- Partner Visas (Subclasses 820/801 Onshore, 309/100 Offshore)
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA – Subclass 601)
- Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
- Transit Visa (Subclass 771)
- Student Visa (Subclass 500)
- eVisitor (Subclass 651) Overview
- Training Visa (Subclass 407)
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Visas (Subclasses 417 & 462)
- Child Visa (Subclass 101 & 802)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) Overview
- Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) Overview
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Overview
The Skilled Independent visa, Subclass 189, is a permanent, points-tested Australia Visa for invited skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member. Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, nominating an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list and providing details of their age, education, work experience, and English language ability. Candidates need to meet or exceed the minimum points threshold, currently 65, to be considered, though a higher score improves the likelihood of receiving an invitation, since invitations are issued to the highest-ranked candidates in periodic rounds. This visa grants full permanent residence rights from the outset. Approval and invitation decisions are made solely by the Department of Home Affairs.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (AUD) |
| Visa Application Charge, Primary Applicant | Approx. $4,640 |
| Additional Applicant, Aged 18 or Over | Approx. $2,320 |
| Additional Applicant, Under 18 | Approx. $1,160 |
Visa Application Charges are reviewed periodically by the Department of Home Affairs. Skills assessment and English test fees are separate and vary by assessing authority and test provider. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Processing Time
Processing time for the Australia Skilled Independent Visa depends on several stages: submitting and maintaining an EOI in SkillSelect, receiving an invitation, and then having the full application assessed after lodgment. EOIs are ranked and invited in periodic rounds based on points score and occupation ceiling availability, so the time to receive an invitation can vary significantly depending on your occupation and points total. Once invited, applicants generally have a limited window to lodge their visa application with complete supporting documents. Because processing spans an unpredictable invitation stage plus formal assessment, applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs’ current published processing times and monitor SkillSelect invitation rounds for their occupation.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements vary depending on the nominated occupation and individual circumstances.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Navigating the Skilled Independent visa involves skills assessments, points calculations, and the competitive SkillSelect invitation process. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you prepare a strong skills assessment application and accurately calculate your points score. Our personalised guidance covers occupation selection, English test planning, and EOI submission strategy. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Australia Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing an invitation or final approval.