Achieve PR with the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must meet these key criteria:

• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the CSOL List.
  
• Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation
  
• Points Test: You must score at least 65 points based on factors including age, English proficiency, skilled work experience, and qualifications
  
• Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation to apply
  
• Invitation: You must receive an invitation to apply through SkillSelect
  
• Character and Health: You and all family members must meet character and health requirements

Unlike the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, this visa does not require state or employer sponsorship.

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa involves substantial government charges:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's base application charge is currently AUD $6,135, with additional fees for dependants (check the official website for the latest figures).

Professional Fees: Our firm generally requires payment of professional fees upon signing the service agreement. This ensures we can dedicate the necessary resources to your case.

Payment Methods: We accept credit cards for both government and professional fees (note that a 1.40% surcharge applies to credit card payments for government fees).

The process involves multiple stages:

Preparation Time: Obtaining skills assessments, English test results, and preparing your Expression of Interest (EOI) typically takes 2 to 6 months depending on your occupation and assessing authority. However, our firm can expedite the process for urgent cases.

Department of Home Affairs Processing Time: After receiving an invitation and lodging your visa application, processing times vary. As of August 2026 the Department reports that 50% of points-tested Subclass 189 applications are decided within 7 months and 90% within 9 months.

Check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for current processing times.

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa involves substantial costs:

Government Lodgement Fees: The main applicant's base application charge is currently AUD $6,135, with additional fees for dependants (check the official website for the latest figures).

Professional Fees: Our professional fees depend on the complexity of your matter and the work involved. We set out a fixed written fee proposal after the initial discussion, so you know the cost before you commit.

The points test assesses your eligibility based on multiple factors:

• Age: Maximum 30 points (highest points for ages 25-32)
• English Language: Up to 20 points (based on test scores in IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, or OET)
• Skilled Employment: Up to 20 points (based on years of skilled work experience in Australia and/or overseas)
• Educational Qualifications: Up to 20 points (based on your highest qualification)
• Australian Study: 5 points for at least 2 years of study in Australia
• Specialist Education: 5 points for postgraduate research qualifications in Australia
• Partner Skills: Up to 10 points if your partner meets certain criteria
• Other Factors: Additional points available for community language skills, professional year programs, and regional study

While 65 points is the minimum threshold, invitation rounds are competitive, and higher scores significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

The EOI process works as follows:

1. Submit EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, providing details about your skills, qualifications, and work experience
2. Points Calculation: SkillSelect automatically calculates your indicative points score
3. Ranking: Your EOI is ranked against other applicants in your occupation
4. Invitation Rounds: The Department conducts regular invitation rounds throughout the year
5. Receive Invitation: If selected, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application
6. EOI Validity: Your EOI remains active for 2 years unless you receive an invitation or withdraw it

There is no cost to submit an EOI. Our migration lawyers can optimise your EOI to maximise your points and improve your invitation prospects.

Yes, you can include eligible family members:

• Partner: Your spouse or de facto partner (same or opposite sex)
• Dependent Children: Your children or step-children, or your partner's children or step-children
• Other Dependants: Other dependent relatives in limited circumstances

All family members included must meet health and character requirements. Family members not included in the application must be declared and may still need to meet health requirements. If your partner has skills in an eligible occupation, they may contribute additional points to your application.

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is highly competitive and complex, involving:

• Skills assessment applications with occupation-specific requirements
• Strategic EOI preparation to maximise points
• English language testing strategies
• Document compilation across multiple years of employment
• Meeting strict deadlines after receiving an invitation

Professional migration assistance significantly improves your chances by ensuring your application is optimally prepared, all points claims are substantiated, and your EOI is strategically positioned for invitation rounds. Our skilled visa specialists have extensive experience with the points-tested pathway.