Permanent Residency in Australia Without Employer Sponsorship
The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without needing employer or family sponsorship. It is one of the most sought-after visas for skilled migrants due to its flexibility and direct pathway to citizenship.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa
✅ Permanent residency from day one
✅ Live and work anywhere in Australia
✅ No employer or state sponsorship required
✅ Access to Medicare & social benefits
✅ Bring eligible family members (partner & children)
✅ Pathway to citizenship after residency requirements
Eligibility Requirements
1. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
✔ Must be on the:
· Medium & Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
2. Skills Assessment
✔ Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority
3. Points Test (Minimum 65 Points Required)
Points are awarded for:
✔ Age (max points for 25-32 years)
✔ English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 minimum, higher scores get more points)
✔ Work experience (Australian or overseas)
✔ Education qualifications (Bachelor’s or higher)
✔ Australian study requirement (if applicable)
✔ Partner skills (if applicable)
✔ Professional Year in Australia (for certain occupations)
4. Age Limit
✔ Must be under 45 years at time of invitation
5. English Language Requirement
✔ Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
✔ Proficient/Superior English gives extra points
✔ Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
6. Health & Character Checks
✔ Must pass medical examinations
✔ Must provide police clearance certificates
How the 189 Visa Process Works
1. Check Eligibility – Confirm occupation is on MLTSSL & assess points
2. Skills Assessment – Get assessed by the relevant authority
3. Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) – Via SkillSelect
4. Receive Invitation – Based on points score & occupation demand
5. Lodge Visa Application – Within 60 days of invitation
6. Visa Grant
Why Choose the Subclass 189 Visa?
🔹 No employer or state sponsorship needed
🔹 Full work & study rights anywhere in Australia
🔹 Independent PR pathway for eligible skilled workers
🔹 Family inclusion – Spouse & children can be included
🔹 Citizenship eligibility
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Free Points Assessment – Calculate your eligibility
✅ Skills Assessment Guidance – Connect you with assessing bodies
✅ EOI & Visa Application Support – Maximize your points & avoid refusals
✅ Post-Visa Settlement Advice – Help with Medicare, banking & more
Ready to Apply for Permanent Residency?
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Official Resources: Home Affairs –
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa?
The subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a permanent visa for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. You must be invited to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, and your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Do I need an employer or state nomination for subclass 189?
No. That independence is the defining feature of the subclass 189. It also makes it the most competitive pathway, because your invitation depends entirely on your points score relative to others in your occupation. Applicants who cannot reach a competitive score often find state nomination through subclass 190 or employer sponsorship more realistic.
How does the points test work for subclass 189?
Points are awarded for age, English language ability, skilled employment experience in and outside Australia, educational qualifications, Australian study, specialist education qualifications, credentialled community language and a skilled partner. You must meet the minimum score to submit an Expression of Interest, but meeting the minimum does not mean you will be invited.
Do I need a skills assessment for subclass 189?
Yes. You need a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the assessing authority named for that occupation, and it must be valid at the time you are invited and when you apply. Getting the assessment is often the longest part of the process, so start it before building the rest of your application.
What if I am not invited to apply for subclass 189?
An Expression of Interest sits in SkillSelect for up to two years. If no invitation arrives, the usual options are to raise your points score, pursue state or territory nomination under subclass 190 or 491, or look at employer sponsorship under subclass 482 or 186. An honest points review will tell you which is worth pursuing.
Related pages: Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated · Permanent residence visas · Employer sponsored visas · Book a consultation
This information is general in nature and was checked against Department of Home Affairs sources on 15 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Charges, thresholds and requirements change. Complex circumstances need advice from a registered migration agent about your own situation.