Subclass 189 Visa – Skilled Independent Visa

Migrate to Australia as a Skilled Professional Without Sponsorship

Are you a skilled professional aiming for permanent residency in Australia?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows highly qualified individuals to live and work in Australia without requiring employer sponsorship, family sponsorship, or state/territory nomination.

If your occupation is in demand and listed on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), this visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Why Choose the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or relative, and who have not been nominated by a state or territory government.

It is ideal for highly skilled professionals who want the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

• Permanent Residency from the day your visa is granted
• Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia
• Access Medicare, Australia’s public health system
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years

Points-Based Selection System

To apply for this visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system. Your profile is then ranked against others based on a points test, and the Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to the highest-ranking applicants.

How Points Are Calculated

To be eligible, you must score at least 65 points based on:

• Age
• Educational qualifications (Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
• English language proficiency
• Work experience (inside and outside Australia)
• Partner’s skills
• NAATI accreditation (community language skills)
• Professional Year Program completion
• Australian qualifications
• Study in regional areas

Note: BFES Global helps you calculate your points and improve your EOI score.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Visa

To apply for this visa, you must:

• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Nominate an occupation on the MLTSSL
• Have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply
• Demonstrate competent English proficiency
• Meet health and character requirements
• Not hold any outstanding debt to the Australian Government

English Language Requirements

To meet the language requirement, you must score:

• IELTS: Minimum of 6.0 in each band
• PTE Academic: Minimum of 50 in each band
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum of 12 (Listening), 13 (Reading), 21 (Writing), and 18 (Speaking)
• OET: Score of B in each component
• Cambridge (CAE): Minimum of 169 in each component

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants and their family members must:

• Complete health examinations within 12 months prior to visa application
• Provide police clearance certificates for any country where they lived for 12+ months in the last 10 years (from age 16 onwards)

Including Family Members in Your Application

You may include the following family members in your 189 visa application:

• Your spouse or de facto partner
• Your or your partner’s dependent child or stepchild

All dependents must meet health and character criteria.

How BFES Global Supports Your Subclass 189 Visa Application

At BFES Global, our experts assist you with:

• Checking your occupation’s eligibility under the MLTSSL
• Calculating your points accurately
• Preparing and lodging your EOI through SkillSelect
• Managing your skills assessment process
• Organizing English tests and documentation
• Filing your visa application with 100% compliance
• Advising on the PR transition process and settlement support

Frequently Asked Questions – Subclass 189 Visa

Is this a permanent visa?
Yes, Subclass 189 grants permanent residency from the date of approval.

Do I need sponsorship or nomination?
No. This visa is fully independent and does not require employer or state sponsorship.

What occupations are eligible for this visa?
Only those listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

How long does it take to process this visa?
Processing times vary based on your occupation and points. BFES Global can help speed up the process with accurate documentation.

Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included.

Can I apply while on another visa in Australia?
Yes, if eligible, you can apply onshore and receive a bridging visa during processing.

What happens if my visa is refused?
We can assist with reviewing the reasons and re-applying or appealing through the AAT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal) if appropriate.

Subclass 189 Visa Summary

Visa Class: Skilled Independent Visa
Type: Permanent Residency
Sponsorship Required: No
Points Requirement: 65 minimum
Includes Family: Yes
Work Rights: Full-time
PR Pathway: Direct

Want to Apply for Subclass 189 Visa?

Need expert help preparing your EOI or skills assessment?
Let BFES Global take the complexity out of the process and guide you toward successful permanent residency in Australia.