Essential 189 Visa Australia Requirements You Must Know

Posted by admin on May 5, 2025

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is an attractive option for an international student in Australia. Why? Because it explicitly provides a way for one to stay and work in the country after completing studies. All applicants need to understand the 189 visa conditions to qualify for an application invitation.

This guide provides comprehensive information about the 189 visa, which includes job descriptions as well as point evaluation, processing timelines, 189 Visa Australia Requirements, and assistance from Migration Consultants based in Adelaide.

What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

Australian laws provide the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) for foreign skilled workers seeking to work and live in Australia. To qualify, you must:

• Have the skills that are needed,
• Don’t be sponsored by anyone,
• Meet the skilled Visa Australia requirements and
• Pass a points test.

This visa allows you to stay in Australia forever, work and study anywhere, and access healthcare. It can also lead to Australian citizenship.

Also Read: 189 Visa Processing Time: What You Need to Know

Who Can Apply for the 189 Visa?

To qualify for the 189 visa, you need to meet these main 189 Visa Australia Requirements:

1. Get an Invitation to Apply

You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation.

2. Choose a Job from the 189 Visa Occupation List

Your job must be on the list of skilled jobs in demand in Australia.

3. Have a Skills Assessment

You need a positive skills assessment from the right authority for your job.

4. Meet the Points Requirement

You should have at least 65 points on the Australia PR points calculator, although higher scores are better.

5. Be Under 45 Years Old

You must be younger than 45 when invited.

6. Meet Health and Character Standards

You will need to pass health checks and background checks.

7. Show Good English Skills

You need to prove your English skills, usually scoring at least IELTS 6.0.

Using the 189 Visa Points Calculator

The 189 visa points calculator checks your eligibility based on the following:

• Age
• English skills
• Work experience
• Education
• Study in Australia
• Professional year
• Community language skills
• Regional study
• Partner’s skills

The 189 Visa Occupation List

This list shows the jobs that qualify for subclass 189. The Australian government regularly updates it based on job needs.

Some in-demand jobs include:

• Nurse
• Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Electrician
• Accountant
• Teacher

You must have a job that matches exactly on this list and have a positive skills assessment.

Also Read: Skilled Immigration Points Calculator in Australia

How to Apply for the 189 Visa

Follow these steps to apply:

• Check if your job is on the 189 visa occupation list.
• Get a skills assessment.
• Calculate your points.
• Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
• Wait for the invitation round results.
• Apply for the visa within 60 days of getting an invitation.
• Complete health checks and background checks.
• Wait for a decision on your application.

A Migration consultant Adelaide can help make this easier.

Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa

Documents play a vital role in receiving the Subclass 189 visa. Here is a checklist of documents required to apply for the visa:

• Application form for subclass 189 visa
• 2 passport-size photographs in colour
• Proof of identification
• Test scores of English proficiency
• Documents of educational qualifications
• Skill assessment report
• Document proving the skills
• Reference letter from employer(s)
• Police character certificate
• Medical check certificate
• Proof of Australian study requirement & proof of study documents (if applicable)
• Partner’s proof of English proficiency
• Proof of relationship status
• All other documents, as required during the process

What to Expect in the 189 Visa Invitation Round

The 189 visa invitation round happens monthly. Invitations go to the highest-scoring candidates based on their points and job demand.

Tips:

• Higher points mean better chances.
• Some jobs need higher points (90+).
• Invitations often go to those in critical fields like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
• If your score is just 65, you might have to wait for more rounds or improve your score.

189 Visa Processing Time

The 189 visa processing time can vary. By 2025, the average times are:

• 75% of applications: done in 6 months
• 90% of applications: done in 8–10 months

Delays can happen due to:

• Missing documents
• Health or background issues
• High demand for certain jobs

To speed up processing, submit all documents correctly and respond quickly to requests.

Also Read: Skilled Independent Visa 189 vs Skilled Nominated Visa: Key Differences and Benefits Explained

Conditions Needed by Partner / Family to Meet Requirements of Subclass 189 Visa

Your partner’s skills might serve as a plus to your visa points score.

You can claim an additional 5 points under this ‘Partner Skills’ criterion when the partner is:

• Part of the same visa application as the applicant
• Not a citizen of or a PR holder in Australia
• Assessed by some authority for an occupation listed under SOL
• Competent in English 
• Experienced in any skilled work.

How a Migration Consultant Can Help

Getting through Australia’s immigration system can be hard. A Migration consultant Adelaide can help by:

• Providing expert advice.
• Helping you maximise your points.
• Assisting with documents.
• Improving your chances of getting an invitation.

Consultants stay updated on the latest 189 Visa Australia Requirements.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusals

Even qualified applicants can be denied due to the following:

• Wrong or outdated skills assessments
• Mistakes in point claims
• Not meeting English requirements
• Incomplete application forms
• Missing deadlines

Avoid these risks by consulting a Migration Consultant early on.

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Things to Be Done Before Applying for a Skilled Independent Visa

Prior to applying for the Subclass 189 visa, you will need to:

• Ensure that you meet eligibility cut-off scores (65 points),
• Check your occupation with the Skilled Occupations List.
• Undergo skills assessment by the relevant assessing authorities, and
• Confirm whether you satisfy the other eligibility 189 Visa Australia requirements.

Skilled Visa Australia Requirements vs Other Visa Types

The Skilled visa Australia requirements for 189 are more stringent due to its independence and PR benefits, but are highly rewarding for those who qualify.

Also Read: Tips for a Successful Skilled Independent Visa 189 Application!

What to Do Once You Get the Visa Invitation? 

Once you have received the invitation to apply (ITA) through the Department of Home Affairs, you are virtually done with only about 10% left for completion.

At this stage, you need to:

• Have medical examinations,
• Submit biometrics, if requested,
• Submit additional documents if requested.
• Add any dependents and your family.

Tips to Improve Your 189 Visa Application

To boost your chances of getting an invitation, consider these tips:

• Improve your English score.
• Gain more work experience.
• Use your partner’s skills and qualifications.
• Complete a Professional Year Program.
• Get a community language certification.

Use the points calculator to explore different ways to increase your score.

Recent Post: The Ultimate Guide to the 186 Visa Direct Entry Pathway!

Final Thoughts on the 189 Visa Requirements

The 189 Visa Australia requirements are clear but competitive. Success relies on meeting the checklist and finding ways to increase your points. Permanent residency in Australia requires proper information and professional assistance, plus a well-structured application plan before you begin your journey. 

A skilled independent visa subclass 189 presents excellent possibilities to those who take the time to prepare professionally.