Skilled Independent Visa Australia 189: Latest Guide 2025

For the individual who are seeking further education and career opportunities abroad, the Skilled Independent visa Australia (Subclass 189 Visa) is the door system to allow skilled professionals to immigrate to Australia and settle there with full permanent rights to live and work anywhere in Australia without sponsorship. This visa works on a points system, whose applicants have to meet a good enough score and other qualifying conditions like relevant skills assessment, proficiency in the English Language, health, and character tests. In that, we include the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) requirements, and the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) occupation list for the working professionals.

Latest Facts & News About Skilled Independent Visa Australia (2025) 

Stay informed with the latest developments and policy changes which help to seek a skilled independent visa in Australia. Here are the latest facts and news for every working professional who is looking to work in Australia.

• Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL) was updated in January 2025, now featuring over 200 eligible professions for Subclass 189.

• The minimum points threshold for invitation remains at 65, but competitive occupations often require 80+ points.

• 90% of applications are processed within 8-9 months, with some priority occupations processed faster.

• Recent policy changes favour applicants with STEM and healthcare backgrounds due to ongoing skills shortages.

• The government has increased the annual intake for Subclass 189 to address regional workforce gaps.

• English language test results and skills assessments are valid for three years at the time of invitation.

• Applicants can now submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) from outside or within Australia.

• Family members included in the application gain access to Medicare and Australian schooling.

• The visa grants permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship after four years of residence.

• New digital application tools have streamlined the EOI and documentation process in 2025.

Also Read: Apply Working Visa in Australia: Types, Benefits, Process

What is the Skilled Independent Visa Australia (Subclass 189)? Latest Guide

The Australian Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows skilled workers to immigrate to Australia and live and work permanently, anywhere in the chosen area, without a sponsorship visa. This visa is a points-based system, which means applicants must meet a minimum score and other eligibility criteria, including having a relevant skill assessment, proficient English language speaking or writing skills, and meeting some health and character requirements. Here are some key points you should remember while submitting your application to the Australia Skilled Independent visa:

• Accurate Information: Complete, accurate, and detailed data in your EOI and visa application. False or misleading information can be the basis for rejection. 

• Skills Assessment: Your occupation must be on the list of skilled occupations eligible and you should obtain a positive skills assessment by the appropriate assessing authority. 

• English Proficient: Showing evidence of competent English language skills. Various examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET, etc.

• Points Test: A minimum of 65 points in the skilled migration points test. The factors include age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualification. 

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Requirements – 2025 Update

The skilled independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa given to working professionals who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. It allows you to work and live anywhere in Australia. The following are the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) requirements:

• Occupation on the MLTSSL: Your nominated employment must be on the Medium or Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required.

• Age: You must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving an invitation to apply.

• Points Test: You need to score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.

• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate competent English through recognised tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect. You must be invited to apply for the visa based on your EOI ranking and occupation demand.

• Health and Character Requirements: Undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

• Family Members: You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. They must also meet health and character requirements.

Points Test System Explained for Skilled Independent Visa Australia 

To qualify under the points test for the skilled independent visa, applicants are awarded points in several categories. Here is a detailed breakdown of how the system works:

Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation Process 

The Expression of Interest for Subclass 189 must be submitted through the SkillSelect portal. It’s a free online application where you outline your qualifications, skills, and PR intent. Here are the key steps:

1. Submit your EOI in SkillSelect.

2. Wait for invitation rounds (conducted regularly based on occupational demand and point scores).

3. If invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

Also Read: Expression of Interest Australia: Expert Guide & Tips

Latest Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Occupation List – 2025

To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) occupation list, you should find your profession among the professions under the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The occupations included in the skilled independent visa (subclass 189) are updated regularly so that they can meet the changes and dynamic needs of the labor market in Australia. Top sectors expected to be high in demand in 2025 include:

• Healthcare: Registered Nurses, Medical Practitioners, Physiotherapists

• Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineers

• Information Technology: Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Business Analysts

• Construction & Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters

• Education: Early Childhood and Special Needs Teachers

How to Check If Your Occupation Is Eligible?

Following are the steps to check the occupation's eligibility under Subclass 189:

• Go to the official website of MLTSSL.

• Look for the occupation title or ANZSCO code.

• Confirm if it is mentioned under MLTSSL for eligibility under Visa 189.

• Check for the allocated authority assessing skills (e.g. ANMAC, ACS, Engineers Australia).

• Finally, ensure that your qualifications and experience match the requirements set forth by the authorised skills assessment agency for satisfactory completion of the skills assessment.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Skilled Independent Visa Australia in 2025

The steps for application for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) are such that they need to be followed correctly and precisely. The following is, therefore, a very helpful guide to ensuring that the application for skilled independent visa Australia is being worked on effectively and accurately.

Step 1: Complete Your Skills Assessment

Before you can apply, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate authority for your nominated occupation.

• Choose the right assessing authority (e.g., ANMAC, ACS, Engineers Australia).

• Make sure that what you submit for your qualification and experience meets that standard.

• Expected time is 6-12 weeks on average.

Step 2: Prove English Language Proficiency

You must show that you are competent in English (for example, IELTS 6.0 in each band) or more so that you earn extra points.

• Tests accepted include IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, and OET.

Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

You have to create a profile in SkillSelect and lodge your EOI.

• Provide precise information under education, experience, and tests.

• Submitting an EOI does not incur any fee.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your occupation is on-demand according to the ranking and if your own score is quite competitive (65-plus points), you will receive an Invitation to apply.

• The issuance of these invites is done periodically by the Department of Home Affairs. 

Step 5: Lodge Your Visa Application

Once your invitation has been accepted, you will apply for the Subclass 189 visa within 60 days.

• At this time, you will need to upload supporting documents: passport, skills assessment, English test, employment history, police clearance, etc.

• Do pay the visa fee at this point.

Step 6: Health and Character Checks

You will have to undergo a medical examination with an approved panel doctor and will have to submit police certificates for countries in which you lived for 12 or more months in the last 10 years. 

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Outcome

The processing time varies; however, it generally takes between 4 and 12 months, depending on completion and demand.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them?

Avoid these pitfalls during the application process for the skilled independent visa Australia to boost your chances of approval.

• Incorrect EOI Information: Submitting outdated or false information may lead to refusal. Always double-check data.

• Inadequate Documentation: Missing or low-quality documents delay the process. Scan all items clearly and provide certified copies if needed.

• Wrong Assessing Authority: Using the incorrect skills body leads to rejections. Use the MLTSSL to confirm the right one.

• Expired Test Results: English tests and assessments must be valid at the time of invitation. Keep everything updated.

• Not Meeting Minimum Points: Aim for at least 65 points, but target 70–75+ for better chances in 2025 rounds.

Also Read: Average Salary in Australia Per Month Latest Figures

Skilled Independent Visa Australia (Subclass 169) Cost in 2025

It helps to know the full cost of application if you are intending to put in an application for Skilled Independent Visa Australia. It is not only the visa application fees that you should consider, but also the assessments, tests, and documentation.

Skilled Independent Visa Australia Processing Time

The Skilled Independent Visa Australia (Subclass 189) is a much-coveted permanent residency option for skilled workers. The processing times, as of the year 2025, are very much dependent on various factors, including but not limited to demand, number of applications, and correctness of submitted documents.

• EOI to invitation stands about 1-6 months (varies by points and occupation).

• Invitation to the application must apply within 60 days.

• Visa Application to Grant 4-12 months.

Also Read:  Top Job Portals in Australia: Find Your Dream Job

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) in 2025

The Skilled Independent Visa Australia offers a whole lot of advantages for skilled professionals aiming to permanently live and work in Australia. It boasts a flexibility that comes along with the absence of any sponsorship requirements; this means freedom and long-term security for the workers.

Permanent Resident: With immediate permanent resident status, you are free to stay in Australia indefinitely.

• Full Work and Study Rights: Live, work, and study anywhere in the country without restriction.

• Access to Medicare: Entitled to use Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare), which is intended to minimise your out-of-pocket medical expenses.

• Pathway to Citizenship: After completing residency and other requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.

• Eligible Family Member Sponsorship: As a PR holder, you can sponsor your family members for visas to come to Australia to be with you.

• No Need for Sponsorship: The Skilled Independent Visa Australia doesn't require job offers or state nominations that employer or state-nominated visas would.

• Free to Move from One State to Another: You're free to choose not to be tied down to any particular region or employer, thus giving much more flexibility in your job and lifestyle.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) vs. Other Skilled Migration Options in 2025

When considering skilled migration options Australia, it's important to understand how the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) compares with State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491). Each visa offers unique benefits, obligations, and eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The Skilled Independent Visa Australia (Subclass 189) remains one of the most direct pathways to permanent residency in 2025. With updated skilled independent visa (subclass 189) requirements, streamlined processing, and skilled independent visa (subclass 189) occupation list, it’s ideal for highly skilled professionals seeking freedom and flexibility. If you’re looking to apply for a skilled independent visa Australia, then TerraTern is right here to help you out with immigrating to Australia. Start your journey today in Australia with the help of our excellent executives.