Getting permanent residency (PR) in Australia through the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a dream for many skilled migrants. This points-based visa offers the opportunity to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing state or employer sponsorship. But how do you actually obtain it? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the entire process, including the latest updates for 2025.
Step 1: Check if Your Occupation is Eligible
First, visit the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Your nominated occupation must be on this list to be eligible for the 189 visa.
🔗 Tip: Use the search tool on the Department of Home Affairs website to check your occupation.
Step 2: Calculate Your Points
The 189 visa is based on a points system. You need a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, due to high competition, experts now recommend having at least 85–90 points for a realistic chance of receiving an invitation.
Key factors and scores:
Age (max. 30 pts)
• 25–32 years: 30 pts
• 33–39 years: 25 pts
• 40–44 years: 15 pts
English Proficiency (max. 20 pts)
• Competent (IELTS 6): 0 pts
• Proficient (IELTS 7): 10 pts
• Superior (IELTS 8): 20 pts
Work Experience Outside Australia (past 10 years)
• 3–4 years: 5 pts
• 5–7 years: 10 pts
• 8–10 years: 15 pts
Work Experience in Australia
• 1 year: 5 pts
• 3 years: 10 pts
• 5 years: 15 pts
• 8+ years: 20 pts
Education
• PhD: 20 pts
• Bachelor’s/Master’s: 15 pts
• Vocational diploma: 10 pts
• Australian study: 5 pts
• Regional area study: 5 pts
Partner or Single Status Points
• Single or with an Australian partner: 10 pts
• Partner with skills + English: 10 pts
• Partner with competent English: 5 pts
Extras
• Professional year in Australia: 5 pts
• Community language (NAATI): 5 pts
• State nomination (Visa 190): +5 pts
• Regional nomination (Visa 491): +15 pts
Step 3: Take an English Test
You must demonstrate at least Competent English through IELTS, PTE, or another approved test. Even if you are a native speaker, a high score can earn you extra points.
Step 4: Get a Skills Assessment
Before submitting your EOI, your qualifications and work experience must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority listed in the MLTSSL. For example, teachers must go through AITSL.
Each authority has its own process and fees, so be sure to check their official websites.
Step 5: Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)
Once you have:
• At least 65 points (ideally more)
• Competent or higher English
• A positive skills assessment
…you can submit your EOI via SkillSelect. It’s free and allows you to apply for multiple visas (189, 190, 491).
🛈 Important: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation—it only places you in a competitive pool.
Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply
In the past, invitation rounds were held monthly. But recently, the frequency has dropped significantly. In 2023–24, there were only two invitation rounds. For 2024–25, the number of available 189 visas has been cut nearly in half, from 30,000 to 16,900 places.
The government now prioritizes sectors like healthcare, education, construction, and cybersecurity. This means that even if you have the points and your occupation is on the list, you may not receive an invitation unless your profile is highly competitive.
Additionally, even if you’re from an English-speaking country (U.S., U.K., Ireland, etc.), taking an official English test may give you valuable additional points. Competition is high.
Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can officially lodge your visa application online. You’ll also be required to undergo medical exams (X-rays, HIV test, etc.). If you’ve done medicals for a previous visa, some results may be reusable.
Step 8: Wait for Your Visa Outcome
After submitting your application and medical documents, you just have to wait. If everything is in order, you’ll receive your permanent residency visa grant.
The 189 visa is one of the most desired pathways to PR in Australia—but it’s becoming increasingly competitive. Success depends on having a high point score, a well-prepared EOI, and realistic expectations.