The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is Australia's primary permanent residence visa for skilled workers who do not require employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination. Unlike the employer-sponsored subclass 186 ENS or the state-nominated subclass 190, the 189 allows a skilled worker to live and work anywhere in Australia without being tied to a particular employer or location.

The 189 is a points-tested, invitation-only visa. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, and DHA issues invitations to the highest-scoring candidates in each invitation round. The minimum threshold to submit an EOI is 65 points, but competitive scores for an invitation are typically considerably higher. For current invitation round results and the SkillSelect process, refer to the DHA subclass 189 page.

• Migration Regulations 1994 — Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) — the visa criteria
• DHA: Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/skilled-independent-189
• DHA: Points table for subclass 189 — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/189-points-table
• DHA: SkillSelect — invitation rounds — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/skillselect-invitation-rounds

The points-tested stream

The points-tested stream is the main stream of the subclass 189. The process is:

1. Get a skills assessment: The applicant's occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and the applicant must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for that occupation
2. Submit an EOI through SkillSelect: The applicant submits an EOI claiming their points score. The minimum score to submit an EOI is 65 points. When submitting, the applicant can also indicate interest in the state-nominated subclass 190 and regional provisional subclass 491 — a single EOI can cover multiple visa subclasses
3. Wait for an invitation: DHA runs invitation rounds and issues invitations to the highest-scoring EOIs for each occupation. The score required for an invitation varies by occupation and round — it is set by the number of places available and the scores of competing EOIs. Competitive scores are typically well above 65 points. Current and previous invitation round results are published on the DHA invitation rounds page.
4. Apply within 60 days of invitation: If invited, the applicant has 60 days to lodge the full visa application. Meeting all eligibility criteria at the time of application (not just at EOI) is required.

Points — what is assessed

Points under the 189 points table are awarded for:

• Age: Maximum points for applicants aged 25–32; points reduce with age; applicants over 45 receive no points for age
• English language ability: Superior (IELTS 8+ or equivalent in all bands) attracts more points than Proficient (IELTS 7+)
• Overseas skilled work experience: In the nominated occupation (points vary by years of experience)
• Australian skilled work experience: In the nominated occupation while in Australia (typically higher value than overseas experience)
• Australian qualifications: Holding an Australian qualification of at least a certain level awards bonus points
• Credentialled community language: Holding a NAATI credential in a language other than English
• Professional year in Australia: Completing a professional year program in certain occupations
• Partner skills: If the partner has a skills assessment and English requirements in an MLTSSL occupation
• Single applicant: Applying without a partner attracts a small points bonus
• State/territory nomination: For the 190, state/territory nomination awards points (not applicable for the 189)

For the complete current points table, refer to the DHA 189 points table page.

The occupation requirement — MLTSSL

For the subclass 189 points-tested stream, the nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Occupations on only the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL) are not eligible for the 189. Occupations are identified by their ANZSCO code. For the current MLTSSL, refer to the DHA eligible occupations page.

New Zealand citizen stream

The subclass 189 also has a New Zealand citizen stream for New Zealand citizens who hold a subclass 444 (Special Category) visa and have been residing in Australia for at least 5 years. This stream does not go through the points-tested EOI process — it has a separate application pathway. For the current NZ citizen stream requirements, refer to the DHA 189 page.

The competitive nature of the 189 means that meeting the minimum 65-point threshold is rarely sufficient to receive an invitation — applicants should compare their score against the most recent invitation round results for their occupation to assess their realistic chances. Strategies to increase a points score include: gaining Australian work experience, improving English scores to Superior level (IELTS 8+), completing a professional year, and obtaining NAATI credentials. For the current invitation round results and an online points calculator, refer to the DHA SkillSelect page.