Skilled independent visa

This visa is for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills we need, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

This is a points-tested visa. If you do not obtain a score of 65 points you will not be invited to apply for this visa. To calculate how many points you may score use the points calculator.

You can only apply for this visa if we invite you to. Submit an expression of interest (EOI) to let us know you would like to apply for the visa.  You will be ranked against other intending applicants and might be invited to apply for the visa.

Points tested stream

This visa lets invited workers with skills we need, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You don't need a sponsor or nominator
• You must be invited to apply
• You must be under 45 to be invited

You must

• have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
• have a suitable skills assessmentfor the occupation
• be invited to apply for this visa
• satisfy the points test
• At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

New Zealand stream

This visa lets eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

Hong Kong stream

This visa lets eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.