Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
Independent permanent skilled migration planning—from occupation and skills assessment through points, SkillSelect expression of interest, invitation and visa evidence.
Registered agent MARN 2519006 Seven Hills office Australia-wide consultations
189 visa at a glance
The points-tested Skilled Independent visa is a permanent visa for invited skilled applicants. It does not depend on state nomination or eligible-relative sponsorship, so the applicant's own occupation, skills assessment, points claims and evidence carry the application.
Sixty-five points is the minimum threshold for the expression of interest system—not a promise of invitation.
What must line up before an EOI?
A strong strategy starts before numbers are entered into SkillSelect. Every claimed point must be available at the relevant time and supported by evidence.
- An occupation available for the relevant subclass and a suitable skills assessment from the correct assessing authority.
- English test results or other accepted English evidence that is valid for the pathway.
- A defensible points calculation covering age, English, qualifications, employment, Australian study and any partner claims.
- Employment references and supporting records that establish duties, dates, hours and paid work.
- Health, character, identity and family documents ready for the visa stage.
From occupation to visa application
The order matters because an invitation fixes the points claims that later need to be proved.
Choose occupation
Match qualifications and actual employment duties to an eligible occupation.
Skills assessment
Confirm the authority, assessment pathway, evidence and validity period.
Calculate points
Count only claims that can be supported at the required time.
Submit EOI
Enter a complete, accurate SkillSelect expression of interest and keep it current.
Respond to invitation
If invited, lodge within the stated period with evidence matching the claims.
Common 189 evidence problems
Points can be lost where the source documents do not prove what the EOI claimed.
- Counting work experience before the assessing authority's recognised skilled date.
- Job titles that sound relevant but duties that do not match the nominated occupation.
- Missing payslips, tax, bank or superannuation records for claimed employment.
- English tests, skills assessments or partner evidence expiring before the relevant stage.
- Failing to update the EOI after employment, relationship or other circumstances change.
189 visa questions
Is 65 points enough for a 189 invitation?
It is the minimum threshold for the points-tested system, but it does not guarantee an invitation. The practical invitation position may be more competitive.
Do I need an employer for subclass 189?
The points-tested 189 pathway is not an employer-sponsored visa. Employment history can still affect occupation assessment and points.
Should I submit 189, 190 and 491 interest together?
That depends on occupation availability, points, state criteria, regional plans and family circumstances. Compare the obligations and evidence before selecting pathways in SkillSelect.
Need an independent skilled visa strategy?
Send your occupation, skills assessment, English results, qualifications and employment history for review.