Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa that does not require state or employer sponsorship. It is one of the most competitive Australian migration pathways and is ideal for highly skilled professionals with strong profiles.
- Permanent Residency without any sponsorship
- Live and work anywhere in Australia
- Full access to Medicare and social services
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Sponsor eligible family members
- Age under 45 years at the invitation stage
- Occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Positive Skills Assessment
- Competent English or higher
- High points score (minimum 65 points, competitive occupations require more)
- Meet health and character requirements
Points System – Detailed Breakdown
Minimum Points Required: 65 (higher scores improve invitation chances)
1. Age
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
2. English Language Ability
- Competent English: 0 points
- Proficient English: 10 points
- Superior English: 20 points
3. Skilled Employment – Overseas (Outside Australia)
- Less than 3 years: 0 points
- 3–4 years: 5 points
- 5–7 years: 10 points
- 8+ years: 15 points
4. Skilled Employment – Australian Experience
- Less than 1 year: 0 points
- 1–2 years: 5 points
- 3–4 years: 10 points
- 5–7 years: 15 points
- 8+ years: 20 points
5. Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
- Bachelor / Master degree: 15 points
- Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
6. Australian Study Requirement
- Completed at least 2 academic years in Australia: 5 points
7. Professional Year in Australia
- Completed Professional Year program: 5 points
8. Credentialled Community Language (NAATI / CCL)
- Passed NAATI CCL test in a recognised community language: 5 points
- Completed Professional Year program: 5 points
9. Partner Skills
- Skilled partner: 10 points
- Partner with competent English: 5 points
- Single or partner is Australian PR/Citizen: 10 points
10. Nomination / Sponsorship
- State Nomination or Family Sponsorship: +15 points
Application Process – Step by Step
- Detailed Profile Evaluation
- Skills Assessment
- English Language Test
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Invitation to Apply (Merit-Based)
- Visa Application Submission
- Health & Character Checks
- Permanent Visa Grant
Why Choose CROSSBORDER MIGRATIONS for Subclass 189?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is Australia’s most competitive skilled migration stream and requires a highly strategic, points-focused, and error-free approach. At CROSSBORDER MIGRATIONS PVT LIMITED, we specialize in handling complex independent skilled migration cases by offering:
- Detailed skills assessment guidance for MLTSSL occupations with the correct assessing authorities
- Advanced English language planning (IELTS / PTE) to help applicants achieve Proficient or Superior English scores
- Accurate and competitive EOI profiling and SkillSelect management
- Professional points maximisation strategies, including NAATI CCL and partner points where applicable
- Complete Permanent Residency (PR) visa application handling from invitation to grant
- Thorough documentation review, compliance checks, and visa lodgement support to minimise refusal risks
We provide honest eligibility assessments, realistic expectations, and precise execution, helping highly skilled professionals secure Australian PR independently and confidently.