anzsco.com.au
Subclass 189PermanentPermanent

Skilled Independent visa

The Subclass 189 visa lets skilled workers live and work anywhere in Australia permanently without an employer, state, or family sponsor. Selection is fully points-tested through SkillSelect with invitations issued in periodic rounds. Holders enjoy the same work, study, and Medicare rights as other permanent residents.

At a glance

Points test
Yes — points-tested via SkillSelect
Sponsor
No sponsor required
Base application charge
from $4,640 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
Processing time
~8-15 months (median)
Eligibility list
MLTSSL
Pathway
Grants permanent residency on grant — eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting the residency rule.

Recent updates

See all updates →
  • info
    OSCA launched as ABS classification standard

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA), progressively replacing the long-standing ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations). OSCA preserves a similar 6-digit structure but introduces revised major groups, updated occupation definitions, and new entries for emerging roles. The Department of Home Affairs is adopting OSCA progressively across 2025-2026 — most skilled-visa occupation lists still reference ANZSCO codes during the transition. Always cross-check the live occupation list on home affairs at application time.

  • info
    Direction 110 replaces Direction 99 for s501 character decisions

    Ministerial Direction 110 issued under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958, providing the framework decision-makers must apply when refusing or cancelling visas on character grounds under section 501. Direction 110 replaces Direction 99 and re-emphasises Australia's expectations of non-citizens. Affects character considerations across all visa subclasses, including skilled visas at the application and post-grant stage.

  • watch
    Visa application charges are reviewed annually

    Visa Application Charges (VAC) for all Australian visa subclasses are reviewed and typically adjusted in line with the Federal Budget each financial year (taking effect 1 July). Fees displayed across this site reflect a recent editorial review (see each page's 'Last reviewed' stamp) but should always be cross-checked against the official fee schedule on home affairs at application time. Additional charges may apply for secondary applicants, dependent children, English-language tests, skills assessments, and biometrics — these are NOT included in the base application charge.

SkillSelect points trend

Minimum points score from the last 6 invitation rounds for Subclass 189.

All rounds →

Source: Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect. Information only. Consult a registered MARA agent for personalised guidance.

Key requirements

High-level eligibility criteria. Each criterion has further sub-rules; verify with immi.gov.au before applying.

  • Under 45 years of age at invitation
  • Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
  • Positive skills assessment in a nominated MLTSSL occupation
  • Submit Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and meet pass mark (currently 65, effective competitive minimum 90+)
  • Health and character requirements

Skills assessment

Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — the one listed for the nominated ANZSCO code on this site.

Eligible occupations

ANZSCO occupations currently flagged for Subclass 189 in our latest dataset.

Browse all →

No occupations matched this subclass in our latest sync. Occupation list updates frequently — check immi.gov.au for the current list.

Scan to talk to our AI about Subclass 189 pathway, fees, and timeline — no agent affiliation.

Government data last reviewed by editorial team:

This is a guide. Visa rules change. Always verify with immi.gov.au before applying.

Canonical: /visa/189