👋 What’s Skilled Independent Visa About?
The Skilled Independent Visa, under Subclass 189, is a permanent visa for people who have valuable job skills and want to live in Australia without needing a sponsor (like an employer or state).
You can:
- 🏡 Live anywhere in Australia
- 💼 Work full-time
- 👨👩👧👦 Bring your family
- 🎓 Study
- 🇦🇺 Apply for citizenship later on
No sponsorship. No restrictions on where you live. Just your skills, your effort, and your dream of living in Australia.
✅ Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this visa, you need to meet a few criteria:
✔️ You must be invited to apply
First, you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If your profile is strong enough, you’ll receive an invitation.
✔️ Your job must be on the occupation list
Australia has a list of in-demand jobs. Your job needs to be on that list.
✔️ You need a skills assessment
A special authority will check your qualifications and work experience to confirm you’re skilled for the job.
✔️ You need 65 points or more
You’ll get points based on things like:
- Age
- English skills
- Work experience
- Education
- Partner’s qualifications (optional)
✔️ You must be under 45
You must be younger than 45 years when you get invited to apply.
✔️ You must know English
You need to demonstrate your competence in English, typically by taking a test such as IELTS or PTE.
🧠 How Do They Choose You?
Your EOI would be ranked based on the total points. The higher your score, the better your chances of getting approved.
Want to stand out? Here’s how to score more:
- Being in your 20s or early 30s helps to get maximum points
- Get a high score on your English test
- Have more years of skilled work experience
- Have a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD
- Add your skilled partner to the application
🎯 Try to aim for 80 points or more for faster results.
🪜 Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Check your job and eligibility criteria
Ensure your job is approved and you meet all the basic requirements.
Step 2: Get your skills assessed
Send your documents to the right assessing authority (depending on your job).
Step 3: Take an English test
Take IELTS, PTE, or another approved test, and score at least “competent English”.
Step 4: Submission of your EOI, i.e. Expression of Interest
Log in to SkillSelect, fill in your details, and submit.
Step 5: Wait for your invitation
If your profile is strong, you’ll get an invitation to apply.
Step 6: Apply for the visa
Use ImmiAccount to submit your complete visa application within 60 days of the invitation.
Step 7: Do health and police checks
Take a medical exam and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 8: Wait for a decision
Once approved, congrats! You’re a permanent resident of Australia.
📄 What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s a quick checklist:
🧾 Personal
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Passport-size photo
🎓 education
- Degree or diploma
- Transcripts or mark sheets
💼 Work
- Job reference letters
- Payslips
- Tax papers (if available)
📊 Skills & English
- Skills assessment letter
- English test results
👨👩👧 family (if applying together)
- Marriage certificate
- Relationship proof
- Partner’s ID and English test result (if needed)
🛡️ Others
- Police clearance
- Health check reports
💰 Visa Fees & Timeline
💳 Visa Fees (in AUD)
- Principal applicant: $4,640
- Partner/adult: $2,320
- Child under 18: $1,160
⏳ Processing Time
- 75% of visas: 5 to 8 months
- 90% of visas: up to 11 months
Processing time may vary depending on your case.
💵 Do You Need to Show Money?
No. The 189 visa doesn’t ask for proof of funds.
But — it’s smart to have some savings when you move.
💡 Suggested:
- Singles: $15,000–$20,000
- Families: $25,000 or more
It will help you cover expenses such as rent, food, and transportation while settling in the country.
🎁 What Are the Benefits?
This visa is packed with advantages:
- ✅ Permanent residency from the start
- ✅ Work and live anywhere in Australia
- ✅ Access to Medicare (free public health care)
- ✅ Bring your partner and kids
- ✅ Apply for citizenship later
- ✅ No sponsorship needed
- ✅ Total freedom in where you work or live
🚫 Why 189 Is Better Than Subclass 187
Let’s compare the 189 visa with the Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 187):
| Feature | Subclass 189 | Subclass 187 |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Employer) |
| Where can you live | 🌏 Anywhere | 📍 Regional areas only |
| Job flexibility | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Permanent from the start? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
👉 If you want freedom, flexibility, and no ties to any employer, Subclass 189 is your best choice.
🌐 For more information
- 🔗 Official website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- 🌐 Contact with a Trusted Immigration Consultancy Services: Visas Adviser
- 📞Contact Details: +91 8744852222; info@VisasAdviser.com
📂 Sample Document Formats
| Document Type | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | PDF/scan | Clear and in colour |
| Education Certificate | Show full course details | |
| Payslips | Recent 3–6 months preferred | |
| Skills Assessment | Official PDF | From a recognised authority |
| IELTS/PTE Scorecard | Include TRF or test number | |
| Police Clearance | PDF + Hard copy | Must be in English or translated |
❓ Most Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. Can I apply after I turn 45?
❌ No. You must be under 45 years old at the time of application and approval.
Q2. Can I include my partner or kids?
✅ Yes! You can bring your spouse, partner, and children with you to settle in Australia.
Q3. Do I need a job offer in Australia?
❌ No. This visa is independent — you don’t need a job offer or sponsor.
Q4. What’s a good points score?
🎯 At least get 80 points or more for a better chance of getting approval for the visa.
Q5. What if I’m not invited?
🔄Update your EOI, improve your English score, or explore other visas, such as Subclass 190, etc.
👨🏫 Expert Advice
✔️ Get your documents ready early
✔️ Practice English tests — even 1 point can matter
✔️ Don’t delay submitting your EOI
✔️ Check your EOI regularly and keep it updated
✔️ Talk to a migration agent if you’re unsure about anything
🎉 Final Words
The Skilled Independent Visa, under Subclass 189, is one of the best pathways to settle in Australia permanently without a sponsor, allowing you to live with complete freedom.
If you are confident enough with your skills, education and career growth to contribute to Australia’s Development, then this visa is perfect for you.
If you need any help, we, at Visas Adviser, are here to assist you in easing the process of getting to your dream destination. 🌏✈️🇦🇺