Overview
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. You must have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), a suitable skills assessment, competent English, and be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. The minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points, but competitive scores are usually well above that.
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is Australia’s only points-tested permanent visa you can obtain with no employer, state or family sponsor. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect, and the highest-scoring candidates in each occupation are invited to apply. That makes two things decisive: your points score and your occupation.
How many points do you actually need for a 189?
The legal minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points — but 65 only puts you in the pool, it rarely gets you invited. Candidates are ranked highest-first within each occupation, and through 2025 competitive scores for popular occupations (engineering, ICT, accounting) have generally sat around 85–95+ points, with some medical occupations higher again. Trade and less-contested occupations can still be invited closer to 65–75.
The fastest way to become competitive is to target the biggest levers: being aged 25–32 (30 points), Superior English (20 points), 8+ years of skilled work (up to 20 points), and a skilled partner or an Australian-citizen/PR partner (10 points). Work out your realistic score before you lodge — our points calculator uses the full Home Affairs table.
Which occupation list does the 189 use — and does the CSOL apply?
The 189 draws on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The newer Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), introduced with the 2024 Skills in Demand (subclass 482) reforms, does not apply to the 189, 190 or 491 — a common source of confusion. If your occupation is on the MLTSSL and you hold a positive skills assessment for it, you can claim it for a 189.
The EOI and invitation process, step by step
- Get a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the MLTSSL.
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect with your claimed points (valid up to two years).
- Wait for an invitation in an invitation round — top scorers per occupation first.
- Lodge a complete application within 60 days of the invitation.
- Complete health and character checks; the visa is permanent from grant.
189 vs 190 vs 491 — which should you aim for?
The table above compares all three at a glance. If you can reach a competitive score unaided, the 189 is the most flexible — permanent from grant, live and work anywhere in Australia. If you’re a few points short, a Skilled Nominated 190 (state nomination, +5) or a Skilled Work Regional 491 (regional, +15, provisional then permanent via the subclass 191) can be the difference between waiting indefinitely and being invited.
Fees and processing times shown above are drawn from the Department of Home Affairs and displayed with the date they were verified.
Who is eligible
- Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Nominate an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Have a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- Score at or above the points test pass mark (minimum 65 to submit an EOI)
- Be under 45 at time of invitation
- Have at least competent English
- Meet health and character requirements
This visa is points-tested. Estimate your points with our calculator .
Costs
The base application charge is A$4,640 . An additional A$2,320 applies per applicant aged 18 or over . Fees are indexed each year — see the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
Around 75% of applications are finalised within 5 months, and 90% within 8 months. Source: Department of Home Affairs — Global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Check your occupation and skills assessment. Confirm your occupation is on the MLTSSL and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Submit an Expression of Interest. Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect with your claimed points. An EOI stays valid for up to two years.
- Receive an invitation. Wait for an invitation to apply in an invitation round — the highest-scoring EOIs in each occupation are invited first.
- Lodge a complete application. Apply within 60 days of invitation with all supporting evidence.
- Complete health and character checks. Undergo health examinations and provide police certificates.
How it compares
| Feature | 189 | 190 | 491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Permanent | Permanent | Provisional (5 yrs) |
| Sponsor / nominator | None | State/territory | State or eligible family |
| Points bonus | 0 | +5 | +15 |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL + STSOL | MLTSSL + STSOL + ROL |
| Where you can live | Anywhere | Anywhere* | Designated regional only |
| Leads to | Citizenship | Citizenship | PR via subclass 191 |
Frequently asked questions
How many points do you really need for the 189 in 2025–26?
You need a minimum of 65 points just to submit an Expression of Interest, but 65 rarely results in an invitation. Candidates are ranked highest-first within each occupation, so competitive scores through 2025 have generally sat around 85–95+ points for popular occupations such as engineering, ICT and accounting, with some medical occupations higher again. Less-contested and trade occupations can be invited closer to 65–75. Check the latest invitation-round results for your occupation.
Does the 189 use the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?
No. The Subclass 189 uses the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), introduced with the 2024 Skills in Demand (subclass 482) reforms, applies to employer-sponsored visas, not the points-tested 189, 190 or 491.
Do I need a job offer for the 189 visa?
No. The Subclass 189 visa is independent and does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, or state nomination.
How long does it take to be invited?
It depends entirely on your points score and occupation. A competitive score in a high-demand occupation may be invited within weeks; a borderline score in a contested occupation may never be invited within the two-year life of the EOI. Improving your score is usually faster than waiting.
Is the 189 visa permanent?
Yes. It is a permanent residence visa from the date of grant, with the right to work, study and access Medicare anywhere in Australia, and a pathway to citizenship.