IT, trades and construction. While no job offer can be guaranteed, this service provides meaningful support for candidates who wish to secure employment ahead of their move.
Before submitting any formal applications, confirm that your occupation is on the MLTSSL, obtain an indicative points estimate, and verify your qualifications are likely to be assessed positively by the relevant assessing authority.
Lodge an application with the assessing authority relevant to your occupation (e.g. Engineers Australia, ANMAC, ACS, CPA Australia). Provide certified copies of your qualifications, employment references and any other required documentation.
Book and complete an approved English language test (IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge C1 Advanced). Ensure your test result is valid at the time of invitation and achieves the score required for your claimed points level.
Create an ImmiAccount and submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. Enter your points, occupation, skills assessment details and personal information accurately. Your EOI places you in the invitation pool for your occupation.
Invitations are issued in regular rounds by the Department of Home Affairs. Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application. Do not miss this deadline.
Undergo health examinations with an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Submit the complete application through ImmiAccount within 60 days of receiving your invitation. Include all required documents, pay the government visa fee, and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
The minimum is 65 points. However, most occupations require significantly higher scores to receive an invitation. Competitive scores typically fall between 80 and 95 points depending on the occupation and invitation round.
An EOI remains active for two years from the date of submission. If you do not receive an invitation within that period, you may submit a new EOI.
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your visa application. Additional visa fees apply for each secondary applicant.
No. The Subclass 189 allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without geographic restriction.
If your occupation is removed after you have already received an invitation and lodged your application, your application will typically still be processed. However, if it is removed before you receive an invitation, your EOI may no longer be eligible.
Yes. Subclass 189 holders are eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirement, which generally involves living in Australia for at least four years, including at least one year as a permanent resident.
You must be under 45 years of age at the time you receive an invitation to apply. There are limited exemptions for certain applicants.
If you believe you may qualify for the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), the next step is to complete a structured eligibility assessment.
Our team will review your qualifications, experience and points estimate to provide clear guidance on your options and the most appropriate pathway forward.