What is the Subclass 189 Visa? Cost and Grant Guide (2026)

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a visa that is worth considering for people who are skilled and wish to permanently reside and work in Australia. The Subclass 189 visa is a points-based permanent visa for eligible skilled workers. It requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government, but you do not need sponsorship from an employer or family member. The issued visa will allow you to remain in Australia permanently and eligible for work.

But there are a number of stipulations that must be met before applying. This visa requires an eligible occupation, positive skills assessment, skills level points, and invitation to apply. We'll discuss what the Subclass 189 visa is, who can apply, how the point system works, subclass 189 visa cost and what you can do once you obtain the visa.

What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled migrants who wish to migrate to Australia. It's meant for similarly qualified, invited skilled migrants who are eligible to apply for permanent residency. An advantage of the Subclass 189 visa is the fact that there's no need of a sponsorship by the employer, the family member or by the Australian State or Territory Government.

In most cases, there will be a SkillSelect online application process that you will need to go through to apply for an invitation to apply. It is likely that you will have to first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online in SkillSelect and then receive an invitation to apply. Credit will also be given for meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, which includes having an eligible skilled occupation, and scoring the relevant points in the points scoring criteria. When granted you'll be able to live and work in Australia permanently. The subclass 189 is made up of various visa subclasses and the most popular is the subclass 189 Points-tested stream.

What Can You Do With a Subclass 189 Visa?

The subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa with eligibility requirements that open the door to permanent residency in Australia. On successful granting of the visa, you live in Australia permanently and are able to share many experiences with the other people who are permanent residents of Australia.

Typically, with a Subclass 189 visa, you are able to:

• Live in Australia permanently
• Work or study at any location throughout Australia. Children can work or study in any place in Australia.
• Apply for Medicare if you qualify (public health care system in Australia)
• Sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia
• Note: The visa does have a travel component, meaning that the holder may travel to and from Australia within the visa's validity.
• Don't forget to apply for Australian citizenship if you satisfy the requirements of citizenship.

The Subclass 189 visa gives eligible visa holders more freedom to live and work in Australia without being tied to a particular state or territory. No obligation to leave a certain State/Territory and no commitment to a specific employer.

Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa?

Applicants are required to satisfy various requirements to become eligible for an invitation to apply for the visa, in the Subclass 189 Points-tested stream. The visa is for skilled workers with eligible occupations who are able to satisfy Australia's skills, age, English language and points requirements.

In general, you will have to:

• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Be under 45 years old when you receive an invitation to apply
• Achieve positive skills assessment of nominated occupation
• Meet the required English language level
• Score at least the minimum number of points required
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Be invited to apply for the visa.
• Meet the character requirements set by the Australian Government.

A small reminder is that while the minimum requirements are required, fulfilling them does not mean that the applicants will be invited. As this visa is competitive and the number of visas issued can differ based on the occupation and the points required to secure an invitation, you may be required to score more points than in other instances.

How Many Points Do You Need for the 189 Visa?

The points-based assessment system is used for the Subclass 189 visa to evaluate candidates for a skilled visa. The points you earn are based on your age, English language skills, skilled work experience, qualifications and other considerations. Generally, it takes 75 points or higher to be considered for an invitation, but a 75-point score does not guarantee an invitation, as some competitions may require higher scores.

The points are calculated based on several factors, including:

But, at least 65 points are necessary to be eligible. It does not assure that applicants will be invited to submit their applications. More points may be required based on job, number of available positions and the competition among applicants. Other key considerations in submitting your EOI are ensuring that your points claim is correct. When you get an invitation, you may be asked to submit documents to substantiate the points that you have made.

How Do You Apply for a Subclass 189 Visa?

There are many steps that are required in applying for the subclass 189 visa, which includes checking your eligibility to submit an application. Applicants are required to make sure they have the necessary documents ready, complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) and are invited to apply for the visa. These are the foremost steps you should take:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting your application, make sure you meet the basic requirements for the Subclass 189 visa. Check:

• Whether your occupation is eligible
• Your age
• Your predicted value in points.
• You have met the required English language standard.
• You meet health and character requirements.

These conditions will help you identify if you will be eligible for the visa.

Step 2: Get a Skills Assessment

A favourable skills assessment is normally required for your nominated occupation. Your education and experience will be reviewed by the assessing authority to check if it satisfies the requirements for the occupation. It depends on your occupation what authority assesses what is required of you, so you have to apply to the right authority.

Step 3: Take an English Language Test

You may need to provide evidence of your English language ability when applying for the Subclass 190 visa. Your English level can also help you claim additional points under the points test, so achieving a higher level of English may increase your overall points score. The Australian Government accepts several English language tests, including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET). Make sure you take an approved test and achieve the required score for the English level you are claiming.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Make sure you are ready and can apply via SkillSelect. EOIs are NOT visa applications. Provides information to the Australian Government on your:

• Skills and qualifications
• Work experience
• English language ability
• Nominated occupation
• Points score

Check that you've included accurate information and that you have evidence that will support the claims you're making about your EOI.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation

If you are successful, you could be offered a visa subclass 189  application. You generally need an invitation before you can lodge an application for the Points-tested stream. Please note that an invitation does not mean a visa is guaranteed. All the visa requirements have to be fulfilled and all the required paperwork presented.

Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application

When invited to apply for a visa, complies with the requirement and applies. Documents will have to be submitted to include the information in your EOI and to prove the visa requirements. These may include:

• Identity documents
• Skills assessment documents
• English test results
• Qualification documents
• Work experience evidence
• Family papers (if available)
• An ideal setting to discuss, debate and develop health and character documents

Submit the application, including information and supporting documents, that you want received; make sure they are complete and accurate.

How Much Does the Subclass 189 Visa Cost in 2026?

The cost of an Australian visa can change, so it is important to check the current fee before applying. The Subclass 189 visa has a base application charge for the main applicant. Visa fees can change, so applicants should check the current fee before submitting their application. If family members are included in an application the additional charge may apply. But the visa application fee is not the only cost that you have to consider.

Also, there may be costs associated with:

• Skills assessment
• English language test
• Health examinations
• Police certificates
• Document translation
• Professional migration assistance, if you choose to use it

The total application fee may be more than the government visa application fee. Visa fees may be updated please refer to the last information provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying for a visa.

What Happens After Your Subclass 189 Visa Is Granted?

If you are granted your subclass 189 visa you are then a permanent resident of Australia. Australia allows people to live, work and study without being sponsored by an employer, state or territory government.

Another benefit of having permanent residency is that you get to take advantage of other opportunities. Once you have it, you may be able to visit family members to accompany your migration. It's also possible that you can apply for Australian citizenship later on if you satisfy the needed requirements.

If your visa is successful your visa grant notification will include important information on your visa grant including any conditions to your visa and the visa travel facility, if applicable.

How Long Does the Subclass 189 Visa Take to Process?

Processing times for the Subclass 189 visa can vary for each applicant. There is no fixed processing time, as each application is assessed individually. The time may depend on the information and documents provided and whether any further checks or information are required.

• The count of outstanding applications.A number of applications under processing.
• Check how many nomination places are available for the program.
• Applying for a job involves more than just preparing a CV and cover letter.
• The speed at which any information is provided that has been requested.
• Health examinations and any required medical tests.
• Your individual circumstances

However, the whole process may take a longer duration due to the visa processing time, as that is just one of the skilled migration procedures. You might have to undertake your skills assessment and English test, submit an Expression of Interest and await an invitation before you are able to submit your visa application. Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) processing time guide for more up to date information on processing.

Subclass 189 Visa: Key Things to Remember

People who are eligible to use the subclass 189 visa can acquire permanent visa status. It's important to understand the primary requirements, points system and invitation process, before submitting an application, as well as application costs. The following are important points to keep in mind:

• This is a permanent visa (Subclass 189 visa).
• There is no requirement for employer, state or territory sponsorship for Point-tested streams.
• The usual entry requirement is 65 points or higher.
• A minimum score of 65 points does not guarantee an invitation, as invitations may require a higher score depending on competition.
• A preliminary, positive skills evaluation is normally required.
• You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
• You need to receive an invitation before you can lodge a Points-tested visa application.
• The main applicant visa application charge is AUD $6,135 from 1 July 2026.
• Additional costs may include skills assessments, English language tests, health examinations, police checks and other costs related to the visa application.

Conclusion

FAQs About the Subclass 189 Visa

1. What is the Subclass 189 visa?

The subclass 189 visa, or Skilled Independent visa, is a permanent visa for eligible skilled people. It enables those who gain entry to reside and work in Australia permanently. Typically the requirements for the Points-tested stream are to be eligible, fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited before applying.

2. Is the Subclass 189 visa permanent residency?

Yes, the subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa. After its award, it helps you to permanently live, work, and study in Australia. For people who meet the requirements, another option is to become an Australian if you choose to do so.

3. How many points do I need for a 189 visa?

The minimum point requirement for the Subclass 189 Points-tested stream is at least 65 points. The points may depend on your age, your level of English, your skills and credentials and your skilled work experience. But by the mere fact that you have 65 points, you do not have to be an automatic invitee.

4. How much does the Subclass 189 visa cost in 2026?

The visa application fee for the primary applicant is $6,135 from 1 July 2026. There are also likely to be extra charges for family members and things like Skills Assessment, English exams or medical or Police checks. Please see the most up to date fees with the Australian Department of Home Affairs prior to applying.