Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa
Skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone — no sponsor needed.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is an Australian skilled (points-tested) visa. This guide covers who the 189 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $4,910 (main applicant)) and processing time (≈ 5–12 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 189 visa is for
Skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone — no sponsor needed.
This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Subclass 189 eligibility criteria
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an invitation
- An occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- A suitable skills assessment for your occupation
- At least Competent English (more points for higher)
- Under 45 at invitation
- Meet the points threshold (65 minimum; invitation rounds are usually higher)
Subclass 189 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant), with an indicative processing time of ≈ 5–12 months. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Unlimited — full PR work rights |
| Study rights | Yes |
| Government charge | ≈ $4,910 (main applicant) |
| Processing time | ≈ 5–12 months |
| Pathway to PR | This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements. |
Pathway & next steps
This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Many applicants also compare the 190 (Skilled Nominated visa), the 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa), the 485 (Temporary Graduate visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 189 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 189 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 189 visa cost?
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) base application charge is ≈ $4,910 (main applicant). Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 189 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ 5–12 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 189 visa lead to permanent residence?
This visa IS permanent residence. Pathway to citizenship after meeting residence requirements.
Can I work on the subclass 189 visa?
Work rights on the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): Unlimited — full PR work rights.
Who can apply for the 189 visa?
Skilled workers with an eligible occupation who can qualify on points alone — no sponsor needed.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority