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189 · Permanent
Skilled Independent visa
Subclass 189 contains more than one stream. The familiar points-tested stream is a permanent pathway for invited skilled workers without state, employer or family nomination.
Points-tested main pathway
Core eligibility
Receive an invitation to apply
Be under 45 when invited
Nominate an occupation on the relevant list
Hold a suitable skills assessment
Have at least Competent English
Meet the points score stated in the invitation and all other criteria
These points-tested requirements describe the principal skilled pathway. A special stream or subsequent entrant category may use different criteria.
At a glance
What makes this visa different
Permanent residence from visa grant
The points-tested stream allows work and study anywhere in Australia
SkillSelect invitation ranking is competitive and occupation-specific
Special Hong Kong eligibility is separate from the points-tested route
Official application categories
Subclass 189 streams and pathways
Points-tested stream
For invited skilled workers. No sponsor or nominator is required; the applicant must meet the occupation, skills assessment, age, English, points and invitation requirements.
Hong Kong stream
A separate permanent pathway for eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who meet the prescribed eligible-visa and residence requirements. It is not the ordinary points-tested route.
New Zealand stream
This stream permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. It is retained here so the current structure of subclass 189 is not misrepresented.
The points-tested stream is a direct permanent pathway, but invitations are usually competitive by occupation and points.
Occupation access, points and evidence must be checked at the relevant time. Meeting a minimum requirement does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.