Australia · Skilled Worker Visa

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-09 · Our methodology
3/10 diff
Moderate

Requirements verified against the official government source.

Min income
Processing
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Not required

At a Glance

Visa Duration
Processing Time
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
3/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Application Timeline

1
Skills assessment
60–180 days
Confirm occupation on SOL and obtain positive skills assessment.
2
EOI and invitation
30–365 days
Lodge EOI in SkillSelect and wait for invitation.
Blocker: insufficient points
3
Visa application and processing
90–365 days
Lodge subclass 189 visa; department processes.
Blocker: complete application

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Sydney
Single (monthly)€3,140
Family (monthly)€5,650
Rent 1BR (center)€2,072
Groceries€785
Transport pass€188
Melbourne
Single (monthly)€2,503
Family (monthly)€4,800
Rent 1BR (center)€1,475
Groceries€626
Transport pass€150
Brisbane
Single (monthly)€2,448
Family (monthly)€4,550
Rent 1BR (center)€1,565
Groceries€612
Transport pass€147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is an immigration pathway offered by Australia. It falls under the Skilled Worker Visa category.

Can the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to Australia?

Yes. Australia offers 24 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Australia country page.

What is the cost of living in Australia?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sydney: €3,140/mo; Melbourne: €2,503/mo; Brisbane: €2,448/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-09 · See our methodology

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