Did you know that Australia welcomes approximately 160,000 skilled migrants annually through its various visa programs?
Among these, the Subclass 189 visa in Australia stands out as one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency.
Why? Because it offers exceptional freedom and opportunities without the need for sponsorship.
So we decided to break down the Subclass 189 visa eligibility, its requirements, and the benefits it offers—everything you need to know in simple terms.
1. What Is The Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Visa in Australia is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who don’t need sponsorship from an employer or family member. Known as the Skilled Independent Visa 189, it’s part of Australia’s skilled migration visa in Australia programme. You qualify based on a points test, not a job offer. Once granted, it’s your ticket to live, work, and study in Australia forever.
2. Subclass 189 Visa Requirement
Applicants must meet several eligibility criteria before applying for the Subclass 189 Visa.
General Requirements
| Category | Specific Requirement |
| Occupation | Must have a nominated occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and pass a skills assessment. |
| English Proficiency | Competent English (IELTS 6/PTE 50 per band or equivalent). |
| Age | Must be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of receiving an invitation. |
| Points Test | Must score at least 65 points under the Australian points-based immigration system. |
| Health Requirement | Must complete a medical examination at an approved medical facility. |
| Character Requirement | Must provide police clearance certificates for all applicants, including non-migrating family members. |
| Invitation | Must receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs. |
Applicants with previous visa cancellations or refusals may not be eligible.
Who Can Apply?
Not everyone qualifies for this visa. Subclass 189 visa eligibility hinges on meeting strict rules. You must be between 18 and 45 years old when invited to apply—though if you turn 45 after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) but before the invitation, you’re out of luck.
Your job must be on the Skilled Occupation List, and you need a skills assessment to prove your qualifications match. Plus, you’ll need at least competent English, like scoring 6 in each IELTS band or 50 in each PTE band.
Scoring matters too. The 189 visa points test requires at least 65 points, calculated from your age, skills, experience, and English ability. Health and character checks are non-negotiable—everyone in your application, even family members not moving with you, must pass police and medical tests approved by the government. Finally, you need an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, and no past visa cancellations or refusals can be on your record.
The Compelling Benefits Of The Subclass 189 Visa
The 189 visa benefits extend far beyond simple residency rights.
As a permanent resident under this visa category, you are entitled to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
- Study at Australian educational institutions
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s comprehensive healthcare scheme
- Travel to and from Australia freely for five years from the date of visa grant
- Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
- Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting eligibility requirements
The Permanent Residency Australia 189 visa truly offers a comprehensive package of rights and opportunities that few other visa categories can match.
How Much Does It Cost?
Applying isn’t cheap. The cost of a Subclass 189 visa application starts at AUD4,640 for the main applicant. Add family? It’s AUD2,320 for each adult over 18 and AUD1,160 for kids under 18.
Extra fees might pop up for health checks, police certificates, or if family members over 18 have weak English—up to AUD4,885 more. All costs include GST and are in Australian dollars.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Applicant Type | Cost (AUD) |
| Main Applicant | 4,640 |
| Additional Adult (18+) | 2,320 |
| Child (Under 18) | 1,160 |
| Weak English Fee (18+) | 4,885 |
3. Steps To Apply For A Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189 visa application process involves several carefully sequenced steps:
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- English Language Test: Take an approved English language test (such as IELTS or PTE) to demonstrate your proficiency.
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, providing details of your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
- Invitation: Wait to receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Invitations are issued during 189 visa invitation rounds, which typically occur monthly.
- Visa Application: Submit your complete visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation, including all required documentation.
- Health and Character Checks: Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
- Decision: Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to make a decision on your application.
Understanding each of these steps thoroughly is essential for a successful application.
4. How Long Does Processing Take?
The 189 visa processing time varies. Some wait just five months, others up to eight. About 25% of applications take five months, 50% take six, 75% take six, and 90% stretch to eight months.
Delays happen if documents are missing or checks—like health or police—take longer. The number of visa spots available also affects timing.
5. Start Your 189 Visa Journey With Excel Migration!
Ready to live and work in Australia with the Subclass 189 Visa Australia? Excel Migration, a top migration agency in Melbourne, makes it happen! Our MARA-registered agents, with over 15 years of experience, offer personalised help to check your Subclass 189 visa eligibility and guide you through the Subclass 189 visa application process.
