🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Also known as: 189 visa, SC189, Subclass 189
Last verified: September 2, 2026
What is the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
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.
Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $3,200 |
| Processing time | 24–52 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Indians.
Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $3,200 | 24–52 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Score yourself honestly against realistic invitation cut-offs
- Confirm your occupation is on the relevant skilled list and you are under 45
- Sit an English test aiming for superior level
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Consider a Professional Year or partner points
- Submit your Expression of Interest in SkillSelect
- Wait for an invitation and keep your EOI current
- Lodge the visa application within 60 days of invitation
- Complete health examinations and police clearances
- Await the decision
- Make your initial entry before the deadline
- Apply for Medicare and a tax file number after arrival
This list is the checklist for Indians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) cost?
- The government fee is about $3,200 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) processing time?
- Typical processing takes 24–52 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
- No. The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) does not require a job offer from an employer in Australia.
- Can family members join on the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the 189 visa the same as the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
- Yes. 189 visa, SC189, and Subclass 189 are other names people use for the Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) guides by nationality
Other Australia visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. This guide is general information, not legal advice.