How to Apply for a Subclass 189 Visa from Australia (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re planning to settle permanently in Australia without the need for employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the best pathways. This visa is designed for highly skilled professionals who have the qualifications and experience Australia needs. The Subclass 189 allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident.

Applying for a 189 visa from within Australia can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, the process becomes more straightforward. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the complete step-by-step process, eligibility requirements, points calculation, costs, and tips to increase your chances of success.

What is a Subclass 189 Visa?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa. It does not require:

• Employer sponsorship

• State or territory nomination

• Family sponsorship

It’s ideal for individuals who want complete independence when applying for permanent residency in Australia.

There are two main streams under this visa:

1. Points-tested stream – For skilled workers invited through the Expression of Interest (EOI).

2. New Zealand stream (closing in July 2023, replaced by direct PR pathways) – Previously for eligible New Zealand citizens.

For most applicants, the points-tested stream applies.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

• Permanent residency from the day your visa is granted.

• Freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.

• Access to Medicare (public healthcare).

• Opportunity to sponsor eligible family members.

• Pathway to apply for Australian citizenship (after fulfilling residency requirements).

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for 189 Visa from Australia

Step 1: Check Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List

Your first step is to check whether your profession is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Only occupations listed are eligible for the 189 visa.

If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL, you may consider other visas like Subclass 190 (State Nomination) or Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa).

Step 2: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Subclass 189 visa from Australia, you must:

• Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.

• Have a relevant occupation on the MLTSSL.

• Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

• Score at least 65 points on the points test (higher scores improve your chances).

• Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 6 or equivalent in each band, but higher scores add more points).

• Satisfy health and character requirements.

Step 3: Get Your Skills Assessment

You must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example:

• ACS (Australian Computer Society) for IT occupations.

• Engineers Australia for engineering occupations.

• CPA, CAANZ, or IPA for accountants.

This process verifies that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards.

Step 4: Calculate Your Points

The 189 visa is points-tested, and your score determines your chances of receiving an invitation. Points are awarded for:

• Age (maximum points between 25–32 years).

• English language proficiency.

• Work experience (both in and outside Australia).

• Educational qualifications.

• Australian study requirements.

• Partner skills (if your partner also has skills and English proficiency).

While the minimum requirement is 65 points, in practice, invitations are generally issued to applicants with higher points (often 85+ depending on occupation demand).

Step 5: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Once your skills assessment and English test are ready, you can lodge an EOI in SkillSelect.

In your EOI, you’ll provide details about your:

• Age

• Qualifications

• Skills assessment

• English proficiency

• Work experience

You won’t pay any fees for an EOI. However, lodging an EOI does not guarantee an invitation – it just places you in the pool.

Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The Department of Home Affairs conducts periodic SkillSelect invitation rounds. Candidates with the highest points in their occupation are invited first.

If you’re invited, you’ll have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

Step 7: Prepare and Lodge Your Visa Application

After receiving an invitation, you must submit your Subclass 189 visa application online through ImmiAccount.

You’ll need to upload documents such as:

• Skills assessment report

• English test results

• Passport copies

• Work references and payslips

• Education certificates

• Health and character documents

As you’re applying from within Australia, you’ll be granted a Bridging Visa to remain lawfully in Australia until your 189 visa is decided.

Step 8: Health and Character Checks

You must undergo a medical examination with an approved panel physician. Police clearance certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months over the last 10 years are also required.

Step 9: Visa Decision

Processing times vary, but on average, Subclass 189 visas take 8–15 months depending on your occupation and case complexity. If approved, you’ll be granted permanent residency in Australia.

Costs of Subclass 189 Visa

The application cost (as of 2025) is:

• AUD 4,640 for the main applicant.

• Additional charges for dependents (AUD 2,320 for secondary applicants over 18, AUD 1,160 for those under 18).

• Extra charges for applicants who need to take the second instalment English charge (if they don’t meet functional English requirements).

Other costs include:

• Skills assessment fees

• English test fees (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)

• Medicals and police certificates

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Success

1. Maximise your points – Retake your English test or gain more work experience.

2. Apply early – Since age reduces your score after 33, timing matters.

3. Ensure accurate documentation – Even small errors can cause refusal.

4. Consider a professional migration agent – They can help you prepare error-free applications and maximise your chances.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Subclass 189 visa from Australia is a life-changing decision. While the process involves several steps – from skills assessment to lodging your application – the outcome is worth it: permanent residency, work rights, and a pathway to citizenship.

If your occupation is in demand and you can achieve a competitive points score, the 189 visa is one of the most independent and rewarding PR pathways in Australia.

👉 Pro Tip: The demand for invitations can fluctuate. Occupations like IT, engineering, and healthcare often require high scores. So, always aim to boost your points before lodging your EOI.