Complete Subclass 189 Guide
Independent permanent residency with no nomination and no strings — and exactly who it really suits in a high-cut-off market.
The 189 is the purest skilled visa: permanent residency, no state nomination, no employer, live anywhere in Australia. The catch is that it’s ranked purely on points — so in a competitive market the effective cut-off sits well above the 65 minimum, and only strong scores get invited.
- Permanent on grant — full freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- No state or employer nomination; invitations are points-ranked through SkillSelect.
- Your occupation must be on the relevant medium/long-term list (MLTSSL).
- Best for high-points applicants; if you’re mid-range, a 190/491 is usually faster.
Is the 189 realistic for you?
Tap what fits.
Points in, ranking out
You lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect with a positive skills assessment for an eligible occupation. The system ranks all EOIs by points and issues invitations from the top down, against occupation availability.
Because there’s no nomination to lift you, your raw score is everything. In sought-after occupations that means the practical bar is high — which is exactly why high-points applicants love the 189 and mid-range applicants are usually better served by adding nomination points through a 190 or 491.
The 189 at a glance
Are your points 189-competitive?
Build your score. For the 189 there’s no nomination boost — your raw total is what competes.
189 vs nominated pathways
The 189’s eligible occupations, points test and current settings are set by the Department of Home Affairs. Confirm your occupation is on the medium/long-term list before building a 189 strategy.
Department of Home Affairs — Skilled Independent visa (189) →Ask MIOS about the 189
Context-aware, supervised by a MARA-registered agent.
189 — common questions
65 is only the minimum to enter the pool. In competitive occupations the effective invitation cut-off is markedly higher, so 65 rarely results in an invitation. Treat it as a floor, not a target.
Yes — it’s permanent and has no state or regional condition, so you can live and work anywhere in Australia from grant.
Only if your points are genuinely competitive. For mid-range scores, a 190 or 491 typically delivers PR years sooner — many clients take nomination now rather than wait indefinitely for an independent invitation.
Turn this intelligence into your plan.
Have a registered agent tell you honestly whether the 189 is realistic for your score — or whether nomination gets you to PR years sooner.