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XIPHIAS Immigration
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent PR Visa

Skilled Migration / Australia / Route

Australia · Investment route

Subclass189SkilledIndependentPRVisa

Permanent residency with no employer or state sponsor — invitation via SkillSelect.

12 monthsTimeline
pointsRoute

Last updated: 2025-10-30

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Programme overviewنظرة عامة

Overview

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is an Australia PR pathway for qualified professionals who want to live and work permanently in Australia without employer or state sponsorship.
It operates under a points-based system that values age, education, English skills, and work experience, offering a transparent and merit-based route to permanent residency and citizenship.

What you getالمزايا

Thebenefits,infull.

Permanent residency upon grant — live and work anywhere in Australia.

No job offer, sponsor, or state nomination required.

Partner and dependent children can be included.

Transparent points-based selection and regular invitation rounds.

Investment & costsالتكاليف

Everyfigure,inwriting.

Qualifying investment

Visa application charge (primary applicant)

Official VAC; additional applicant charges apply.

4,910 AUD

Skills assessment (typical)

Varies by assessing authority.

600 AUD

English test (IELTS/PTE typical)

Provider dependent.

410 AUD

Health exams (typical)

Panel physician pricing varies by city.

350 AUD

Government & due-diligence fees

Subclass 189 — primary applicant VAC (from)4,910 AUD
Additional applicant charges (18+ / <18) — see official pricing table
Possible 2nd instalment (certain low-English cases) — if applicable

Figures are indicative and exclusive of professional fees. Your advisor confirms an exact, written cost breakdown for your family size.

Eligibilityالأهلية

Whatittakestoqualify.

Requirements

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

Occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list** and have a positive skills assessment.

Achieve at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or accepted equivalents).

Submit an EOI in SkillSelect and receive an invitation.

Meet health, character, and documentation evidence standards.

Who cannot apply

Occupation not listed or missing a valid skills assessment.

Points below recent invitation thresholds.

Aged 45 or above at invitation — ineligible for GSM subclass 189.

Language requirementاللغة

Proveyourproficiency.

Minimum level

Competent English (IELTS 6.0 each or accepted equivalents)

Accepted tests

IELTSPTEOETTOEFL iBT

Points systemالنقاط

Howcandidatesareranked.

Minimum score to receive an invitation: 65 points

CategoryMax pts
Age30
English language20
Skilled employment (overseas/Australia)20
Qualifications20
Other factors (Aust. study, specialist education, partner, regional, CCL)25
Total115

Eligible occupationsالمهن

In-demandroles.

Common eligible occupations (examples)

  • Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313)
  • Civil Engineer (ANZSCO 233211)
  • Registered Nurse (ANZSCO 254418)
  • Electrician (General) (ANZSCO 341111)

The processكيف نعمل

Fromfirstcalltoapproval.

01

Skills Assessment

Get your occupation assessed by the relevant authority before applying.

02

English Test

Take IELTS/PTE/OET and achieve at least **Competent English**.

03

Expression of Interest (SkillSelect)

Submit an EOI online and wait for invitation. EOIs remain valid for 2 years.

04

Invitation & Visa Application

Receive invitation, lodge your visa, and pay the VAC.

05

Health, Character & Biometrics

Complete medical exams and submit police clearances.

06

Visa Decision

Once approved, your PR visa is granted — travel and activate your residency.

Document checklistالوثائق

Everythingneededtofile.

Identity & Civil

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months.
  • Birth/marriage certificates or name change evidence.
  • National ID or address proofs (if applicable).

Skills & Education

  • Positive skills assessment from a recognized assessing authority.
  • Academic transcripts and degree/diploma certificates.
  • Professional licenses (if required for your occupation).

Employment

  • Reference letters detailing job duties and duration.
  • Payslips, tax statements, or contracts.
  • Statutory declarations where applicable.

English & Tests

  • IELTS/PTE or accepted equivalent results meeting minimum score.

Health & Character

  • Medical exam results from approved panel physicians.
  • Police clearance certificates for each country resided in 12+ months.

Your XIPHIAS advisor prepares a personalised document list at onboarding. The checklist above is indicative and may vary by family size.

Family scopeالأسرة

Whotravelswithyou.

All eligible dependants can be included in one application or added after approval.

Spouse or common-law partner
Dependent children up to age 23

Age limits, dependency definitions, and addition fees vary by jurisdiction. Your advisor confirms exact rules at onboarding.

Risk notes

!

Invitation cut-offs differ by occupation; competitive scores often exceed 65.

!

Occupation lists and policy updates can change without notice — always verify before applying.

!

EOI validity is 2 years; keep all details accurate and updated.

Compliance

All claimed points must be backed by verifiable documentation.

English test results must meet or exceed Competent English per Home Affairs standards.

Questionsأسئلة شائعة

This route, answered.

The minimum pass mark is **65 points**, but recent cut-offs vary by occupation.

Start the Australia route.

A senior advisor will confirm the exact costs, timeline and documents for your case — privately, and entirely off the record.