Skilled Independent Visa (Class SI, Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189 visa) is a permanent visa for invited workers with skills in demand in Australia. It allows skilled individuals to live and work anywhere in Australia without the need for sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member.
This visa is points-tested and highly competitive, with invitations issued through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system.
The skilled independent visa – subclass 189 is one of the visas within the General Skilled Migration Program. You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply. You must have achieved a minimum of Competent English.
If a candidate has sufficient points and their occupation is on the specified occupation list then they can apply for this visa without support or invitation from a State or Territory Nominated Visa.
To be eligible for the 189 visa, your occupation must be on the specified occupation list and you must satisfy the Skilled Migration Points Test for the occupation. The minimum points threshold across all occupations is 65 points, with points awarded based on factors such as your:
- Age
- English language ability
- Qualifications
- Employment experience
- Partner’s skills
You can use the points table to calculate an estimate of the number of points you may be eligible for in the skilled independent visa – subclass 189.
Points Table – Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
| Factor | Points | |
| Age | 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 | |
| 33-39 | 25 | |
| 40-44 | 15 | |
| English | Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 | |
| Superior English | 20 | |
| Skilled Employment – Overseas | < 3 years | 0 |
| 3-5 years | 5 | |
| 5-8 years | 10 | |
| 8 years + | 15 | |
| Skilled Employment – Australia | < 1 year | 0 |
| 1-3 years | 5 | |
| 3-5 years | 10 | |
| 5-8 years | 15 | |
| 8 years + | 20 | |
| Educational Qualifications | PhD from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 20 |
| Bachelor degree from Australia or a recognised foreign educational institution | 15 | |
| Diploma or trade qualification from Australia | 10 | |
| Qualification/award otherwise recognised by relevant assessing authority as being suitable for that occupation | 10 | |
| Specialist education qualification | A Masters degree by research or a PhD from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years of study in STEM fields. (see below) | 10 |
| Australian Study Requirement | Completed at least 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution for at least 2 academic years study. | 5 |
| Professional Year | Completion of Professional Year in Australia | 5 |
| Credentialled Community Language | Hold a recognised qualification in a credentialled community Language | 5 |
| Study in Regional Australia | Completed the Australian study requirement for 1 degree, diploma or trade qualification whilst living and studying in a designated regional area | 5 |
| Partner Skills Qualification | Spouse/De facto partner is: · Under 45 · Has competent English · Has suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list | 10 |
Spouse/De facto partner is: · Has competent English | 5 | |
Spouse/De facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident OR You are single | 10 | |
| Invited by State/Territory visa | Subclass 190 visa | 5 |
| Subclass 491 visa | 15 |
If your points are low, you may wish to apply for a special invitation/nomination from the State or Territory you wish to live in which will give you an extra 5 points. If you express an interest to reside in a regional area for the Subclass 491 visa, then you can get an extra 15 points.
There are several stages to the Subclass 189 visa.
- Skills Assessment – You must first be assessed as qualified to perform the occupation. Each occupation has its own assessing authority who will assess your level of experience and qualifications. A positive result must be received before proceeding to the next step.
- Expression of Interest (‘EOI’) – An EOI is required for the Governments to select the top candidates in monthly rounds. They will pick the candidates with the most points to pass through to the next round. Sometimes, candidates are waiting for 2 years and still do not receive an invitation. The Department conducts regular reviews of the Expressions of Interest submitted by prospective applicants and makes invitation rounds as they see fit. Further information can be found on the Department website, the Expressions of Interest page.
- Visa Application – You can then lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation.
Common Issues When Applying for the Subclass 189 Visa
Applicants may face several common challenges, including:
- Discrepancies between the Expression of Interest (EOI) and the final visa application, which can lead to complications or refusal.
- Insufficient evidence to substantiate claims made in the EOI (e.g. qualifications, work experience, or English proficiency).
- Failure to hold a valid skills assessment confirming the applicant’s eligibility at the invitation stage.
Suggested Solutions
Accuracy and consistency are critical to a successful Skilled Independent visa application.
- Keep detailed and comprehensive records of each attribute for which points are claimed – including education, employment, English test results and skills assessments.
- Back up every claim with documentary evidence that clearly shows eligibility as at the date of invitation.
- Seek advice before submitting your EOI to ensure it accurately reflects your qualifications and avoids any inconsistencies later in the process.
Subclass 189 Visa FAQs
Based on 2025 figures, straightforward applications are typically processed within:
- 8 months for 50% of applications; and
- 9 months for 90% of applications.
However, processing times may vary depending on the completeness of your application, background checks and Departmental caseloads.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online service.
- The Department conducts invitation rounds, inviting highly ranked candidates based on their points score and time of EOI submission.
- Once invited, you have 60 days from the date of invitation to lodge your visa application.
A skills assessment does not need to be physically held at the time of invitation. It is sufficient if the assessment later confirms that you were suitably qualified as at the invitation date.
However, failing to meet this requirement may render your invitation invalid – so careful timing and documentation are essential.
Why Choose Brightstone Immigration Lawyers?
- Diligence – We work tirelessly to identify and eliminate discrepancies between your EOI and application, ensuring the evidence presented accurately and positively reflects your skills and experience.
- Thorough Support – From preparing your Expression of Interest to lodging your final visa application, we provide complete guidance and proactive communication at every step.
- Strategic Precision – We understand the competitive nature of the points-tested system and can help you optimise your score and presentation to strengthen your invitation prospects.