One of the most sought-after locations for qualified professionals wishing to live and work overseas is still Australia. For those who meet certain skill and qualification the visa subclass 189 Requirements referred to as the Skilled Independent Visa, provides a direct route to permanent residency without the need for state nomination or employer sponsorship. However, who is eligible to apply for the 189 visa, and what are the qualifications for the 2025 189 visa?
Everything you need to know will be covered in this tutorial, including eligibility, points criteria, the 189 visa occupation list, and how to apply. This blog will assist you in determining whether this visa is appropriate for you, regardless of your profession—IT, engineering, healthcare, or trades.
What is the Visa Subclass 189?
For skilled workers not sponsored by their business, a state or territory, or a family member, the visa subclass 189 is a permanent resident visa. It enables you to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely
- Bring eligible family members with you
- Access Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system)
- Enroll your children in Australian public schools
- Apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements
- It is one of the most independent and flexible visa options for skilled migrants.
Who Can Apply for the 189 Visa?
To be eligible for the visa subclass 189, you must meet the following core criteria:
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
- Have a job listed on the 189 visa occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for that occupation
- Meet the minimum score on the points test (currently 65 points)
- Have at least a competent level of English
- Be in good health and of good character
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals who want to migrate to Australia on their own merit, without needing external sponsorship.
Key 189 Visa Requirements in 2025
Let’s dive deeper into the major 189 visa requirements every applicant must meet in 2025:
1. Occupation Must Be on the 189 Visa Occupation List
The Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the official occupation list for 189 visas, must include your profession. The Australian government updates this list frequently, and it contains high-demand occupations in a range of industries, including:
- Healthcare: Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Physiotherapists
- IT & Tech: Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Systems Analysts
- Engineering: Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers
- Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters
- Education: Secondary School Teachers, Special Needs Teachers
Verify that your current work title precisely corresponds with one of the mentioned occupations before applying. Rejection can result from even little discrepancies.
2. Positive Skills Assessment
A reliable skills evaluation is required. The appropriate evaluating body for your field (such as Engineers Australia, ACS for IT professionals, or ANMAC for nurses) must evaluate your credentials and work history.
This confirms that your credentials are on par with Australian standards.
3. Meet the Points Test (Minimum 65 Points)
Australia’s skilled migration is points-based. You must score at least 65 points to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI), though higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Points are awarded based on:
- Age (maximum points if you’re 25–32 years old)
- English language ability (more points for Proficient or Superior English)
- Skilled work experience (inside and outside Australia)
- Educational qualifications (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Australian study and regional study
- Partner skills (if your partner is also skilled and meets requirements)
Tip: Many applicants boost their score by retaking English exams or completing further qualifications.
4. English Language Proficiency
You must show competent English, typically proven by scoring at least:
- IELTS: 6 in each band
- PTE Academic: 50 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 12 (Listening), 13 (Reading), 21 (Writing), 18 (Speaking)
- Higher scores will earn you more points.
5. Health and Character Checks
Every applicant (and family members included in the application) must:
- Pass a medical examination
- Provide police clearance certificates from each country they’ve lived in for 12+ months during the last 10 years
The 189 Visa Application Process: Step by Step
If you meet the 189 visa requirements, here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant assessing body for your nominated occupation. This can take several weeks to months, depending on the occupation and authority.
Step 2: Take an English Test
Sit for an approved English language exam and achieve the required score. This is often needed before submitting your EOI.
Step 3: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile in the SkillSelect system and provide details such as occupation, work experience, qualifications, and English ability. You’ll be ranked based on your points score.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If you score highly and your occupation is in demand, you may be invited to apply for the visa subclass 189. Invitations are issued during regular selection rounds.
Step 5: Lodge Your Application
After receiving the invitation, you have 60 days to submit a complete application along with required documents (identity, qualifications, work experience, police checks, health info).
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
If approved, you will receive a permanent residency visa.
How Competitive Is It?
While 65 is the minimum required score, many occupations require 70–90 points to be competitive. The demand for certain occupations and limited invitations make it important to score as high as possible.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Retake English tests to increase your score
- Include your partner’s skills (if applicable)
- Gain more relevant work experience
- Study in Australia for additional points
Final Thoughts
For professionals around the world, the skilled independent visa Australia, also known as visa subclass 189, is a dream come true. It is one of the most alluring visas for talented migrants because it has no sponsorship requirements and offers full privileges of permanent residency. But fulfilling the 189 visa criteria involves preparation, paperwork, and frequently expert advice, particularly as competition heats up.
Begin by creating your skills evaluation, calculating your points, and consulting the 189 visa occupation list. In 2025, Australia might be your next home if you prepare properly.