Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Who it's for: For invited skilled workers, and eligible New Zealand citizens and Hong Kong or BN(O) passport holders, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia; the New Zealand stream is closed.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 6 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Language: competent English (C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, MET, OET, LANGUAGECERT Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT) · about CEFR B2
- Age limit: Up to 44
- Main fee: A$6,135
- Family can join: Yes
- Can lead to permanent residence: Yes
- Decision time: Official processing-time tool
- Occupation list: Official occupation list
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | A$6,135 | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.auOfficial · 6 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
7 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Languagecompetent English (C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, MET, OET, LANGUAGECERT Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT) · about CEFR B2Official wording
“At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English”
Age limitUp to 44Official wording
“You must be aged under 45 when we invite you to apply for the visa.”
Main feeA$6,135Official wording
“Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points tested stream AUD6,135.00”
Family can joinYesOfficial wording
“You can include members of the family unit in your application.”
Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
“You become a permanent resident on the day we grant the visa.”
Decision timeOfficial processing-time tool ↗Official wording
“This will show the processing times for recently decided applications.”
Occupation listOfficial occupation list ↗Official wording
“have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list”
We have not yet recorded: Job offer needed; Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Money to show; Salary threshold. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other skilled, points-based routes in Australia
All visa types in Australia
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Australia visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.