How to successfully apply for a subclass 189 visa – skilled independent visa?

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia has reopened its international borders and called for international workers to come to Australia for economic recovery. This opportunity encourages many people both onshore and offshore to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
How to successfully apply for a Skilled Independent visa? Read on to get advice from our qualified and experienced consultant!
What is a subclass 189 visa?
Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189 that allows international skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia. The requirements of this subclass visa are mainly based on the applicant’s skilled ability measured via the points system with no need of any nomination or sponsorship.
Noted that the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream) visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. Contact VEM for further assistance.

The benefits of a subclass 189 visa
Skilled Independent visa holders will be entitled for the following benefits:
Residency | To live permanently in Australia. |
Health care | Access to Medicare – an Australia’s universal health insurance scheme. |
Study and work | To work and study anywhere in Australia. |
Multiple entries | Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want in 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV). |
Family members | Allow your eligible family members to apply for the visa together with you. They must be:
Can sponsor eligible family members while holding the visa. |
Citizenship | Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements. |

If you are not clear about the benefits of the subclass 189 visa, contact VEM for further details.
The requirements of a Australia 189 visa
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) does not require applicants to be nominated by the Australian State or Territory Government. You can apply for the 189 subclass visa if you meet the following requirements:
Points test | At least 65 |
Invitation for visa application | Submit an EOI (Expression of interest) to receive an invitation for visa application. |
Age limit | Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. |
Occupations | Must be on the suitable skilled occupation list. |
Skills assessment | Must pass the skills assessment. Contact VEM to know the requirements of skills assessment. |
English language | The English test must be conducted up to 3 years prior to receiving the invitation. Eligible certificates must be as follows:
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Others |
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Contact our registered migration consultant to find out whether you meet the requirements and be advised further.
Basic difference between subclass 491, 189, and 190 visa
The processing time is changed each year due to the change in the volume of applications. Each stream has a different processing time:
Subclass 491 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 189 | |
Visa validity | 5 years | Permanent | |
Australian State or Territory Government nomination | Required | Not required |
There are other differences in terms of points, occupations, which you can find on VEM’s website informed on relevant writings among these subclass visas. Otherwise, you can contact VEM’s office for further support.
The cost of a Australia 189 visa
Fee for the main applicant (in AUD) | Fee for the additional applicant (in AUD) | |
First instalment | 4,640 |
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Second instalment | 0 |
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Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.
In addition to application charges, you need to pay other fees for health examination, biometrics collections, etc.
Processing times of a subclass 189 visa
According to the latest update of the DHA, Australia 189 visa application will be processed in the following time:
75% of applications are processed within | 6 months |
90% of applications are processed within | 8 months |
Your application should be a “ready making decision” condition in order to have the visa granted in the possible earliest time. VEM can help you to make the best possible application.
Step-by-step of a skilled independent visa
- Step 1: Check whether you meet the 189 visa requirements.
- Step 2: Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest).
- Step 3: Receive invitation to apply for the visa.
- Step 4: Prepare and lodge Skilled independent visa application.
- Step 5: Provide additional documents (if required).
- Step 6: Receive the 189 visa.

Required documents for a subclass 189 visa
After receiving an invitation, you must apply for a 189 visa within the specified time with the following documents:
Identity documents |
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Proofs of your eligibility |
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Documents for additional applicant |
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You can prepare and apply for the Australia 189 visa on your own. However, if you want to save time and effort and be well prepared, you can contact an Australian migration agent for assistance.
Successful client story
If your purpose is getting an Australian citizenship in the future, then you have to choose the right course. Your path must be led by a reliable, knowledgeable consultant. Those things are very important to your future career.
Without a qualified consultant , many students finish their courses and do not know what to do next, then they have to go back to their own country when their visa expires.
The VEM’s team, for example, has an experience with Dang Vu Phong Dan – one of our clients. Even though he has finished 2 master courses in Australia, he still cannot apply for a visa to stay in this country.
Facing his visa expiration, Phong Dan has found us. VEM has shown him clearly step by step and helped him to apply for his new visa. Fortunately, he has been granted a student visa the third time with the right course to stay in Australia.
Besides, he has successfully passed the skills assessment. Our VEM’s team continues to help him to complete his application for subclass 189 visa.
If there’s any further questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. VEM will contact you as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
You can apply for a Australia 189 visa either inside or outside Australia.
Yes, as long as they meet the requirements for additional applicants.
You may have a chance to apply for a review with AAT or reapply the visa application.
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We hope you are clear about the subclass 189 visa. To increase the chance of your visa approval, contact VEM for further advice and assistance!
Find out more about other Australian visa: