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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.
From preparation to application
How the subclass 189 pathway fits together
- 01Confirm occupation and assessing authority
- 02Complete skills assessment and English evidence
- 03Calculate only evidence-backed points
- 04Submit and maintain the SkillSelect EOI
- 05Apply after invitation and support every claim
Decision checks
Do not plan from the visa label alone.
A score of 65 is only the eligibility threshold, not an invitation guarantee.
Invitation competitiveness varies by occupation and invitation round.
Points must remain correct when invited and when the visa is assessed.
Application cost map
Separate the government charge from the full application budget.
From this amount for the primary applicant. Limited concessions may apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.
View the official subclass 189 page ↗Open the official pricing estimator ↗Additional family applicants
A separate additional-applicant charge applies to each family member. The amount depends on age and application circumstances, so calculate the exact combined charge in the official estimator.
Second instalment
A second instalment may apply to a family member aged 18 or over who does not have Functional English. Confirm the current amount in the official estimator and pay only if requested before grant.
Pathway and evidence costs
Skills assessment and English testing are separate from the visa charge. Medical examinations, police certificates, translations and biometrics may also apply.
Visa charges can change. The amount payable is determined when Home Affairs receives the application; card or PayPal surcharges may also apply. This guide does not include professional service fees.
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.