Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

Who it's for

Skilled workers whose occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and who can meet the points test without any nomination or sponsorship. It is the most independent pathway — and, because of that, the most competitive. If your points position is strong, it gives you permanent residence from day one, with no obligation to a state or employer.

Key requirements

• An invitation to apply, received through SkillSelect
• Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• A suitable skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• At least competent English
• A points score at or above the pass mark of 65 — noting that invitations go to the highest-ranked candidates and real cut-offs run well above the floor
• Health and character requirements

Points/criteria table

Factor	Range
Age	0–30 points
English language ability	0–20 points
Skilled employment (overseas)	0–15 points
Skilled employment (in Australia)	0–20 points
Educational qualification	0–20 points
Specialist education (research STEM, AU)	10 points
Australian study requirement	5 points
Regional study	5 points
NAATI community language	5 points
Professional Year	5 points
Partner factors	0–10 points

Use our eligibility self-assessment for an indicative score against these factors.

Process & timeline

1. Skills assessment with the assessing authority for your occupation — commonly the longest step; several weeks to several months depending on authority
2. English test, if not already held
3. Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect — free to lodge, valid two years
4. Invitation round — timing and cut-offs vary by round and occupation
5. Visa application within 60 days of invitation
6. Decision — published processing times vary; check the current global processing tool

Costs

Item	Paid to	Indicative amount
Skills assessment	Your assessing authority	ACS ~AUD 550; Engineers Australia ~AUD 900–1,350; VETASSESS ~AUD 900–1,100
English test	IELTS or PTE test centre (India)	₹19,000 (IELTS) / ₹18,900 (PTE)
Visa application charge — primary applicant	Department of Home Affairs	AUD 6,135 (from 1 July 2026)
Additional family members	Department of Home Affairs	A further charge per person, roughly half the primary charge for applicants 18 and over
Health examination	Panel clinic in India (eMedical)	₹5,000–8,000 per person
Police clearance certificate (India)	Passport Seva Kendra	₹500

Amounts payable to Australian authorities and assessing bodies are in Australian dollars; costs incurred in India are shown in rupees. Figures are indicative, change periodically, and should be treated as a planning guide rather than a quote. Our advisory fees are separate — see Services & fees.

Common pitfalls

• Claiming points the evidence cannot support — employment claims are tested against payslips, tax records, and reference letters, and unsupported claims can lead to refusal on integrity grounds
• A skills assessment in an occupation that does not match your actual duties
• English test results expiring mid-process, or being one band short in a single component
• Treating 65 points as a target rather than a floor — recent rounds have invited at substantially higher scores in most occupations

FAQ

Can I apply without an invitation? No. The application only opens once SkillSelect invites you.

Does lodging an EOI commit me to anything? No — it is an expression of interest, not an application, and no fee applies.

My score is exactly 65. Should I wait in the pool? You can, but be realistic about round cut-offs in your occupation. A consultation can tell you whether waiting, improving a factor, or switching pathway is the better use of your time.

Related visas

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
• How the points system works