Who is visa 189 for?

The Skilled Independent (189) visa is a points tested visa that may be suitable for you if you are a highly skilled worker, your occupation is on the relevant list and do not need sponsorship by a State or Territory of Australia to trigger an invitation from Skill Select. It is a permanent visa that allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia for a period of five years.

What are visa 189 requirements

At the time that you are invited to apply for this visa, you:

  • can be in Australia or outside Australia
  • must be under 45 years of age
  • have nominated an occupation that is included on the Home Affairs Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • have had your skills assessed by the appropriate Australian skills assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation
  • have at least competent English
  • have achieved score at least 65 on the relevant points test (which takes into account your age, English competency, qualifications and work experience, amongst other factors).

What documents will I need?

The documents required for the 189 visa can be grouped under the following categories:

  • Forms – these will be in addition to the application form submitted in ImmiAccount
  • Identity and other documents – these will be documents about your identity, relationship, name changes etc.
  • Qualifications – documents to support each qualification that you have listed in the Skill Select Expression of Interest
  • Work Experience – documents to substantiate your employment claims as stated in the Skill Select Expression of Interest
  • Other documents – including the outcome of your skills assessment, results of your English proficiency test and police clearances etc.


Fees and charges

As at 1 July 2024, the Home Affairs fees for this visa are as below:

  • primary applicant – A$ 4,765
  • dependent over 18 years of age – A$ 2,385
  • dependent under 18 years of age – A$ 1,195

In addition, there will be fees associated with the Skills Assessment, obtaining police clearances and undertaking medical examinations.

Assure Visa fees for visa 189 are listed on our Fees Page.