Australia remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled professionals seeking career advancement, stability, and permanent residence. A Skilled Migration Visa, also known as a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, allows qualified workers to move to Australia without employer sponsorship.
Describes the key requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process for the Australian Skilled Migration Program in 2025.
1. What Is the Importance of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Subclass 189 Visa is available to skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. Those who are successful and their families who are eligible can:
- Living, working, and studying in Australia is a great experience.
- Medicare (Australia’s health care system) is available to you.
- Apply for Australian citizenship once you are eligible.
2. What are the basic eligibility requirements?
In order to qualify for a Subclass 189 visa, your skills, education, and experience must meet several requirements.
2.1 Professions with a high level of skill
- It is essential that the occupation you nominate appears on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Qualifications and experience must match in order for an occupation to be appropriate for you.
- All occupations have a specific ANZSCO code that specifies their responsibilities and requirements.
2.2 Skills assessment
- An Australian assessing authority must approve your skills assessment before you are eligible to apply for your nominated occupation.
- This document confirms that the education, experience, and skills you possess are in line with Australian standards.
Invitation to Apply (IA) and Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be submitted online through the SkillSelect system.
- After submitting, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on the current invitation round.
- Once you receive the ITA, you can file the official visa application.
2.4 Points Test Requirement
- A minimum score of 65 points is required for qualification.
- Competitive occupations typically require higher scores (80–90 points).
- Points are awarded as follows:
- Age
- English proficiency
- Skilled employment experience
- Education and qualifications
- Partner’s qualifications or skills
- Work or study in Australia
2.5 Minimum age required
- It is mandatory that you are under 45 years old at the time you receive the Invitation to Apply.
2.6 English Proficiency
- Typically, competent English is demonstrated by:
- IELTS equivalent: 6.0 in each of the four bands or 6.0 in each of the four bands in the PTE/TOEFL.
- You can improve your overall score by scoring higher in English.
2.7 Character and health checks
- It is necessary to undergo a medical examination for you and your dependents in order to prove that you are in good health.
- As part of demonstrating good character, you need to provide a police clearance certificate.
3. Alternative visas for skilled workers
The General Skilled Migration Program (GSM) offers other skilled migration options besides the Subclass 189 Visa.
3.1 Nominated Skilled Visas (Subclass 190)
- Australian states and territories are required to nominate candidates.
- Your final score will be increased by 5 points.
- Following your arrival, you must live and work for at least one year in the nominated state.
3.2 Regional visa (subclass 491) for skilled workers
- The provisional 5-year visa is available to skilled workers sponsored by their regional areas or eligible relatives.
- Your score will be increased by 15 points.
- After 3 years of living and working in a regional area, permanent residency is granted.
4. Participation of family members
Your application can include family members such as:
- Spouses or de facto partners.
- Those who are dependent on their parents or stepparents.
During their stay in Australia, a dependent will have the same rights as the main applicant – they will be permitted to live, study, and work.
5. Analysis of the distribution of points
| Criteria | Maximum Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 30 | Highest points for 25–32 years old |
| English language skills | 20 | Based on test scores (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL) |
| Skilled employment (overseas) | 15 | Up to 8 years of experience |
| Skilled employment (in Australia) | 20 | Up to 8 years of experience |
| Educational qualifications | 20 | Based on level of degree |
| Australian study | 5 | Additional points if you studied in Australia |
| Specialist education | 10 | For postgraduate STEM qualifications |
| Partner’s skills | 10 | If partner meets certain skill and language levels |
| Nomination or sponsorship | Up to 15 | For subclasses 190 or 491 |
| Regional study / community language | Up to 10 | For recognized community contribution |
6. Step-by-step application process
Step 1: Verify your occupation’s eligibility
- Make sure your job title appears on the MLTSSL and that you meet the required qualifications.
Step 2: Conduct a skills assessment
- For more information, contact the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, TRA).
Step 3: Attempt an English test
- Obtain a minimum score of 550 on an approved language test (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT).
Step 4: Calculating Your Points
- Using the official points calculator, you can estimate your score for Australian immigration.
- It is recommended that you aim for at least 80 points to remain competitive.
Step 5: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- The best way to submit your EOI is through SkillSelect.
- Your best option is the skill-based independent visa (subclass 189).
Step 6: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- An invitation is issued periodically based on expressions of interest by the highest-ranking participants.
- Your visa application must be completed within 60 days of receiving an invitation.
7th step: Apply for a visa
- All required documents must be attached to online visa applications.
- It is necessary for you to pay the application fee.
Step 8: Undergo a character and health check
- Medical exams and police clearance certificates are provided.
Step 9: Wait for the visa decision
- Typically, processing times range from 4 to 12 months depending on your documentation and case complexity.
Step 10: Move to Australia
- Your application will be approved if you wish to relocate to Australia, live permanently, and enjoy all the benefits of resident status.
7. Costs and timelines of processing
The costs associated with visas in 2025
| Applicant Type | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,640 |
| Spouse/partner | $2,320 |
| Each dependent child | $1,160 |
Average processing time
- The standard timeframe for applications is six to twelve months.
- Occupational assignments that are deemed urgent or critical can be processed more quickly.
8. Incentives for skilled independent workers to obtain visas
- Permanent residency will be granted upon arrival.
- Working and studying anywhere in Australia is your right.
- Medicare is a social benefit that is available to everyone.
- Sponsorship from an employer or state is not required.
- Upon moving to Australia, there is a four-year pathway to citizenship.
9. Tips for Increasing Your Chances
- Improve your English test results – increase your score.
- Identify your skills early – delays can slow down your application process.
- Keep track of invitation rounds and occupation demand lists.
- It may be a good idea to consider a different visa (Subclass 190 or 491) if you have fewer invitations in your occupation.
- You should prepare your educational certificates, employment letters, references, and passports in advance.
- Be accurate and consistent in all your submissions to avoid rejections.
10. Detailed Summary of Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Subclass 189 Skilled Independent |
| Age limit | Below 45 years |
| Minimum points | 65 (aim for 80+) |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL |
| Skills assessment | Required (positive result) |
| English test | IELTS 6.0 or equivalent |
| Health & character | Mandatory |
| Family members | Allowed (partner and children) |
| Residency | Permanent |
| Citizenship eligibility | After 4 years of residence |
11. A conclusion
Australia Skilled Migration Visa (Subclass 189) is without a doubt one of the most efficient and rewarding immigration pathways for professionals seeking permanent residence in Australia. A merit-based reward system is offered, not sponsorship, and there are immediate opportunities for employment, education, and healthcare.
By improving their language skills, gaining more experience, or pursuing further education, applicants should aim to score well above the minimum points threshold in 2025.
A strong profile, accurate documentation, and careful preparation can help professionals relocate to Australia successfully and enjoy one of the world’s most stable and prosperous environments.