The 189 visa for Australia is your ticket to permanent residence without needing an employer sponsor or state nomination. This Skilled Independent visa 189 gives you complete freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
The Subclass 189 visa Australia comes with impressive benefits. You’ll get full Medicare access, the ability to sponsor family members, and a pathway to Australian citizenship in just four years, 1 year as a permanent resident. It’s truly the “freedom visa” that skilled professionals dream about.
Here’s the reality check: the 189 skilled independent visa Australia has become highly competitive in 2026. While the minimum is 65 points, you’ll likely need 85-95+ points for popular occupations like IT and accounting. The new quarterly 189 Visa Invitation Round 2026 system prioritizes healthcare and teaching professionals through a 4-tier ranking system.
To qualify for the Australia 189 visa, you must meet five core requirements. You need to be under 45 years old, have your occupation on the MLTSSL, obtain a positive skills assessment, prove Competent English proficiency, and score enough points to receive an invitation.
In this complete 2026 guide to the 189 visa Australia, we’ll cover everything you need to know. You’ll learn about eligibility requirements, the points calculator, the application process through SkillSelect, realistic processing times, true costs, and the new 189 Visa Invitation Round 2026 invitation system.
Whether you’re a registered nurse eligible at 65 points or a software engineer competing at 95+ points, this guide will show you the exact steps to secure your Subclass 189 visa Australia.
Check your points eligibility through our Australian PR points calculator.
What is the 189 Visa in Australia?
The 189 visa is a points-tested permanent residence visa designed for skilled workers who want to move to Australia independently. Unlike other visa subclasses under General Skilled Migration, you don’t need an employer, state, or family sponsor; you just need enough points based on your age, skills, English, and work experience.
Learn more about General Skilled Migration by reading our detailed guide.
Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa 189
The 189 visa Australia leads directly to Australian citizenship. You can apply after living in Australia for 4 years total, with at least 1 year as a permanent resident. This makes the Skilled Independent visa 189 one of the fastest pathways to citizenship.
Full Medicare Access:
You get immediate access to Australia’s public healthcare system. This includes subsidized doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications.
Sponsor Eligible Family
The 189 skilled independent visa for Australia lets you sponsor parents, siblings, and other relatives. You can also include your partner and children directly in your application.
Additional Benefits:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia (no regional restrictions)
- Study with domestic fees
- Access social security (after waiting periods)
- Travel freely for 5 years
- Permanent residence with full work rights
189 Visa Processing Time and Costs 2026
The Subclass 189 visa currently takes 10 to 11months to 50% to 90% process from the date of invitation. Processing times vary based on your occupation, application completeness, and current backlogs at the Department of Home Affairs.
Factors affecting processing time:
- Occupation category and demand
- Application completeness and documentation quality
- Health and character checks requirements
- Current application backlogs
Check your exact waiting time: Visit our 189 Visa Processing Time Tracker for real-time updates based on your specific occupation.
Visa Cost 189 visa Australia
The base application fee is AUD $4,910 for the primary applicant, but hidden costs significantly increase your total budget.
| Visa subclass | Base application charges |
Additional Applicant 18+ |
Additional Applicant (Under 18) | Non-Internet Application Charge | Subsequent Temporary Application Charge |
| Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 189) | AUD4,910.00 | AUD2,455.00 | AUD1,230.00 | N/A | N/A |
Reference : Home Affairs Fee and Charges Of Visa
189 Visa Eligibility Requirements 2026
To apply for the 189 visa, you must be under 45 and have a positive skills assessment.
Age:
You must be under 45 to apply for the visa.
You can still apply for the visa if you turn 45 after you apply.
If you turn 45 after you submit your EOI but before you apply, you will not be invited to apply.
English requirements:
You must have at least competent English
Skills Assessment:
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations
Occupation:
Must be on the MLTSSL
Health requirement & character requirement:
You and any family member who applies for the visa with you must meet health requirement & character requirement.
Skilled Occupations for the 189 Visa
Your skilled occupation must be on the 189 visa skilled occupation list. officially called the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This is non-negotiable. If your job isn’t on this list, you cannot apply for the Subclass 189 visa Australia.
Understanding the MLTSSL Australia 2026
The MLTSSL Australia 2026 contains occupations that Australia needs for the long term. This list is different from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
If your occupation is only on the STSOL, you cannot apply for the 189 visa. You must consider the Subclass 190 (state-nominated) visa instead.
Top Eligible Occupations (2026 Priorities):
Australia prioritizes certain occupations based on critical skill shortages. Understanding these priorities helps you know how competitive your occupation is and what points score you’ll realistically need.
Healthcare Professionals (Tier 1 – Highest Priority)
Occupations: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners (GPs), Surgeons, Midwives, Aged Care Specialists
Why Tier 1: Australia has a severe healthcare worker shortage due to an aging population and post-pandemic burnout. These professionals are desperately needed right now.
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Book ConsultationWhat This Means for You:
- Invitations are issued frequently and quickly
- Can potentially receive an invitation with 65-75 points (closer to the actual minimum)
- Fastest processing times
- Best chance of success with lower points
Teaching (Tier 1 Priority)
Occupations: Secondary School Teachers, Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teachers
Why High Priority: Critical teacher shortages across Australia, especially in secondary education and early childhood centers.
What This Means for You:
- Regular invitations issued
- Typically need 75-85 points
- Strong demand makes invitations more achievable
- Good prospects even without maximum points
Tech & Engineering (Tier 2/3 – Medium Priority)
Occupations: Software Engineers, Software Developers, Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers
Why Lower Tier: Still needed for economic growth and infrastructure, but extremely competitive due to high application volumes. These jobs can also be partially filled through employer sponsorship and state programs.
What This Means for You:
- Highly competitive – typically need 90-95+ points
- Less frequent invitations compared to healthcare/teaching
- Long waiting times, even with good points
- May be better served by state sponsorship 190 visa instead
Step-by-Step Application Process for the 189 Visa
The 189 visa application process follows a clear pathway from skills assessment to visa grant. Here’s exactly what you need to do to navigate the skilled migration 189 pathway successfully.
Before you apply
You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
Before Submitting EOI:
- Check that your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupations list
- Get a skills assessment from the appropriate authority
- Organize health examinations
- Verify you can score minimum 65 points
- Gather all supporting documents
Submit EOI:
- Submit through SkillSelect
- Select Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Can submit from within or outside Australia
- Receive email confirmation
After EOI Submission:
- SkillSelect estimates your points (minimum 65 required)
- Update EOI if circumstances change
- Maintain lawful visa status if in Australia
- Wait for an invitation based on points and occupation availability
- Monitor for invitation (can take up to 2 years)
After receiving the invitation:
- Apply within 60 calendar days (non-extendable)
- Prove all EOI claims with evidence
- Demonstrate that you meet the points score and eligibility criteria
- Maximum two invitations allowed
- Must be under 45 years at the time of invitation
- Use a registered migration agent or legal practitioner if needed
Gather your documents
You will need to provide documents to support the claims you make in your EOI and show that you meet the other eligibility criteria
Before Submitting EOI:
- Check occupation is on the eligible list (subclass 189)
- Get skills assessment (valid within 3 years)
- Organize health examinations
- Verify minimum 65 points score
- Medical practitioners: obtain AHPRA registration
- Barristers/Solicitors: obtain an admission to practice certificate
Identity Documents:
- Current passport (photo and details pages)
- National identity card
- Proof of name changes (marriage/divorce certificates)
- Relationship documents (marriage, divorce, death certificates)
Character Documents:
- Australian Federal Police certificate (if spent 12+ months in Australia)
- Overseas police certificates from all countries lived in 12+ months
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Form 80 – Personal particulars
- Form 1221 – Additional personal particulars
English Proficiency:
- Competent English proof at time of invitation
- Partner’s functional English proof (unless exempt)
- Dependant’s functional English proof (unless exempt)
Partner Documents:
- Identity documents and photos
- Character certificates
- Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (12+ months)
- Joint financial documents (bank statements, leases, bills)
- Proof of a genuine and continuing relationship
Dependants Under 18:
- Birth certificates showing both parents’ names
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Form 1229 – Parental consent form
- Identity documents of the consenting parent
- Court orders (if applicable)
Dependants Over 18:
- Identity documents
- Form 47a – Details of dependent family member
- Proof of dependency (birth certificate, financial records)
- Medical report (if aged 23+ showing disability)
- Must be under 23 and dependent, OR 23+ with disability
Skills Assessment & EOI Claims:
- Skills assessment certificate
- English language test results
- Educational qualification certificates
- Employment evidence (Australian and/or overseas)
- Australian study requirement proof (if applicable)
- Specialist education evidence (if applicable)
- Community language accreditation (if applicable)
- Regional Australia study proof (if applicable)
- Partner skills evidence (if applicable)
- Professional Year certificate (if applicable)
Document Preparation:
- Translate all non-English documents
- Use NAATI-accredited translators in Australia
- Include the translator’s credentials on translations
- Scan/photograph all documents in color
- Save multi-page documents as single files
- No certification required
Apply for the visa
When you have your invitation, you can apply online. You can be in or outside Australia.
You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to apply for the visa.
Critical Requirement:
- Provide accurate information throughout the application
- Consequences apply if you can’t prove identity or provide false information
Access ImmiAccount:
- Log in to your Immi account
- Click the ‘Apply for visa’ button
- You’ll be redirected to the ImmiAccount system
Log in to ImmiAccount:
- Create a new ImmiAccount OR log into existing account
- Use separate credentials (different from SkillSelect login and password)
Upload Documents:
- Attach all required documents to your application
Pay Application Charge:
- Pay the visa application charge
- Application will NOT be processed until payment is completed
Record Reference Number:
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)
- Keep this number for tracking your application
Visa outcome
If your visa is granted, you will know about
- Your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts
- Your visa conditions, if applicable
Calculate your exact score using our Subclass 189 Points Calculator
The Four-Tier Priority System for the 189 visa
1: Critical Shortage (Healthcare)
- Occupations: Registered Nurses, GPs, Surgeons, Midwives, Aged Care Specialists
- Invitation threshold: 65-75 points (actual minimum may apply)
- Processing: Highest priority frequent invitation rounds
- Why prioritized: Severe healthcare workforce crisis, aging population, post-pandemic shortages
- Reality: Only tier where 65-75 points may genuinely result in invitations
2: High Priority (Education & Allied Health)
- Occupations: Secondary Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers, Psychologists, Physiotherapists
- Invitation threshold: 75-85 points
- Processing: High-priority regular invitation rounds
- Why prioritized: Teacher shortages, mental health demand, and essential services
- Reality: Competitive but achievable with strategic point maximization
3: Medium Priority (Professional Services & Engineering)
- Occupations: Software Engineers, Civil Engineers, Accountants, Business Analysts, Architects
- Invitation threshold: 85-95 points
- Processing: Moderate priority competitive invitation rounds
- Why prioritized: Economic growth, infrastructure, digital transformation
- Reality: Highly competitive needs significantly abovethe minimum score
4: Lower Priority (Trade & Support Services)
- Occupations: Electricians, Bricklayer, Plumbers, painters, Chefs, Carpenters, Automotive Mechanics
- Invitation threshold: 80-90 points (but invitations are rare)
- Processing: Lowest priority infrequent invitation rounds
- Why lower priority: Can be met through state sponsorship (190/491) and employer pathways
- Reality: Better served by alternative visa pathways rather than waiting for 189
Key Benefits of Understanding Tiers
- Realistic expectations: Know whether 65 points will actually work or if you need 90+
- Strategic planning: Choose between 189 (independent) or 190/491 (state-sponsored) pathways
- Better timing: Understand if your occupation is currently in high demand
Pathway to Citizenship in Australia
The Subclass 189 visa provides a clear pathway to Australian citizenship, but understanding the timeline and requirements is essential for planning your future. Many applicants focus solely on obtaining permanent residency without realizing the additional steps and waiting periods required for citizenship.
Step 1: Grant of 189 Visa = Permanent Resident (PR)
Step 2:Residence requirements
Step 3:apply for citizenship
Step 4:Citizenship ceremony
Key Requirements Summary
Residence Requirements:
- 4 years of lawful residence in Australia
- At least 1 year as a Permanent Resident
- Maximum 12 months total absence in 4 years
- Maximum 90 days of absence in the last 12 months
Other Requirements:
- Pass citizenship test (18+ years old)
- Demonstrate basic English proficiency
- Good character (police checks, no serious criminal history)
- Understand and commit to Australian values and responsibilities
Conclusion
The 189 Skilled Independent visa remains one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency in Australia, offering complete freedom to live and work anywhere without employer or state sponsorship. However, success in 2026 requires more than just meeting the 65-point minimum; you need a strategic approach that maximizes your points, understands occupation priorities, and sets realistic expectations based on the new 4-tier invitation system.
Secure your 189 Visa with The Migration and avoid the risk of rejection. Our MARA agents can expertly manage your Skills Assessment and EOI to maximize your invitation chances, so book your consultation today to get your Australian PR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 189 Visa Australia is direct Pathway to citizenship Australia?
After receiving your 189 visa (Permanent Resident status), you must live in Australia for 4 years total, with at least 1 year as a PR. Once you meet residence requirements, pass the citizenship test, and attend a ceremony, you become an Australian citizen with full voting rights and passport eligibility.
Which occupations are on the Australia 189 visa skilled occupation list?
The 189 visa uses the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which includes occupations in healthcare (nurses, doctors), engineering (civil, mechanical), IT (software engineers, developers), teaching, and accounting. Check the official Home Affairs website for the current 2026 list, as occupations are regularly updated based on Australia’s skill needs.
Is 189 Visa is in Skilled Migration Visa Australia?
Skilled migration visas include the 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas, all requiring a points-based assessment. You must have an occupation on the skilled occupation list, obtain a positive skills assessment, meet English requirements, and score competitively (typically 85-95+ points for popular occupations in 2026).
Is subclass 189 is Permanent resident visa Australia?
The 189 visa grants immediate Permanent Residency (PR), allowing you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely with access to Medicare and public services. Other PR pathways include the 190 (state-sponsored), 491 (regional, becomes PR after 3 years), and employer-sponsored visas like the 186.
Do i need skills assessment requirements for 189 visa?
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT, VETASSESS for general professionals). The assessment verifies your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards
What is the minimum points score for the 189 visa requirements in 2026?
While the official minimum is 65 points to submit an EOI, the practical reality in 2026 is much higher: accountants need 95-100 points, IT professionals need 90-95 points, and even healthcare/teaching roles typically require 75-85 points. Only Tier 1 critical shortage occupations may receive invitations with scores of 65-75 points.
What is differences between the 189 and 190 Visas?
The 189 is a fully independent visa requiring no sponsorship, allowing you to live anywhere in Australia, while the 190 requires state nomination, adds 5 bonus points, but obligates you to live and work in the nominating state for 2 years. Both grant immediate PR, but 190 is easier to obtain (lower points threshold) and offers more occupation options through state-specific lists.
