Essential Information Before You Apply for the Skilled Independent 189 Visa

If you're a skilled worker seeking permanent residency in Australia, the189 Visa Australia, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), is one of the most sought-after pathways. It allows highly skilled professionals to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about the 189 visa Australia requirements, NSW nomination criteria, processing time, cost, and how to increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

What Is the 189 Visa Australia?

The subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or a state/territory. Its part of Australias General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is ideal for candidates with high-demand occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

There are two streams under the 189 visa:

• Points-tested stream (most common)

• New Zealand stream (for eligible NZ citizens)

This visa allows you to:

• Live and work anywhere in Australia

• Enrol in Medicare

• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

189 Visa Australia Requirements

To apply for the 189 visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

1. Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

2. Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

3. Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on factors like age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, education qualifications, and more.

4. Age Limit: Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

5. English Proficiency: Demonstrate at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent in other tests).

6. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply.

7. Health and Character: Meet Australias health and character requirements.

189 Visa NSW Requirements

New South Wales (NSW) does not directly nominate applicants for the 189 visa. However, candidates residing in NSW or with a strong connection to the state often receive higher attention due to workforce needs. To improve your chances:

• Nominate an occupation on the NSW Skilled Occupation List.

• Accumulate a higher points score than the minimum 65, especially for competitive occupations like IT and engineering.

• Improve English test results or gain extra work experience.

Although the 189 visa is independent, many applicants in NSW or with NSW work/study backgrounds are invited due to their location and experience in critical skill areas.

189 Visa Processing Time

189 visa processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. As of 2025, estimated processing times are:

• 75% of applications processed in 6 to 9 months

• 90% of applications processed in 12 months

Factors that can affect the 189 processing time include:

• Completeness of your application

• Response time to requests for additional documents

• Delays in health or character checks

• Occupation demand and quarterly invitation rounds

Submitting a complete and accurate application and responding promptly to any requests can help minimise delays.

189 Visa Cost

The 189 visa cost for the primary applicant is AUD $4,910 (as of July 2025). Additional charges apply for secondary applicants:

• AUD $2,455 for each additional applicant over 18 years old

• AUD $1,230 for each child under 18 years

Other potential expenses include:

• Skills assessment fees (varies by assessing authority)

• English test fees (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)

• Medical examination fees

• Police clearance certificates

These costs should be factored into your migration planning.

How to Improve Your Chances for 189 Visa Australia

Getting an invitation for a 189 visa can be competitive, especially in high-demand occupations. Here are some tips to improve your chances:

• Aim for a higher English score (Proficient or Superior)

• Gain more years of skilled work experience

• Complete an Australian qualification (extra points for regional study)

• Claim partner skills points, if your partner has a positive skills assessment and competent English

• Check occupation ceilings and past invitation rounds to time your EOI well

Conclusion

The 189 Visa Australia offers a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to secure permanent residency without employer sponsorship. However, understanding and meeting the visas requirementsparticularly for NSW candidates, ensuring your application is strong, and staying updated on the 189 visa processing time and cost is essential for success.

For expert guidance and a smooth visa process, get in touch with a trusted Migration Consultant Perth. A registered Migration Agent can assess your profile, assist with skills assessments, improve your EOI, and increase your chances of receiving an invitation.