VisaExplorer
🇦🇺
workPath to citizenship

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) — Points-Tested Stream

Permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member — based on a points test.

Estimated Cost

$4,750

Processing Time

~7 months

Validity

Permanent

Description

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing employer or state sponsorship. Applicants must score at least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test, though competitive scores are typically 80+ points. The visa is granted through the SkillSelect invitation system based on Expression of Interest (EOI) rankings.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-01

Timeline

Processing Time
2 months – 8 months

Average: 7 months

Visa Validity
0 months

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~5 years

Eligibility

Age:18+, under 44

Requirements

Optional

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Must submit an EOI through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply.

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Estimated Total$4,750