Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Elevate your global career with complete independence. Designed for highly skilled professionals, this visa grants permanent residency without employer or state sponsorship—empowering you to live, work, and thrive anywhere in Australia while shaping a secure and prosperous future.

What is a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a premier Permanent Residency pathway designed for highly skilled professionals who can contribute to Australia’s economy without the need for employer, state, or family sponsorship. It targets individuals with in-demand occupations who demonstrate strong qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency through a points-based assessment system.

In the 2026 migration framework, the Subclass 189 is regarded as the ultimate “Independent Residency Gateway.” It provides direct permanent residency, granting you full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. This visa empowers you to establish long-term stability, access social benefits, and build a globally competitive career while securing a strong foundation for future citizenship.

First Name

Last Name

Mobile Number

Question Regarding

Current Location

Country of Passport

Feeling stuck? Let our expert counsellor help you.

Can't decide on the university and course? Our experienced counsellors are here to guide and support you through each stage of your study abroad journey. Reach out today!

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

Holders of this visa enjoy:

Permanent residency in Australia – live and work indefinitely.
Access to Medicare – Australia’s public healthcare system.
Sponsorship for family members – spouse and dependent children.
International travel facility – enter and leave Australia for up to 5 years (extendable via a Resident Return Visa).
Eligibility for Australian citizenship – upon meeting residency and other requirements.

Note: Some government benefits may have waiting periods for new visa holders.

Basic Requirements for Subclass 189

All applicants, regardless of stream, must:

Meet skills, character, and health requirements.
Sign Australia’s Values Statement.
Have no debt to the Australian government.
Have no prior visa refusals or cancellations.

Hong Kong Stream Requirements

Designed for British National (Overseas) passport holders or Hong Kong citizens committed to living and working permanently in Australia. To qualify:

Must have held a Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), or Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) for at least 4 years.
Must have complied with visa conditions throughout the stay.
Must have lived in Australia for at least 4 years before applying.
Must demonstrate functional English (e.g., IELTS average score ≥ 4.5 or equivalent government-approved test).

Including Family Members

You can include Members of Your Family Unit (MOFU) in your application:

Spouse or de facto partner
Dependent children or grandchildren

If you do not include eligible family members, you must provide a reason, e.g., they already have PR or Australian citizenship.

189 Visa vs 190 Visa

Subclass 189: Independent visa – you can live anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190: State-nominated visa – you must reside in the nominating state for the first 2 years.

Visa Processing Time

Processing times vary based on:

Completeness of your application and supporting documents
Health, character, or security checks
Available places in Australia’s migration program

For the Points-Tested stream, approximately:

50% of applications processed in ~25 months
Remaining 50% processed in ~35 months

Cost of Subclass 189 Visa

Base fee: AUD 4,240 for the main applicant
Additional fees for family members or applicants lacking functional English
Other costs: health checks, biometrics, and police certificates

Contact a migration expert for a detailed estimate based on your circumstances.

1. What is the age requirement for the Subclass 189 visa in 2026?

Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.

Strategic Insight: Age is a critical factor in the points test, with maximum points awarded to applicants between 25–32 years, making early application a key advantage.

2. Do I need a sponsor for the Subclass 189 visa?

No, the Subclass 189 visa is completely independent and does not require employer, state, or family sponsorship.

Opportunity Edge: This independence allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia without geographic or employment restrictions.

3. How does the points system work for this visa?

Eligibility is determined through a points-based system assessing factors such as age, English proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.

Competitive Advantage: Higher points increase your chances of receiving an invitation, especially in high-demand occupations.

4. Is a skills assessment mandatory?

Yes, a positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority is a core requirement before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).

Professional Benchmark: This validates that your qualifications and experience meet Australian industry standards.

5. Does the Subclass 189 visa grant permanent residency?

Yes, it provides direct permanent residency upon approval.

Long-Term Value: You gain full rights to live, work, and study in Australia, along with access to healthcare and a pathway to citizenship.

6. Do I need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

Yes, you must lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation before applying for the visa.

Execution Strategy: A well-optimized EOI profile significantly enhances your chances of selection in competitive invitation rounds.

Student Testimonials

I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.

Bikram Karki

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.

BIkram Karki

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.

John Doe

⭐⭐⭐⭐