Global Vision Migration Lawyers provides expert legal advice across Australian visas, permanent residency, and citizenship. Our immigration lawyers and registered migration agents assist individuals, families, and businesses with skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, and the strategic resolution of visa refusals and appeals nationwide.

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Skilled Independent – SC 189

Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 (Points-Tested Permanent Visa)

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory government, or family member.

This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. It is one of the most sought-after skilled migration pathways as it provides full permanent residency benefits without geographic or employer restrictions. Applicants must meet occupation eligibility, obtain a positive skills assessment, demonstrate competent English proficiency, and receive an invitation to apply through the SkillSelect system.

Why Choose the Skilled Independent Visa 189?

Permanent Residency

Grants indefinite stay in Australia with full permanent resident rights and benefits.

Live & Work Anywhere

No employer or state sponsorship restrictions. Freedom to live in any Australian state or territory.

Include Family Members

Include spouse and dependent children in the same permanent visa application.

Medicare & Education

Access to Medicare, public education, and social security benefits (subject to eligibility).

Citizenship Pathway

Eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Points-Tested Selection

Invitation based on ranking under Australia’s skilled migration points system.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  • Positive skills assessment from authorised assessing authority.
  • Under 45 years of age at time of invitation.
  • Competent English or higher level.
  • Achieve minimum points threshold (currently 65 points).
  • Meet health and character requirements.

Points Test Breakdown

Factor Maximum Points
Age Up to 30 points
English Language Ability Up to 20 points
Skilled Employment (Overseas & Australian) Up to 20 points
Educational Qualifications Up to 20 points
Australian Study / Regional Study Additional points (if applicable)
Partner Skills Up to 10 points

Application Process

Step Description
Step 1 Confirm occupation eligibility and obtain skills assessment.
Step 2 Lodge Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
Step 3 Receive invitation to apply based on points ranking.
Step 4 Submit complete visa application within 60 days of invitation.
Step 5 Health, character checks and visa decision.

Visa Benefits Overview

Benefit Details
Permanent Stay Live in Australia indefinitely.
Work Rights Full unrestricted employment rights.
Healthcare Access to Medicare.
Family Inclusion Include eligible family members in application.
Citizenship Pathway Eligible after meeting residency requirements.

Why Choose Global Vision Migration?

  • Accurate points calculation and eligibility assessment.
  • Strategic occupation and skills assessment guidance.
  • Strong EOI ranking strategy.
  • Complete documentation and compliance management.

Start Your Skilled Independent Visa Journey

Secure permanent residency in Australia without employer or state sponsorship. Contact Global Vision Migration for expert points assessment and complete visa support.

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Other Skilled Visas & Education

01.
Skilled Independent – SC 189

A points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers without sponsorship, allowing full work and living rights anywhere in Australia.

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02.
Skilled Nominated – SC 190

A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory under the points-based migration system.

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03.
Skilled Regional – SC 491

A five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated for regional Australia with a pathway to permanent residency.

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04.
Graduate Temporary – SC 485

A temporary visa for recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia while gaining valuable skilled experience.

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05.
Skilled Regional – SC 887

A permanent visa for eligible regional provisional visa holders who meet residency and work requirements.

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06.
Permanent Residence – SC 191

A permanent regional visa for eligible provisional holders meeting income and residency conditions in Australia.

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07.
Student Visa – SC 500

A visa allowing international students to study full-time in Australia with limited work rights during study.

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08.
Student Guardian – SC 590

A visa for parents or guardians to stay in Australia and support an international student under 18 years.

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The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

Applicants must:
• Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List.
• Obtain a positive skills assessment.
• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Score at least 65 points (minimum threshold).
• Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation.
• Meet English, health, and character requirements.

Points are awarded based on:
• Age
• English language ability
• Skilled employment experience
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study or regional study
• Partner skills

Higher points improve your chances of receiving an invitation.

No. Subclass 189 is an independent visa and does not require state nomination or employer sponsorship.

Subclass 189 provides:
• Permanent residency.
• Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Access to Medicare.
• Ability to sponsor eligible family members.
• Pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible).

Processing times vary depending on occupation demand, invitation rounds, documentation accuracy, and case complexity. Complete and well-prepared applications can help avoid delays.

Yes. You can include eligible family members such as your spouse or partner and dependent children in your application. They must meet health and character requirements.