The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or a family member. You can live and work anywhere in Australia from the day it is granted. Because nobody nominates you, it is also the most competitive skilled visa: you are ranked on points against everyone else in your occupation.
The 189 visa charge is A$6,135 for the main applicant (from 1 July 2026).
At a Glance
| Requirement | 189 Skilled Independent |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent |
| Sponsor needed | No |
| Points test pass mark | 65 points |
| Age | Under 45 when invited |
| English | At least Competent at the time of invitation |
| Occupation | On the relevant skilled occupation list for the 189 |
| Skills assessment | Suitable assessment for your occupation |
| How you apply | By invitation only, after an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect |
| Visa charge (main applicant) | A$6,135 |
Who Can Get a 189 Visa
Home Affairs says you must:
- have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list for the 189
- have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- be invited to apply through SkillSelect
- score at least 65 points on the points test
- be under 45 when you are invited (you can still apply if you turn 45 after the invitation)
- have at least Competent English when invited
- meet health and character requirements
If you hold, or last held, a 491 or 494 regional provisional visa, you must have held it for at least 3 years before you can apply.
65 points is the minimum, not the target
Sixty-five points only lets you submit an Expression of Interest and be considered. Invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants in each occupation, and the cut-off in recent rounds has often been well above 65, especially for popular occupations. Your invitation states the points score you must prove when you lodge the application.
The 189 Points Test in Brief
| Factor | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Age (25–32 scores highest) | 30 |
| English (Superior) | 20 |
| Skilled employment (overseas and Australian combined) | 20 |
| Qualifications (Doctorate) | 20 |
| Australian study, specialist education, Professional Year, community language, regional study | 5–10 each |
| Partner skills or being single | 10 |
The full table, with every band, is in our points test guide.
What the 189 Visa Costs
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,135 |
| Each additional applicant 18 or over | A$3,070 |
| Each additional applicant under 18 | A$1,540 |
A second instalment is charged for each family member aged 18 or over who does not have Functional English, payable only when Home Affairs is ready to grant the visa. Skills assessments and English tests are paid separately to the assessing body and test provider.
How to Apply for a 189 Visa
1. Get a skills assessment
Find your occupation's assessing authority (for example Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS or TRA) and get a positive assessment.
2. Take an English test
Higher scores earn more points. Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior adds 20.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
The EOI records your occupation and points claims. It stays active for 2 years.
4. Receive an invitation
Home Affairs runs invitation rounds and invites the highest-ranked EOIs in each occupation.
5. Lodge your visa application within 60 days
You must provide evidence for every points claim. Claiming points you can't prove can lead to a refusal and to a ban on future visas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for a 189 visa?
The pass mark is 65, but invitations go to the highest-ranked applicants. Many occupations need well above 65 to be invited, and cut-offs change from round to round.
How much does the 189 visa cost?
A$6,135 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, plus A$3,070 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over and A$1,540 for each child under 18.
What is the age limit for the 189?
You must be under 45 at the time you are invited. If you turn 45 before an invitation arrives, you can no longer be invited.
What is the difference between the 189 and the 190?
Both are permanent and points-tested. The 190 requires nomination by a state or territory government (which adds 5 points), and you are expected to live in that state for a period. The 189 needs no nomination and lets you live anywhere.
Can I apply for a 189 from outside Australia?
Yes. You can be in or outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is decided, but not in immigration clearance.
Get Help With a 189 Visa
Points claims, skills assessments and EOI timing decide whether you are invited, and incorrect claims can lead to refusal. A registered migration agent can check your points and your best pathway. Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to registered migration agents near you. It's free to ask.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Source: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Department of Home Affairs.