Are you a skilled professional dreaming of permanent residency in Australia—without needing an employer or state to sponsor you? The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after visas for qualified individuals with in-demand skills, offering the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
At Migration Guru, we assist professionals across the world to secure invitations, prepare competitive applications, and manage the journey to Australian permanent residency with confidence and precision.
✅ What Is the Subclass 189 Skilled Ind
ependent Visa?
The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for invited skilled workers and certain eligible individuals. It allows the holder to:
• Live and work anywhere in Australia permanently
• Sponsor eligible family members
• Apply for citizenship, if eligible
• Access Medicare, education, and government benefits
This visa has three streams:
• Points Tested stream (open)
• New Zealand stream (closed to new applicants)
• Hong Kong stream (for eligible passport holders)
🧠 Subclass 189 – Points Tested Stream
This stream is for invited skilled workers with occupations on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
You must:
• Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
• Score at least 65 points based on age, education, work experience, English, and other factors
• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled list
• Have a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• Meet English language requirements
• Pass health and character checks
Benefits:
✅ No employer or family sponsor required
✅ No state nomination needed
✅ Full freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
✅ Straightforward PR pathway for high-scoring applicants
🌍 Subclass 189 – Hong Kong Stream
This stream is available to eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have shown a commitment to living and working in Australia.
You must:
• Hold a Hong Kong or BN(O) passport
• Have lived in Australia on an eligible visa for a minimum of 4 years
• Meet visa history, residency, and integrity requirements
• Fulfil health and character checks
Benefits:
✅ Permanent residency
✅ Access to Medicare and support services
✅ Ability to apply for citizenship (if eligible)
✅ No points test required
❌ Subclass 189 – New Zealand Stream (Now Closed)
As of 1 July 2023, the New Zealand stream of the Subclass 189 Visa has been permanently closed to new applicants.
Eligible New Zealand citizens may still explore the direct pathway to citizenship, introduced as part of recent changes.
📅 How Does the 189 Visa Process Work?
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
- Wait for an invitation to apply (based on your points and occupation demand)
- Lodge your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation
- Complete medicals, police checks, and provide required documents
- Receive your permanent residency grant
Processing times vary and depend on your documentation, response time, and program availability.
📈 Important Update: Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Increasing from 1 July 2025
From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas (including Subclass 189) will be indexed annually in line with changes to Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). Migration Guru will help ensure your application meets current and future policy requirements.
👨💼 Why Choose Migration Guru?
Subclass 189 is a highly competitive visa, and a successful application depends on having a strategic approach to the points test, correct documentation, and timing your EOI submission correctly.
We offer:
✔️ Points assessment and EOI strategy
✔️ Skilled occupation list matching
✔️ Skills assessment support
✔️ English test and document preparation
✔️ Full application lodgement
✔️ Expert guidance through Hong Kong stream eligibility
Our MARA-registered agents help maximise your invitation chances and manage every step with precision.
📞 Contact Migration Guru Today
- Phone: +61-7-3036 3800
- Email: info@migrationguru.com.au
- Website: migrationguru.com.au
- Facebook: Migration Guru