Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) for Indians
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 24–52 weeks
- Government fee
- about $3,200
- Start preparing
- about 28 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 24–52 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Permanent residence from day one, with no employer, state or family sponsorship needed — which is why it is the most sought-after and most competitive Australian visa. You submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and wait to be invited. The advertised minimum is 65 points, but that is only the threshold to enter the pool: in the June 2026 round, 10,000 invitations went out at scores ranging from 65 to 100. Trades such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters cleared at 65, healthcare, education and engineering generally needed 80 to 90, and ICT and specialised technology needed 90 or more. If you are an Indian IT professional, plan for 90+ rather than 65. You also need a positive skills assessment, be under 45, and score at least competent English — superior English is worth 20 points and is usually the cheapest way to lift your score.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 24–52 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $3,200. Difficulty: 5/5.
Documents you'll need
- Score yourself honestly against realistic invitation cut-offsSixty-five points only enters the pool; recent rounds invited ICT at 90 or above.
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant skilled list and you are under 45Age 45 is a hard bar, and 25 to 32 is the maximum-scoring age band.
- Sit an English test aiming for superior levelSuperior English, IELTS 8 in each band or PTE 79+, is worth 20 points versus 0 for competent.
- Obtain a positive skills assessmentACS for ICT, Engineers Australia for engineering, VETASSESS and others by occupation.
- Consider a Professional Year or partner pointsA Professional Year, partner skills assessment and English, and community language credentials add points.
- Submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelectFree to lodge and valid for two years.
- Wait for an invitation and keep your EOI currentThe June 2026 round issued 10,000 invitations.
- Lodge the visa application within 60 days of invitationThe deadline is 60 days from the invitation.
- Complete health examinations and police clearancesPanel physician health checks and police clearances; each applicant over 16 needs their own.
- Await the decision
- Make your initial entry before the deadlineThe grant letter specifies a first-entry date.
- Apply for Medicare and a tax file number after arrivalMedicare entitlement starts on arrival; the TFN is needed for employment.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) takes about 28 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 24–52 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $3,200. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
- No. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) does not require a job offer from a Australia employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other Australia visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
Australia visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.