Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Unlock your pathway to Australia with the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) — a direct route to permanent residency for skilled professionals.

The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-based permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia. Unlike some other pathways, this visa does not require state or territory nomination or sponsorship. It is designed for individuals whose occupation appears on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and who obtain a sufficient points score.

*Subject to any waiting periods and residence obligations.

Eligibility Overview

To qualify, you must meet the following general criteria:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation (unless exempt)
• Have an occupation which is on the MLTSSL
• Demonstrate competent English in recognised test(s)
• Obtain a successful skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and obtain a minimum of 65 points (or more, depending on competition)
• Meet health and character requirements

1. Points calculation – Points are awarded for age, English language ability, work experience, educational qualifications, partner’s skills (if applicable), Australian study, and other factors.
2. Submit your EOI – Once your eligibility is established, you lodge an EOI via the SkillSelect portal, accurately declaring your details.
3. Receive an invitation – If your occupation is in demand, and your score and profile are competitive, you may be invited to apply for the visa.
4. Lodge your visa application – Once invited, you have a specified period to submit your visa application online, with all required documents and fees.

• Skills assessment report from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation
• English test results (such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or other approved tests)
• Evidence of your educational qualifications, transcripts
• Employment references to substantiate your work experience
• Health examinations and police certificate(s) for yourself and eligible family members
• Documentation of family relationships, if including spouse/de-facto partner or dependent children

Health & Character Obligations

Applicants (and any family members included in the application) must satisfy the health and character criteria. This typically involves:

• Undergoing medical examinations no more than 12 months before lodging the visa application
• Providing police certificates for any country in which you lived for 12 months or more in the last ten years since age 16

Cost & Processing Times (Indicative)

While fees and processing times vary, you should budget for:

• Application fee for the principal applicant
• Additional fees for adult dependents and children
• Fees for English testing, skills assessment, medical checks, police certificates, and document verification
  Processing times depend on the completeness of your application, the assessing authority’s turnaround, and Immigration Australia’s workload. It is advisable to apply as early as possible and submit a complete application to avoid delays.

Why Choose Amar Immigration Services?

At Amar Immigration Services, we specialise in helping skilled professionals navigate the Subclass 189 Visa pathway with confidence. Our services include:

• Clear eligibility assessment tailored to your occupation and profile
• Maximising your points score by identifying all available factors
• End-to-end assistance with documentation, skills assessment liaison, and the visa submission process
• Ongoing updates on Australia’s immigration policy changes and occupation lists
• A dedicated team committed to delivering timely and personalised service