Australia’s Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a highly sought-after pathway for skilled individuals who wish to live and work permanently in Australia without employer or family sponsorship. It allows invited applicants to settle anywhere in Australia and eventually apply for citizenship.
This blog explains the Subclass 189 visa in complete detail, breaking down eligibility, the EOI system, and the step-by-step journey from interest to immigration.
🌐 What Is the Subclass 189 Visa ?
🌐 What Is the Subclass 189 Visa ?The Subclass 189 visa (Points-tested stream) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Unlike other visas, this one does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer, a family member, or a state/territory government.
✅ What You Can Do With the 189 Visa
With the 189 visa, you can:
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Study in any institution in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare scheme
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible
- Travel freely in and out of Australia for 5 years
🛂 Who Is Eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa?
To apply for this visa, you must:
- Have an Occupation on the MLTSSL
Your job must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which reflects occupations in high demand across Australia.
- Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
A skills assessment from a relevant authority is required to prove you are qualified for your nominated occupation. This must be completed before lodging an EOI.
- Meet the English Language Requirement
You must demonstrate Competent English:
- IELTS: Minimum 6 in each band
- PTE: Minimum 50 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18
- OET: At least B in each
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: At least 169 in each band
Online/home-based tests are not accepted. Tests must be taken at approved test centres and be no older than 3 years from the date of invitation.
If you are a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland — a valid passport can be submitted as evidence of Competent English.
- Score at Least 65 Points
You must meet or exceed the 65-point threshold. Points are awarded for:
- Age
- English proficiency
- Educational qualifications
- Skilled work experience
- Australian study
- Partner’s English and skills (if applicable)
- Professional year programs
- Community language skills
Even if you score 65, higher points increase your chances of getting invited due to competition.
📌 What Is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a visa application. It is a declaration of your interest in migrating to Australia under Subclass 189. It’s submitted through SkillSelect, the Australian Government’s online system.
Only after lodging a valid EOI and receiving an invitation can you apply for the visa.
📝 Step-by-Step Process for Submitting an EOI
Step 1: Create a SkillSelect Account
Visit the SkillSelect portal and create an account. You’ll need:
- Full name
- DOB
- Nationality and Passport details
- Relationship status
- Email and contact details
You’ll receive an EOI ID and login credentials.
Step 2: Collect Supporting Documents
Before submitting your EOI, gather these:
- Skills Assessment Certificate
- English Language Test Results
- Details of qualifications and work history
- Evidence of partner’s skills or English proficiency (if applicable)
Step 3: Fill in EOI Information
Enter the following:
- Personal and contact details
- Nominated occupation
- Skills assessment reference
- English language test scores
- Employment history (last 10 years)
- Education history (institution, degree, years)
- Partner and family information
Save your EOI as you go; you can return to complete it.
Step 4: Submit the EOI
Once all sections are completed, submit the EOI.
📌 Note: You can update your EOI at any time before an invitation is received. Update if:
- You gain more work experience
- You achieve a better English score
- Your family situation changes
EOIs are valid for 2 years from the submission date.
📨 What Happens After You Submit Your EOI?
🟢 If You Receive an Invitation
You will have 60 days to:
- Log into ImmiAccount
- Submit the full visa application
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the required visa fee
📌 Important: Claims made in your EOI must be supported with evidence. If you miss the 60-day window, the invitation expires and you may not get another.
🔴 If You Do Not Receive an Invitation
There is no guarantee of receiving an invitation, even if you meet the points threshold. Factors include:
- Occupation demand
- Annual migration program caps
- Competing EOIs with higher scores
Track your occupation’s progress by monitoring:
Lowest invitation scores published after each invitation round.
📥 If Invited — Subclass 189 Visa Application
Once invited:
- Complete the online application via ImmiAccount
- Upload certified copies of all documents
- Submit biometrics, police clearance, and health checks if required
You will be granted a Bridging Visa only after lodging the visa application, not after submitting the EOI.
📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an EOI without a valid skills assessment
- Using expired English test results
- Failing to update changes in your EOI
- Not submitting the full application within 60 days of invitation
🗓️ Timeline Overview
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
| Skills Assessment | 6–12 weeks (varies by authority) |
| English Language Test | 1–2 weeks (plus prep time) |
| EOI Submission | Immediate |
| Wait for Invitation | Varies (from weeks to months) |
| Visa Application Processing | 6–11 months (case-specific) |
🧭 Expert Tip
This process can be complex and competitive. Our immigration experts at Migration Guru can guide you through skills assessment, EOI strategy, and visa submission — ensuring that every step is handled with precision and compliance.
- Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Website: migrationguru.com.au
- Facebook: Migration Guru
If you’re skilled, ready, and dream of calling Australia your home — the Subclass 189 Visa could be your permanent path to that future.
