Elaborate the Subclass 189 Visa in Detail

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers whose occupational categories are in demand in Australia.

Despite the fact that state or territory sponsorship or employer sponsorship is not compulsory, applicants have the freedom to live and work anywhere within Australia on a permanent basis.

Pre-Requisites for Subclass 189 in 2026

In 2026, the process for the Subclass 189 visa is outlined below:

1. Nominate an Eligible Occupational Category
   1. Your occupational category must appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
   2. The occupation list is frequently updated — it is imperative to research carefully and check the current list before applying.
2. Acquire a Favourable Skills Assessment by a Proper Assessing Authority
   1. Authorities include VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, IML, TRA.
   2. The skills assessment must not be expired at the time you receive an invitation.
3. Meet the Requirements for Australia
   1. A minimum of 65 points.
   2. Be less than 45 years old.
   3. Complete a test of English proficiency.
   4. Evaluation of relevant employment duties and academic background.
   5. Consider the skill set of the spouse.
   6. Enrolled in regional or Australian education programs.

   Note: You must have at least 65 points. Invitations often require higher points (80–95+).

4. Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of the invitation (ITA).
5. English Language
   1. You must have a valid IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL result.
   2. Higher scores improve your points significantly.
6. Health and Law Enforcement
   1. You and your immediate family members must provide medical and police clearance certificates.

What Is the Application Process?

After checking your eligibility, the full step-by-step process is appended below:

1. Contriving Your Score Points and Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Utilize authorized point converters and occupational category lists to figure out your score and your degree of skill. Several online tools are appended below.
2. Applying for Skills Assessment: It’s a detail-oriented process that requires submitting your educational credentials and employment evidence to the relevant Assessing Authority, subject to verification according to your occupational category.
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Create an account on SkillSelect and lodge your EOI. This intimates the Department of Home Affairs that your application should be considered.
4. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Invitations are issued in rounds based on your points and occupational category in demand.
5. Lodge the Visa Application: Upon being invited, you’re given a month to submit your full online application using an Immi account.
6. Fitness & Law Enforcement Approvals: Apply for fitness and law enforcement clearance certificates beforehand.
7. Wait for Decision: Visa processing varies case to case but generally takes several months after submitting.

Skills Assessment for Skilled Migration

A skills assessment is one of the basic requirements — it assesses and verifies your qualifications and work experience against Australian standards.

Principal Evaluators

1. VET-ASSESS — General professional and trade occupations
2. Engineers Australia (EA) — Engineering occupations
3. ACS — IT professionals
4. CPA — Accountancy
5. IML — Managerial positions
6. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) — Trade occupations

How to Put It into Practice

1. Analyse according to occupational category with relevant assessing authority.
2. Make sure to provide certified and verified documents, transcripts, and work authentication references.
3. Fill out the integrated application, pay the associated fee, and await an advantageous outcome.
4. If a positive outcome appears, you can apply for Expression of Interest (EOI).

Subclass 189 Employment Groupings

Though official employment listings tend to change, they frequently encompass jobs such as:

1. Engineering
   1. A Civil Engineer
   2. A Mechanical Engineer
2. IT & Computing
   1. A Software Engineer
   2. A Systems Analyst
3. Healthcare
   1. A Registered Nurse
   2. A Medical Laboratory Scientist
4. Construction & Trades
   1. An Electrician
   2. A Carpenter
5. Business & Finance
   1. An Accountant
   2. A Consultant for Management

These must be on the MLTSSL at the time of your invitation.

Educational Websites and Guidance for Subclass 189 Visa

Appended below are some credible sources for research on the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.

1. Forums for Government Migration
   1. Department of Home Affairs – visa information official and pre-requisites.
   2. Skill Select – Contriving and judging points & Expression of Interest (EOI) acquiescence system.
2. Forums for Migration
   1. Reddit Aus Visa – Practical experiences posted by applicants (not official but useful and informative).
3. Subclass 189 — for Pakistani Applicants

   As a student from Pakistan:

   1. Academic qualifications are valid.
   2. Commerce as earliest with your skills assessment and English test (IELTS/PTE/Pearsons).
   3. Apply via Skill Select, then look for your invitation.
   4. After being invited, register through Immi Account. Applying through a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) ensures compliance of documents with guidelines provided.

In a Nut Shell