Exploring Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) for Australia PR in 2025

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The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one the most sought after pathways for skilled professionals seeking options to work and live permanently in Australia. As per the Migration program 2024 - 2025 a total of 16,900 visas were allocated by the Australian government. 

This skilled migration Australia visa type is designed to attract individuals with in demand skills, by offering numerous benefits that makes it a preferred choice for expats from all around the world seeking Australia PR. In today’s article we will delve into the details about Subclass 189 visa Australia, including benefits, requirements, application process and more.

What is Skilled Independent Visa Australia?

The Subclass 189 visa is a points based permanent visa type that allows skilled workers to work and live in Australia independently i.e. without the need of employer, state, or family sponsorship. 

The Skilled Independent Visa is a popular visa pathway among professionals whose skills are listed on the Australia Occupation List.

 

5 Best Benefits of Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The benefits of obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 for working professionals include the following:

  1. Permanent Residency: The 189 visa grants applicants and their family members the right to live, work and study in Australia Indefinitely.
  2. No Sponsor Needed: Unlike the other Australia PR visas, the subclass 189 visa does not require employer or state sponsorship for eligibility
  3. Pathway to Citizenship: The 189 visa Australia holders are eligible to apply for citizenship upon fulfilling the residency requirements.
  4. Freedom to Movement: The subclass 189 visa Australia holders are free to travel to anf from Australia as often as they wish during their visa validity.
  5. Healthcare and Benefits: 189 visa holders are also eligible to avail Australia Healthcare system (Medicare) and certain Social security benefits.

Australia Point Scores Requirements for Subclass 189 Visa

Applicants aiming to apply for the 189 visa Australia would need to secure no less than 65 points on the Australia PR calculator. Below mentioned is the criteria and maximum points allocated for each factor:

Criteria

Maximum Points

Age

Up to 30

English Proficiency

Up to 20

Skilled Work Experience (Outside Australia)

Up to 15

Skilled Work Experience (In Australia)

Up to 20

Educational Qualifications

Up to 20

Australian Study

Up to 5

Specialist Education

Up to 10

Partner Skills

Up to 10

State/Territory Nomination

Up to 5

Community Language Skills

Up to 5

Subclass 189 Visa Australia Requirements

The eligibility criteria for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, is simple compared to visas requiring state or territory sponsorships. The factors considered for the criteria include:

  • Applicant age must be below 45 years
  • Applicant job must be listed in Australia Occupation List
  • Applicant must meet the 65 points score requirements as per the program
  • Applicant must meet language proficiency requirements
  • Applicant must have received the invitation to apply for the visa
  • Applicant must meet the health and character requirements

Documents Needed to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Applicants aiming to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 would need to provide the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility. These include:

  • Identity Documents: Passport, Birth Certificate, and other official IDs.
  • Educational Qualifications: Provide degree certificates along with academic transcripts.
  • Skill Assessment: Positive skill assessment from relevant assessing authority
  • Express of Interest: Applicants need to submit their EOI Australia via the SkillSelect system.
  • English Proficiency: Must have provide IELTS or TOEFL or PTE Academic test results
  • Health and Character Requirements: Positive medical and police clearance certificates need to be presented.
  • Proof of Work Experience: Relevant work experience certificates, employer references, payslips etc.

How to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?

Ready to take the next step towards living and working in Australia? With Subclass 189 conditions and requirements in hand let us delve into the step by step guide to how to apply for Subclass 189 visa:

Step 1: Check and verify whether your occupation is on the skilled occupation list, obtain a positive skill assessment and calculate your Australia PR eligibility

Step 2: Once you have ensured that your PR eligibility score is above 65 points, submit an Express of Interest in SkillSelect.

Step 3: Wait for your Invitation to Apply for the 189 visa from Department of Home Affairs

Step 4: Gather all the required documents needed to apply for Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa

Step 5: Ensure to submit your 189 visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation and pay the applicable australian visa subclass 189 fees. 

Step 6: Once you have received the 189 visa approval, you and your family are ready to fly to Australia.

Australia PR Process from India is not complex only if done under the right guidance of GetGIS as our team ensures all your Australia immigration needs are met ensuring a safe and seamless visa experience. 

Cost of Subclass189 Skilled Independent Visa Australia

The applicable fees for Australia visa Subclass 189 to apply from India varies based on number of applicants. This include:

Applicant Type

Cost (AUD)

Cost (INR)

Primary Applicant

4,765

2,53,950

Dependent Above 18 years

2,385

1,27,108

Dependent Below 18 years

1,195

63,687

Before you plan to work in Australia, it is crucial to get your foreign education authenticated. These skill assessment bodies differ with profession, let is indetail Understand the Australia Skill Assessment Fee and process from India

 

Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 processing time might vary depending on applicant’s application completeness and the applications inflow generally between 3-6 months.

The current 189 visa processing time as of January 2025 is within standard processing timeframe which is as follows

Particulars

Processing Time

50% of Applications

Processed within 59 days

90% of Applications

Processed within 4 months

As of 2024 the Australian Department of Home Affairs has reported a surge in the applications due to the increased demand for skilled workers. So it is crucial to ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays.

 

Aspire to Work in Australia? Apply for Subclass 189 Visa

The subclass 189 visa Australia offers an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals to establish a permanent life in Australia (live, work, and study). By meeting the 189 visa requirements and preparing a strong application, applicants can maximise their chances of securing it. 

Start your journey towards Australian permanent residency today. Seek immigration guidance from trusted partners like GetGIS. Our team is well versed to facilitate all your Australia immigration needs from eligibility check (Australia PR Calculator), documents sorting, visa application process, to post landing assistance, we ensure your seamless integration into Australia.

Book Your Free Consultation

Your Journey With Us

At GetGIS, we strive to provide a seamless and hassle-free journey for our clients who are seeking job-seeker visas for Germany, Sweden, Austria and UAE. Here's what you can expect when you choose to work with us:

1. Initial Consultation

We begin by scheduling an initial consultation to understand your career goals, preferences, and eligibility for the job seeker visa.

2. Document Preparation

Once we have assessed your eligibility, we provide a comprehensive list of documents required for the job seeker visa application, and assist you in preparing the required documents.

3. Application submission

We review your application to ensure that all required documents are complete and accurate.

4. Job Search Assistance

Once you have obtained the job seeker visa, we provide job search assistance to help you find relevant job openings in your preferred sector and location.

5. Post-landing Assistance

We offer post-landing assistance to help you settle in your new country, including assistance with finding accommodation, opening a bank account, and other essential services.

Why choose GetGIS?

GetGIS is the leading immigration consultant for PR visas and Job Seeker visas. We adopt a unique approach of tech-enabled operation that helps the clients to have real-time progress mapped anytime and anywhere. Along with the advantage of 1:1 IELTS training, we have a whole range of IELTS self-training guides in store to ensure your interrupted training.

The benefits of associating with GetGIS include:

Why choose GetGIS?

  • Tech-enabled user interface

  • 1:1 dedicated immigration expert and country expert guidance

  • Job Search Assistance

  • Pre to Post PR assistance

  • 7 Bands guaranteed IELTS training and guidance

  • Transparent and competitive pricing

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Our Offices

Bengaluru

Girnarsoft Education Services Pvt.Ltd. (GMU)
Pride Hulkul, 6th floor, 601, 116, Lalbagh Main Road, Bengaluru-560027

Gurgaon City Scape

Capital The City Scape 4TH Floor Sector 66 Gurgaon - 122018

Gurgaon BPTP

BPTP Centra One, 5th Floor Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 61 Gurugram, Ghata, Haryana - 122102

Kolkata

Godrej Genesis 15th floor 1509 Salt lake Sector 5 Kolkata - 700091

Chennai

The Executive Zone Shakti Tower 1, 766 Anna Salai Thousand Lights Chennai - 600002

Hyderabad

GirnarSoft Education Services Pvt. Ltd (College Dhekho)Dega Towers, My Branch office Space, 2nd Floor,Raj Bhavan Rd, Raj Bhavan Quarters Colony, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082

Mumbai

Kaledonia, 1st Floor, Sahar Rd, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra - 400069