Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visais a points-tested permanent visa that is granted to skilled workers who have not been sponsored by an employer, a family member, or a state or territory with a presence in Australia. A minimum of 65 points must be earned on the point assessment in order to qualify for a Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189). For this visa, you need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and be invited by Skill-Select. You have 60 days to submit your application after receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for this visa.
Benefits of an Australia Subclass 189 Visa?
The benefits of having a Subclass 189 visa are as follows:
- In Australia, you can work and study,
- You can sign up for Medicare with your dependents
- Several entries and exits are permitted into Australia.
- You can sponsor a relative for permanent residence,
- If applicable, you can submit a citizenship application.
Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa
- Application form for Subclass 189 visa
- 2 colored passport-sized photographs
- Proof of identity
- English Language proficiency test results
- Educational qualification documents
- Skill assessment report
- Document to prove the skills
- Reference letter
- PCC
- Medical Examination Certificate
- Australian study requires proof & documents to show proof of study (if applicable)
- Partner’s English proficiency proof (if applicable)
- Any other documents as requested during the process
Timeline for Skilled Independent Visa
What is the Processing Time for a Skilled Independent Visa?
| Number of Applications | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 25% of applications | 82 Days |
| 50% of applications | 83 Days |
| 75% of applications | 3 Months |
| 90% of applications | 3 Months |
Long Term Skilled Occupation List for Australia Skilled Independent Visa
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| 133111 | Construction Project Manager | 1 |
| 133112 | Project Builder | 1 |
| 133211 | Engineering Manager | 1 |
| 134111 | Child Care Centre Manager | 1 |
| 134211 | Medical Administrator | 1 |
| 134212 | Nursing Clinical Director | 1 |
| 134213 | Primary Health Organisation Manager | 1 |
| 134214 | Welfare Centre Manager | 1 |
| 221111 | Accountant (General) | 1 |
| 221112 | Management Accountant | 1 |
| 221113 | Taxation Accountant | 1 |
| 221213 | External Auditor | 1 |
| 221214 | Internal Auditor | 1 |
| 224111 | Actuary | 1 |
| 224511 | Land Economist | 1 |
| 224512 | Valuer | 1 |
| 232111 | Architect | 1 |
| 232112 | Landscape Architect | 1 |
| 232212 | Surveyor | 1 |
| 232213 | Cartographer | 1 |
| 232214 | Other Spatial Scientist | 1 |
| 233111 | Chemical Engineer | 1 |
| 233112 | Materials Engineer | 1 |
| 233211 | Civil Engineer | 1 |
| 233212 | Geotechnical Engineer | 1 |
| 233213 | Quantity Surveyor | 1 |
| 233214 | Structural Engineer | 1 |
| 233215 | Transport Engineer | 1 |
| 233311 | Electrical Engineer | 1 |
| 233411 | Electronics Engineer | 1 |
| 233511 | Industrial Engineer | 1 |
| 233512 | Mechanical Engineer | 1 |
| 233513 | Production or Plant Engineer | 1 |
| 233911 | Aeronautical Engineer | 1 |
| 233912 | Agricultural Engineer | 1 |
| 233913 | Biomedical Engineer | 1 |
| 233914 | Engineering Technologist | 1 |
| 233915 | Environmental Engineer | 1 |
| 233916 | Naval Architect | 1 |
| 234111 | Agricultural Consultant | 1 |
| 234112 | Agricultural Scientist | 1 |
| 234113 | Forester | 1 |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist | 1 |
| 234711 | Veterinarian | 1 |
| 234914 | Physicist | 1 |
| 241111 | Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher | 1 |
| 241411 | Secondary School Teacher | 1 |
| 241511 | Special Needs Teacher | 1 |
| 241512 | Teacher of the Hearing Impaired | 1 |
| 241513 | Teacher of the Sight Impaired | 1 |
| 241599 | Special Education Teachers NEC* | 1 |
| 251211 | Medical Diagnostic Radiographer | 1 |
| 251212 | Medical Radiation Therapist | 1 |
| 251213 | Nuclear Medicine Technologist | 1 |
| 251214 | Sonographer | 1 |
| 251411 | Optometrist | 1 |
| 251912 | Orthotist or Prosthetist | 1 |
| 252111 | Chiropractor | 1 |
| 252112 | Osteopath | 1 |
| 252411 | Occupational Therapist | 1 |
| 252511 | Physiotherapist | 1 |
| 252611 | Podiatrist | 1 |
| 252711 | Audiologist | 1 |
| 252712 | Speech Pathologist | 1 |
| 253111 | General Practitioner | 1 |
| 253311 | Specialist Physician (General Medicine) | 1 |
| 253312 | Cardiologist | 1 |
| 253313 | Clinical Haematologist | 1 |
| 253314 | Medical Oncologist | 1 |
| 253315 | Endocrinologist | 1 |
| 253316 | Gastroenterologist | 1 |
| 253317 | Intensive Care Specialist | 1 |
| 253318 | Neurologist | 1 |
| 253321 | Paediatrician | 1 |
| 253322 | Renal Medicine Specialist | 1 |
| 253323 | Rheumatologist | 1 |
| 253324 | Thoracic Medicine Specialist | 1 |
| 253399 | Specialist Physicians NEC* | 1 |
| 253411 | Psychiatrist | 1 |
| 253511 | Surgeon (General) | 1 |
| 253512 | Cardiothoracic Surgeon | 1 |
| 253513 | Neurosurgeon | 1 |
| 253514 | Orthopaedic Surgeon | 1 |
| 253515 | Otorhinolaryngologist | 1 |
| 253516 | Paediatric Surgeon | 1 |
| 253517 | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon | 1 |
| 253518 | Urologist | 1 |
| 253521 | Vascular Surgeon | 1 |
| 253911 | Dermatologist | 1 |
| 253912 | Emergency Medicine Specialist | 1 |
| 253913 | Obstetrician and Gynaecologist | 1 |
| 253914 | Ophthalmologist | 1 |
| 253915 | Pathologist | 1 |
| 253917 | Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist | 1 |
| 253918 | Radiation Oncologist | 1 |
| 253999 | Medical Practitioners NEC* | 1 |
| 254111 | Midwife | 1 |
| 254411 | Nurse Practitioner | 1 |
| 254412 | Registered Nurse (Aged Care) | 1 |
| 254413 | Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health) | 1 |
| 254414 | Registered Nurse (Community Health) | 1 |
| 254415 | Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency) | 1 |
| 254416 | Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability) | 1 |
| 254417 | Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation) | 1 |
| 254418 | Registered Nurse (Medical) | 1 |
| 254421 | Registered Nurse (Medical Practice) | 1 |
| 254422 | Registered Nurse (Mental Health) | 1 |
| 254423 | Registered Nurse (Preoperative) | 1 |
| 254424 | Registered Nurse (Surgical) | 1 |
| 254425 | Registered Nurse (Paediatrics) | 1 |
| 254499 | Registered Nurses NEC* | 1 |
| 261111 | ICT Business Analyst | 1 |
| 261112 | Systems Analyst | 1 |
| 261311 | Analyst Programmer | 1 |
| 261312 | Developer Programmer | 1 |
| 261313 | Software Engineer | 1 |
| 262112 | ICT Security Specialist | 1 |
| 263111 | Computer Network and Systems Engineer | 1 |
| 263311 | Telecommunications Engineer | 1 |
| 263312 | Telecommunications Network Engineer | 1 |
| 271111 | Barrister | 1 |
| 271311 | Solicitor | 1 |
| 272311 | Clinical Psychologist | 1 |
| 272312 | Educational Psychologist | 1 |
| 272313 | Organisational Psychologist | 1 |
| 272399 | Psychologists NEC* | 1 |
| 272511 | Social Worker | 1 |
| 312211 | Civil Engineering Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312212 | Civil Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312311 | Electrical Engineering Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312312 | Electrical Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 313211 | Radio communications Technician | 2 |
| 313212 | Telecommunications Field Engineer | 2 |
| 313213 | Telecommunications Network Planner | 2 |
| 313214 | Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist | 2 |
| 321111 | Automotive Electrician | 3 |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 3 |
| 321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic | 3 |
| 321213 | Motorcycle Mechanic | 3 |
| 321214 | Small Engine Mechanic | 3 |
| 322211 | Sheet metal Trades Worker | 3 |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator | 3 |
| 322312 | Pressure Welder | 3 |
| 322313 | Welder (First Class) | 3 |
| 323211 | Fitter (General) | 3 |
| 323212 | Fitter and Turner | 3 |
| 323213 | Fitter-Welder | 3 |
| 323214 | Metal Machinist (First Class) | 3 |
| 323313 | Locksmith | 3 |
| 324111 | Panel beater | 3 |
| 331111 | Bricklayer | 3 |
| 331112 | Stonemason | 3 |
| 331211 | Carpenter and Joiner | 3 |
| 331212 | Carpenter | 3 |
| 331213 | Joiner | 3 |
| 332211 | Painting Trades Worker | 3 |
| 333111 | Glazier | 3 |
| 333211 | Fibrous Plasterer | 3 |
| 333212 | Solid Plasterer | 3 |
| 333411 | Wall and Floor Tiler | 3 |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) | 3 |
| 334112 | Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber | 3 |
| 334113 | Drainer | 3 |
| 334114 | Gasfitter | 3 |
| 334115 | Roof Plumber | 3 |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) | 3 |
| 341112 | Electrician (Special Class) | 3 |
| 341113 | Lift Mechanic | 3 |
| 342111 | Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | 3 |
| 342211 | Electrical Line worker | 3 |
| 342212 | Technical Cable Jointer | 3 |
| 342313 | Electronic Equipment Trades Worker | 3 |
| 342314 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General) | 3 |
| 342315 | Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class) | 3 |
| 351311 | Chef | 2 |
| 394111 | Cabinetmaker | 3 |
| 399111 | Boat Builder and Repairer | 3 |
| 399112 | Shipwright | 3 |
| 423111 | Aged or Disabled Carer | 4 |
| 423312 | Nursing Support Worker | 4 |
| 423313 | Personal Care Assistant | 4 |
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List for Australia Skilled Independent Visa
| ANZSCO Code | Occupation | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| 121111 | Aquaculture Farmer | 1 |
| 121211 | Cotton Grower | 1 |
| 121212 | Flower Grower | 1 |
| 121213 | Fruit or Nut Grower | 1 |
| 121214 | Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower | 1 |
| 121215 | Grape Grower | 1 |
| 121216 | Mixed Crop Farmer | 1 |
| 121217 | Sugar Cane Grower | 1 |
| 121221 | Vegetable Grower | 1 |
| 121299 | Crop Farmers NEC* | 1 |
| 121311 | Apiarist | 1 |
| 121312 | Beef Cattle Farmer | 1 |
| 121313 | Dairy Cattle Farmer | 1 |
| 121316 | Horse Breeder | 1 |
| 121317 | Mixed Livestock Farmer | 1 |
| 121318 | Pig Farmer | 1 |
| 121321 | Poultry Farmer | 1 |
| 121322 | Sheep Farmer | 1 |
| 121399 | Livestock Farmers NEC* | 1 |
| 121411 | Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer | 1 |
| 131112 | Sales and Marketing Manager | 1 |
| 131113 | Advertising Manager | 1 |
| 132111 | Corporate Services Manager | 1 |
| 132211 | Finance Manager | 1 |
| 132311 | Human Resource Manager | 1 |
| 132511 | Research and Development Manager | 1 |
| 133411 | Manufacturer | 1 |
| 133511 | Production Manager (Forestry) | 1 |
| 133512 | Production Manager (Manufacturing) | 1 |
| 133513 | Production Manager (Mining) | 1 |
| 133611 | Supply and Distribution Manager | 1 |
| 134299 | Health and Welfare Services Managers NEC* | 1 |
| 134311 | School Principal | 1 |
| 134499 | Education Managers NEC* | 1 |
| 135112 | ICT Project Manager | 1 |
| 135199 | ICT Managers NEC* | 1 |
| 139911 | Arts Administrator or Manager | 1 |
| 139913 | Laboratory Manager | 1 |
| 139914 | Quality Assurance Manager | 1 |
| 139999 | Specialist Managers NEC* | 1 |
| 141111 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 2 |
| 141311 | Hotel or Motel Manager | 2 |
| 141999 | Accommodation and Hospitality Managers NEC* | 2 |
| 142114 | Hair or Beauty Salon Manager | 2 |
| 142115 | Post Office Manager | 2 |
| 149112 | Fitness Centre Manager | 2 |
| 149113 | Sports Centre Manager | 2 |
| 149212 | Customer Service Manager | 2 |
| 149311 | Conference and Event Organiser | 2 |
| 149413 | Transport Company Manager | 2 |
| 149913 | Facilities Manager | 2 |
| 211112 | Dancer or Choreographer | 1 |
| 211212 | Music Director | 1 |
| 211299 | Music Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 211311 | Photographer | 1 |
| 211499 | Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 212111 | Artistic Director | 1 |
| 212212 | Book or Script Editor | 1 |
| 212312 | Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage) | 1 |
| 212314 | Film and Video Editor | 1 |
| 212315 | Program Director (Television or Radio) | 1 |
| 212316 | Stage Manager | 1 |
| 212317 | Technical Director | 1 |
| 212318 | Video Producer | 1 |
| 212411 | Copywriter | 1 |
| 212412 | Newspaper or Periodical Editor | 1 |
| 212413 | Print Journalist | 1 |
| 212415 | Technical Writer | 1 |
| 212416 | Television Journalist | 1 |
| 212499 | Journalists and Other Writers NEC* | 1 |
| 221211 | Company Secretary | 1 |
| 221212 | Corporate Treasurer | 1 |
| 222111 | Commodities Trader | 2 |
| 222112 | Finance Broker | 2 |
| 222113 | Insurance Broker | 2 |
| 222199 | Financial Brokers NEC* | 2 |
| 222211 | Financial Market Dealer | 1 |
| 222213 | Stockbroking Dealer | 1 |
| 222299 | Financial Dealers NEC* | 1 |
| 222311 | Financial Investment Adviser | 1 |
| 222312 | Financial Investment Manager | 1 |
| 223112 | Recruitment Consultant | 1 |
| 223211 | ICT Trainer | 1 |
| 224112 | Mathematician | 1 |
| 224212 | Gallery or Museum Curator | 1 |
| 224213 | Health Information Manager | 1 |
| 224214 | Records Manager | 1 |
| 224611 | Librarian | 1 |
| 224711 | Management Consultant | 1 |
| 224712 | Organisation and Methods Analyst | 1 |
| 224914 | Patents Examiner | 1 |
| 224999 | Information and Organisation Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 225111 | Advertising Specialist | 1 |
| 225113 | Marketing Specialist | 1 |
| 225211 | ICT Account Manager | 1 |
| 225212 | ICT Business Development Manager | 1 |
| 225213 | ICT Sales Representative | 1 |
| 225311 | Public Relations Professional | 1 |
| 225499 | Technical Sales Representatives NEC* | 1 |
| 231111 | Aeroplane Pilot | 1 |
| 231113 | Flying Instructor | 1 |
| 231114 | Helicopter Pilot | 1 |
| 232311 | Fashion Designer | 1 |
| 232312 | Industrial Designer | 1 |
| 232313 | Jewellery Designer | 1 |
| 232411 | Graphic Designer | 1 |
| 232412 | Illustrator | 1 |
| 232414 | Web Designer | 1 |
| 232511 | Interior Designer | 1 |
| 232611 | Urban and Regional Planner | 1 |
| 234213 | Wine Maker | 1 |
| 234411 | Geologist | 1 |
| 241213 | Primary School Teacher | 1 |
| 241311 | Middle School Teacher | 1 |
| 249111 | Education Adviser | 1 |
| 249211 | Art Teacher (Private Tuition) | 1 |
| 249212 | Dance Teacher (Private Tuition) | 1 |
| 249214 | Music Teacher (Private Tuition) | 1 |
| 249299 | Private Tutors and Teachers NEC* | 1 |
| 249311 | English Teacher to Speakers of Other Languages | 1 |
| 251111 | Dietitian | 1 |
| 251112 | Nutritionist | 1 |
| 251312 | Occupational Health and Safety Adviser | 1 |
| 251412 | Orthoptist | 1 |
| 251511 | Hospital Pharmacist | 1 |
| 251512 | Industrial Pharmacist | 1 |
| 251513 | Retail Pharmacist | 1 |
| 251911 | Health Promotion Officer | 1 |
| 251999 | Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 252211 | Acupuncturist | 1 |
| 252213 | Naturopath | 1 |
| 252214 | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner | 1 |
| 252299 | Complementary Health Therapists NEC* | 1 |
| 252311 | Dental Specialist | 1 |
| 252312 | Dentist | 1 |
| 253112 | Resident Medical Officer | 1 |
| 253211 | Anaesthetist | 1 |
| 254211 | Nurse Educator | 1 |
| 254212 | Nurse Researcher | 1 |
| 254311 | Nurse Manager | 1 |
| 261212 | Web Developer | 1 |
| 261314 | Software Tester | 1 |
| 262111 | Database Administrator | 1 |
| 262113 | Systems Administrator | 1 |
| 263112 | Network Administrator | 1 |
| 263113 | Network Analyst | 1 |
| 263211 | ICT Quality Assurance Engineer | 1 |
| 263212 | ICT Support Engineer | 1 |
| 263213 | ICT Systems Test Engineer | 1 |
| 263299 | ICT Support and Test Engineers NEC* | 1 |
| 271299 | Judicial and Other Legal Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 272111 | Careers Counsellor | 1 |
| 272112 | Drug and Alcohol Counsellor | 1 |
| 272113 | Family and Marriage Counsellor | 1 |
| 272114 | Rehabilitation Counsellor | 1 |
| 272115 | Student Counsellor | 1 |
| 272199 | Counsellors NEC* | 1 |
| 272412 | Interpreter | 1 |
| 272499 | Social Professionals NEC* | 1 |
| 272612 | Recreation Officer | 1 |
| 272613 | Welfare Worker | 1 |
| 311111 | Agricultural Technician | 2 |
| 311211 | Anaesthetic Technician | 2 |
| 311212 | Cardiac Technician | 2 |
| 311213 | Medical Laboratory Technician | 2 |
| 311215 | Pharmacy Technician | 2 |
| 311299 | Medical Technicians NEC* | 2 |
| 311312 | Meat Inspector | 2 |
| 311399 | Primary Products Inspectors NEC* | 2 |
| 311411 | Chemistry Technician | 2 |
| 311412 | Earth Science Technician | 2 |
| 311413 | Life Science Technician | 2 |
| 311499 | Science Technicians NEC* | 2 |
| 312111 | Architectural Draftsperson | 2 |
| 312112 | Building Associate | 2 |
| 312113 | Building Inspector | 2 |
| 312199 | Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians NEC* | 2 |
| 312512 | Mechanical Engineering Technician | 2 |
| 312912 | Metallurgical or Materials Technician | 2 |
| 312913 | Mine Deputy | 2 |
| 313111 | Hardware Technician | 2 |
| 313112 | ICT Customer Support Officer | 2 |
| 313113 | Web Administrator | 2 |
| 313199 | ICT Support Technicians NEC* | 2 |
| 322113 | Farrier | 3 |
| 323111 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) | 3 |
| 323112 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) | 3 |
| 323113 | Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) | 3 |
| 323215 | Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic | 3 |
| 323299 | Metal Fitters and Machinists NEC* | 3 |
| 323314 | Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer | 3 |
| 323316 | Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer | 3 |
| 323412 | Toolmaker | 3 |
| 324211 | Vehicle Body Builder | 3 |
| 324212 | Vehicle Trimmer | 3 |
| 333311 | Roof Tiler | 3 |
| 342311 | Business Machine Mechanic | 3 |
| 342411 | Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) | 3 |
| 342413 | Telecommunications Line worker | 3 |
| 351111 | Baker | 3 |
| 351112 | Pastry cook | 3 |
| 351211 | Butcher or Small goods Maker | 3 |
| 351411 | Cook | 3 |
| 361111 | Dog Handler or Trainer | 3 |
| 361199 | Animal Attendants and Trainers NEC* | 3 |
| 361311 | Veterinary Nurse | 3 |
| 362111 | Florist | 3 |
| 362211 | Gardener (General) | 3 |
| 362212 | Arborist | 3 |
| 362213 | Landscape Gardener | 3 |
| 362311 | Green keeper | 3 |
Important FAQ's
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. It allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be invited to apply for the visa.
- Have a nominated occupation that is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Have a skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Meet the points test pass mark, which is currently set at 65 points.
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Meet English language requirements.
The points test awards points based on factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications. You need to score at least 65 points to be eligible to apply. Points are awarded in the following categories:
- Age
- English language ability
- Skilled employment
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study requirements
- Community language skills
- Regional study
- Partner skills and qualifications
The application process involves several steps:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you meet the eligibility criteria and score high enough on the points test.
- Prepare and submit your visa application within the timeframe specified in your invitation.
- Provide all required documentation to support your application, including evidence of your skills, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
