Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent Residency Without Sponsorship

Illustration of a happy family standing in front of a house with official documents in the background, representing the pathway to securing Australian permanent residency through the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).

Secure Australian Permanent Residency Through the 189 Visa

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most sought-after pathways to permanent residency in Australia. It is ideal for skilled professionals who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
As expert 189 visa consultants based in Sydney, IME Advisors has helped hundreds of clients successfully gain Australian PR through this independent, points-tested visa stream.

Want to live and work anywhere in Australia without restrictions? This visa is your gateway.

What is the 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It allows highly skilled individuals with occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to live and work anywhere in Australia.

Unlike other skilled visas, the 491 requires state/territory nomination or sponsorship by an eligible regional family member. The Department of Home Affairs describes the 491 as a provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.

Employer sponsorship
State or territory nomination
Regional residency commitments

As a trusted PR visa 189 consultancy in Sydney, IME Advisors simplifies the process, from your Skills Assessment to Expression of Interest (EOI) and visa lodgement.

Who is the 189 Visa For?

You may be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa if you:

Work in a high-demand occupation listed on the MLTSSL
Have relevant qualifications and work experience
Can meet the minimum 65-point threshold on the points test
Possess competent English or higher (IELTS, PTE or equivalent)
Are under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
Can obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate authority

IME Advisors will assess your profile, calculate your points score, and guide you through each eligibility step.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

Full permanent residency status from day one
No sponsorship or nomination requirements
Can meet the minimum 65-point threshold on the points test
Freedom to live, work, or study anywhere in Australia
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
Ability to sponsor eligible family members
Include your partner and dependent children in your application

The 189 Visa gives you independence, flexibility, and long-term opportunity in Australia

At IME Advisors, we specialise in helping skilled professionals from around the world secure permanent residency through Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

Other Visa you might be
interested in
Skilled Nominated Visa
(Subclass 190)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
Skilled Regional Visa
(Subclass 191)

How IME Advisors Helps as Your 189 Visa Consultant in Sydney

Detailed assessment of your occupation, skills, and eligibility
Full guidance for skills assessment preparation and submission
Expert handling of your EOI via SkillSelect to maximize your invitation chances
End-to-end visa application preparation and documentation
Assistance with family inclusion and post-visa PR strategies

As leading 189 visa consultants in Australia, we are trusted by skilled workers across engineering, IT, healthcare, trades, and more.

189 Visa Application Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Skills Assessment

We help you apply to the relevant authority (e.g. Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS) for a positive skills assessment.

Step 2: English Language Test

You must show at least competent English – IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent PTE/TOEFL/OET/Cambridge scores.

Step 3: Points Test Calculation

We evaluate your GSM score across age, education, experience, English, and more.

Step 4: Expression of Interest (EOI)

We submit your EOI through SkillSelect, targeting maximum visibility for an invitation.

Step 5: Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your EOI is selected, you’ll receive an ITA. You then have 60 days to lodge the visa.

Step 6: Visa Lodgement & Final Processing

We prepare and lodge your visa with full supporting documentation. Most 189 visas are processed in 6–9 months depending on occupation and volume.

Common Occupations Eligible for 189 Visa

The 189 Visa is open to occupations listed on the MLTSSL. Popular fields include:

Software Engineer
Civil Engineer
Electrician
Mechanical Engineer
Registered Nurse
Secondary School Teacher
Accountant
ICT Business Analyst
Chef
Construction Project Manager

Not sure if your job qualifies? Contact us for a eligibility check.

FAQs – Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Find the Right Visa For You

Not sure where to start? Make an Enquiry – We’ll Contact You Within 24 Hours

Contact Info

Blue location pin icon for Immigration & Education Advisors in Australia. This highlights the commitment and expertise of IME Advisors in providing bespoked migration and visa services.

Visit Us

→ Suite 1, Ground Level, 80 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
→ Suite 10.02, Level 10/46 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
→ Level 5/15 Moore St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Icon of an email, representing IME Advisors’ communication channels for visa and migration inquiries in Australia. This highlights the commitment and expertise of IME Advisors in providing bespoked migration and visa services.

Email Address

info@imeadvisors.com

Your trusted migration consultant is just one form away

Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, partner, or business sponsor, we’ll help map out the most direct path to your migration success.

    Book Your 189 Visa Consultation

    Let’s turn your skills into a permanent future in Australia. As your trusted 189 visa consultant in Sydney, we help you secure your future with confidence.

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