A comprehensive, people-focused guide covering every step for the Australia Skilled Independent Visa 189 application in August 2025, with FAQs
Australia Skilled Independent Visa 189: Full Guide for August 2025 Applicants
The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) lets skilled workers and their families live and work in Australia permanently—without sponsorship from an employer or state. This simple, step-by-step guide is designed to be genuinely helpful, making your 189 visa application as clear and stress-free as possible for 2025.
What Is the Australia Skilled Independent Visa 189?
The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested, permanent residency visa meant for skilled applicants who can contribute to Australia’s growing economy. You don’t need a job offer, nomination, or sponsorship—just the right skills and enough points.
Why Choose 189 Visa?
Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
Include your family members for permanent residency.
Access Medicare, Australia’s health system.
Path to citizenship if eligible.
Sponsor eligible relatives to join you.
Who Can Apply? — Main Requirements at a Glance
To be eligible in August 2025, you must:
Nominate an occupation on the government’s skilled occupation list.
Be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Score at least 65 points on the points test.
Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
Prove competent English (usually IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent).
Meet health and character checks.
Tip: You don’t need a sponsor or job offer for this visa.
Key Application Stages: Step-by-Step
Stage 1: Check Your Occupation & Get Skills Assessed
Make sure your job is on the eligible skilled occupation list.
Get a skills assessment from an accredited authority for your profession.
Stage 2: Calculate Your Points
Factors include: Age, English, employment, education, and extras (see points table below).
Minimum needed: 65 points.
Stage 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
Lodge your EOI through SkillSelect online.
Wait for an invitation to apply; only top-ranked candidates are invited.
Stage 4: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you meet requirements and rank highly, you’ll get an ITA.
Stage 5: Lodge Your Application
Apply within 60 days of the ITA.
Collect and upload documents: identity, assessment, English test, employment records, health, police checks, and family forms.
Stage 6: Wait for Outcome
Processing can take 6–12 months (may vary).
If approved, you and your family get permanent resident status.
Points Test Table
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Age 25–32 years | 30 |
| Age 33–39 years | 25 |
| Age 40–44 years | 15 |
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
| Work Experience (Overseas) 3–5 years | 5 |
| Work Experience (Australia) 1–3 years | 5 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 15 |
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Credentialed Language | 5 |
| Single (or Aus. PR partner) | 10 |
| Partner Skills | 5–10 |
| Regional Study | 5 |
You only get points from your highest result in each category. Your total must be at least 65 to qualify.
189 Visa Fees: At a Glance
Here is a quick comparison of recent base fees (as of July 2025):
| Category | Fee Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | 4,765 |
| Additional Adult (over 18) | 2,385 |
| Additional Child (under 18) | 1,195 |
Fees can change and extra charges like biometrics, health, or police checks may apply.
Timeline and Processing
Most applicants get a decision in 6–12 months after the ITA, depending on individual circumstances and current government workload.
Timely document submission and prompt medicals/police checks can speed up your case.
Some complex applications may take longer; the government occasionally reviews processing priorities.
Scheme Comparison Table
| Scheme Name | Key Features and Conditions |
|---|---|
| Skilled Independent (189) | Points-tested, no sponsorship needed, PR for applicant & family, any location in Australia, minimum 65 points |
| Employer Sponsored (186/482) | Requires job offer, sponsorship by approved employer, regional/states may apply; may lead to PR after a set time. |
Documents Checklist (Quick View)
Passport and ID
Skills assessment certificate
English language test results
Education certificates
Employment evidence (letters, payslips)
Police clearance
Health assessment
Partner/family documents (if applicable)
FAQs
Q1: Can I add my family to my 189 visa application?
Yes. You can include your spouse, partner, and children in your application.
Q2: Is state nomination required for 189 visa?
No. The 189 is an independent visa, so no nomination from state, territory, or employer is needed.
Q3: How many points do I need for a 189 visa?
You need at least 65 points to be invited to apply.
Key Tips for Applicants
Review the occupation list regularly as it can change.
Start your skills assessment as early as possible; delays here affect your whole timeline.
English test results must be current at the date of invitation.
Keep all your documents scanned and ready for upload.
Respond promptly if the immigration department requests more information.
Good luck with your Australia 189 Visa journey! This guide is designed to keep you informed and confident at every step. If you need official advice, always refer back to the Department of Home Affairs website or speak to a registered migration agent.
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