Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Hong Kong stream
A simplified, no-skills-test permanent residence route for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders already in Australia on a qualifying visa.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passport holders who came to Australia on an eligible 457, 482 or 485 visa under the Hong Kong concessions and have built up residence here.
Eligibility requirements
- Hold a HKSAR or BNO passport (primary applicant).
- Hold or have held an eligible subclass 457, 482 or 485 visa covered by the Hong Kong concessions.
- Have been usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before applying, holding a qualifying visa throughout.
- Have Functional English (e.g. IELTS average band of at least 4.5).
- No occupation list, skills assessment or ongoing sponsorship/nomination required.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
A regional Hong Kong stream of subclass 191 also exists for those who lived/worked in regional Australia. These concessions were introduced after 2020 in response to events in Hong Kong; eligibility hinges on holding a qualifying 457/482/485 visa under the HK arrangements, so check the exact qualifying-visa dates on the Home Affairs page.
Check your points first
Use the free Skilled Migration Points Calculator to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other Australia routes
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
PermanentThe flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
PermanentPoints-tested permanent residence with a state/territory nomination that adds 5 points and can rescue a borderline score.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
ProvisionalA 5-year regional provisional visa worth a big +15 points, designed as a stepping stone to PR via subclass 191.
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
PermanentThe permanent-residence finish line for 491 (and old 494) holders who have lived and earned in regional Australia for three years.