Permanent Residence
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently without any sponsorship requirements.
Duration
Permanent
Processing
4-12 months (90% processed within 8-9 months)
Min. Points
65 points
Application Fee
AUD $4,240 (primary applicant) + additional fees for dependents
Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
No employer or state sponsorship required
Include family members in your application
Enroll in Medicare (Australia's public healthcare system)
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
Apply for Australian citizenship after 4 years (if eligible)
Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from grant date
Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Score at least 65 points (competitive occupations often require 80-90+ points)
Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
Have competent English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, CAE)
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs
Meet health and character requirements
Immediate permanent residency status
No obligation to live or work in a specific location
Freedom to work in any occupation or start a business
Access to social security benefits after waiting periods
Pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residence requirements
Sponsor family members for migration
Department of Home Affairs
Official visa information page
Important: Visa requirements and fees may change. Always verify current information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.