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🧠 Skilled & Independent:Get PR Without Employer or State Sponsorship — Subclass 189 Visa Guide

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Are you a skilled worker dreaming of permanent residency in Australia — without needing employer sponsorship or state nomination? The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa might be your ideal pathway.

What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia and includes pathways for your partner and dependent children.


This visa is ideal for professionals with qualifications and work experience in occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).


🧮 How Does the Points System Work?

To be invited to apply, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and score at least 65 points. However, due to strong competition, most invitations are issued to applicants with 85 points or higher, depending on your occupation.

Here’s a breakdown of how points are awarded:

Category

Maximum Points

Details

Age

30 pts

25–32 yrs = 30 pts, 33–39 = 25 pts, 18–24 or 40–44 = lower points

English Language Proficiency

20 pts

Competent = 0, Proficient = 10, Superior = 20

Skilled Work Experience

20 pts

Points depend on years worked in/outside Australia

Educational Qualifications

20 pts

Doctorate = 20, Bachelor/Master = 15, Trade = 10

Australian Study Requirement

5 pts

Completed 2+ years of study in Australia

Professional Year Program

5 pts

For Accounting, IT, or Engineering graduates in Australia

Community Language

5 pts

NAATI-certified translators/interpreters

Study in Regional Australia

5 pts

For graduates who studied in designated regional areas

Partner Skills

Up to 10 pts

If partner meets age, English, skills criteria or has competent English

Single Applicants

10 pts

If you are single or partner is Aussie citizen/PR

💡 You must have documents ready to prove every point you claim when applying.



Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if:

  • You’re under 45 years old at the time of invitation

  • You have a positive skills assessment

  • You meet the minimum points threshold and other eligibility criteria

  • You have competent English or better

  • You meet health, character, and security requirements

*You can apply from inside or outside Australia — just not while in immigration clearance.


Including Your Partner or Children?

Yes! Secondary applicants like spouses or children can be included in the same application. They must meet health, character, and English requirements. A second instalment fee applies if a partner doesn't speak functional English.


Avoid Common Mistakes

🚫 Submitting an EOI without a valid skills assessment

🚫 Applying after age 45

🚫 Overclaiming points without evidence

🚫 Forgetting English proof or incorrect supporting documents

🚫 Not disclosing prior visa issues or refusals (risking refusal under PIC 4020)


⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

Before you get too far down the 189 visa path, here are some key reminders:

  • ✅ Partner Points Only Count if MLTSSL Applies:

    If you're claiming partner points based on their skills, their occupation must also be on the MLTSSL and they must have a valid skills assessment and competent English.

  • ⚠️ Possible Changes Coming:

    There’s talk that the partner skills and NAATI credentialled community language points may be removed in upcoming migration program changes. It’s important to lodge your EOI sooner rather than later if you're relying on these.

  • ⏳ EOIs Are Valid for Two Years:

    Once you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI), it stays active for 2 years — but if you're not invited within that time, you’ll need to resubmit a fresh application.

  • ⏳ Deadline Alert: 60 Days to Apply After Your Invitation

    Once you receive your invitation for the Subclass 189 visa, you have 60 days to lodge your application via ImmiAccount. Be sure your documents—including skills assessment and English test—are still valid on the date of invitation. If you don’t apply within this 60-day window, your invitation will lapse and you'll need to resubmit a new EOI and wait again.

  • 🚫 No Bridging Visa with EOI Submission

You won't get a Bridging Visa when you submit an EOI — it only comes after you’re invited and lodge the visa while in Australia on a valid visa.


At Empathy Migration, we specialise in:

  • Strategic points calculation

  • Crafting your strongest EOI

  • Managing skills assessments

  • Helping with partner/family inclusion

  • Guiding you every step until grant

  📞 Need guidance?

Empathy Migration offers tailored, compliant, and strategic support from start to finish.


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