For various skilled workers across the globe, securing Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is the ultimate dream. It shows stability, opportunity, and the freedom to create a life in one of the world’s most liveable countries. But turning that dream into reality is rarely a straight line.
The pathway to a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) has been complex, and with new changes to the government’s migration strategy, the landscape has now shifted once again. We know that navigating invitation rounds, points tests, and occupation lists can feel overwhelming. That’s why we love sharing success stories. Now, the team at Excel Migration successfully guided another client through the maze of the Skilled visa application in Australia process, taking them from a state of uncertainty to permanent residency approval.
We will now break down how we achieved this result, explain the new layered invitation system, and show you how to position yourself for the best chance of success.
Know the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Before we dive into the strategy, let’s clarify what this visa is. The Subclass 189 is mainly considered the “gold standard” of General Skilled Migration. It is a points-tested stream that allows invited workers with skills Australia needs to live and work permanently anywhere in the country.
The biggest advantage? Unlike the Subclass 190 or 491 visas, the Skilled Independent Visa does not need sponsorship from an employer, a state government, or a family member. You are assessed purely on your skills, age, English proficiency, and potential contribution to the Australian economy.
But the rules of the game are changing. The Department of Home Affairs is moving toward a more targeted approach, utilising a new tiered model to prioritise invitations. This means simply having a high points score isn’t always enough; you need to understand where your occupation sits in the current hierarchy.
Recent Success Story: How We Did It
Our recent client, let’s call her Raha, came to us feeling stuck. As a healthcare professional, she knew her skills were in demand, but she was confused by the inconsistent invitation rounds and the noise on migration forums.
She needed a clear roadmap. As a leading Australian migration agent in Melbourne, our team at Excel Migration sat down with Sarah to analyse her profile against the new occupation tiers.
The Strategy:
We identified that her occupation fell into Tier 1 (Highest Priority). We ensured her Expression of Interest (EOI) was flawless, maximised her points through a Superior English score, and prepared her documents in advance to ensure a “decision-ready” application the moment the invitation arrived.
The Result:
Raha received her invitation in the very next round. We applied immediately, and thanks to the priority processing for her sector, her visa was granted in record time. She is now a Permanent Resident of Australia.
Want to see the real face of success? We have shared the details of this specific grant on our social media.
How to Get Your Skilled Independent Visa: The Process Explained
If you are wondering how to get a Subclass 189 visa approval, it is vital to follow the legislative steps strictly. Here is the standard workflow:
- Check Eligibility: You may be under 45 years of age, have Competent English (though Superior is recommended for points), and hold a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled list.
- Submit an EOI: You must submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect. This is not a visa application; it is a claim that you have the skills and points required.
- The Invitation: You won’t be able to apply without an invitation. This is the hardest hurdle. The Subclass 189 visa approval process now leans heavily on occupation tiers (more on this below).
- The Application: Once invited, you have 60 days to apply. This is where accuracy is non-negotiable. Any discrepancy between your EOI claims and your actual documents can lead to a refusal.
Searching the New Tiered System
The Department is implementing a tiered occupation prioritisation model for the 2025–26 financial year. This system determines how invitations are allocated based on labour market needs. Understanding this is vital for your Skilled visa application to Australia.
Here is a quick view of how the tiers are well structured:
- Tier 1 (Highest Priority): These are occupations with high strategic value and critical skill scarcity, such as Medical Practitioners, Nurses, and other healthcare roles. They receive the highest allocation of invitations.
- Tier 2 (High Priority): These roles deliver immediate public value, including Teachers and Social Workers.
- Tier 3 (General Skilled): This covers a broad range of occupations, like Engineers and Tradespeople (Plumbers, Electricians), to maintain diversity in the migration program.
- Tier 4 (Oversupplied): This comprises occupations that have a high supply of candidates, such as Accountants and ICT professionals. While eligible, invitations here are limited and highly competitive.
If you are in a Tier 4 occupation, you need a strong strategy. Simply waiting might not work. This is where consulting an Australian migration agent in Melbourne becomes crucial; we can help you explore if you might have better chances with a State Nominated (190) visa instead.
Why Your "Points" Strategy Still Matters
With all this talk of tiers, you may wonder if points still matter. The answer is yes.
Even within the tiered system, applicants are ranked by their points score. If there are 100 spots for Registered Nurses (Tier 1), the invitations will go to the nurses with the highest points first.
To boost your chances:
- Look for Superior English (20 points).
- Claim points for a skilled partner if applicable.
- Complete a Professional Year in Australia if you are eligible.
Ignore common mistakes in the Skilled visa application in Australia process, such as claiming work experience points that you cannot back up with valid payslips and tax documents.
Start Your Migration Journey with Excel Migration
While the rules surrounding the Skilled Independent Visa are now changing, success is still achievable with expert guidance and strategy. As shown by our recent client’s success, understanding where you fit in the new landscape is key to securing your future in Australia.
Don’t guess your way through one of the most vital applications of your life.
We are a big team of dedicated migration experts based in Victoria, committed to simplifying Australian immigration law for our clients. We take pride in turning complex visa pathways into clear, actionable plans.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Excel Migration today for a consultation, and let’s get your application moving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the minimum points score for a Skilled Independent Visa?
The legislative minimum is 65 points. However, due to high competition, the realistic score required to receive an invitation is often much higher, sometimes exceeding 85 or 90 points, depending on your occupation tier.
How long does the Subclass 189 visa approval process take?
Processing times vary significantly based on occupation priority. Healthcare and teaching applications are often processed within a few months, while other sectors may take longer. The Subclass 189 visa approval process is generally faster for decision-ready applications that include all necessary documents upfront.
Do I need a job offer for the Skilled Independent Visa?
No. One of the primary benefits of learning how to get a Subclass 189 visa is that you do not require a job offer or sponsorship to apply. You have full work rights in Australia once the visa is granted.
How can an Australian migration agent in Melbourne help with my application?
Migration law is complex and constantly changing. An agent can help you calculate your points accurately, advise on which tier your occupation falls into, and prevent costly mistakes in your EOI or visa application.