Pass mark
65 points
Minimum to be eligible; recent invitation cut-offs can be higher by occupation.
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Typical timeline
12 months
Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.
Job offer
IndependentNot required
No employer sponsorship is needed.
Points breakdown
GuideMax possible: 115 ptsPass mark: 65 pts
Pass mark line shows how the minimum sits against the theoretical maximum.
| Category | Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Age | 30 | — |
English language | 20 | — |
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia) | 20 | — |
Qualifications | 20 | — |
Other factors (Aust. study, specialist education, partner, regional, CCL) | 25 | — |
Age
30 pts
English language
20 pts
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia)
20 pts
Qualifications
20 pts
Other factors (Aust. study, specialist education, partner, regional, CCL)
25 pts
Language requirements
Language requirements
Minimum level: Competent
Accepted tests
IELTS (or PTE/OET equivalents)
Higher language scores can improve competitiveness in points-based or invitation-driven pathways.
Occupation lists
Eligible occupations(4/4)
- 1Common eligible occupations (examples)(4)Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254418)Electrician (General) (ANZSCO 341111)
Program overview
Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is an Australia PR pathway for qualified professionals who want to live and work permanently in Australia without employer or state sponsorship.
It operates under a points-based system that values age, education, English skills, and work experience, offering a transparent and merit-based route to permanent residency and citizenship.
Government fees
Total (AUD): A$4,910
- Subclass 189 — primary applicant VAC (from)
—
A$4,910 - Additional applicant charges (18+ / <18) — see official pricing table
—
— - Possible 2nd instalment (certain low-English cases) — if applicable
—
—
Eligibility
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
- Occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list** and have a positive skills assessment.
- Achieve at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or accepted equivalents).
- Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and receive an invitation.
- Meet health, character, and documentation evidence standards.
Key benefits
- Permanent residency upon grant — live and work anywhere in Australia.
- No job offer, sponsor, or state nomination required.
- Partner and dependent children can be included.
- Transparent points-based selection and regular invitation rounds.
Checklist
Document checklist
12 total items
Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.
Identity & Civil3 items
Identity & Civil
3 items- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Birth/marriage certificates or name change evidence.
- National ID or address proofs (if applicable).
Skills & Education3 items
Skills & Education
3 items- Positive skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority.
- Academic transcripts and degree/diploma certificates.
- Professional licenses (if required for your occupation).
Employment3 items
Employment
3 items- Reference letters detailing job duties and duration.
- Payslips, tax statements, or contracts.
- Statutory declarations where applicable.
English & Tests1 item
English & Tests
1 item- IELTS/PTE or accepted equivalent results meeting minimum score.
Health & Character2 items
Health & Character
2 items- Medical exam results from approved panel physicians.
- Police clearance certificates for each country resided in 12+ months.
Snapshot
Eligible dependents
3 of 4 categories included
3 of 4 categories eligible. Children up to 23. Parents from 0+ years. Spouse included. Siblings not included.
IncludedNot included
- Spouse
- IncludedYes
- Children
- Up to 23 years23Yes
- Parents
- From 0+ years0+Yes
- Siblings
- Not includedNo
Application process
Process
How it works
Step 1: Skills Assessment
Get your occupation assessed by the relevant authority before applying.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 2: English Test
Take IELTS/PTE/OET and achieve at least **Competent English**.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 3: Expression of Interest (SkillSelect)
Submit an EOI online and wait for invitation. EOIs remain valid for 2 years.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 4: Invitation & Visa Application
Receive invitation, lodge your visa, and pay the VAC.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 5: Health, Character & Biometrics
Complete medical exams and submit police clearances.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeksStep 6: Visa Decision
Once approved, your PR visa is granted — travel and activate your residency.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Who this program is NOT for
- Occupation not listed or missing a valid skills assessment.
- Points below recent invitation thresholds.
- Aged 45 or above at invitation — ineligible for GSM subclass 189.
Not a match? Explore other programs in Australia.
Frequently asked questions
The minimum pass mark is **65 points**, but recent cut-offs vary by occupation.
No — 189 is a fully independent visa; no sponsorship needed.
Most complete cases are processed in about **8–12 months**.
Your EOI remains active for **2 years** from submission.
Yes — spouse/partner and dependent children can be added.
You can view the latest SkillSelect invitation results on the Home Affairs website.
Client testimonials
“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto
Why work with us
A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.
- Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
- Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
- End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
- Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
- Licensed local agents
- KYC/AML workflows
- Transparent fee schedule