Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream
The flagship 'no sponsor needed' permanent visa: score enough points, get invited, then live and work anywhere in Australia.
Official Australia pageWho this route is for
Skilled workers whose occupation is on the MLTSSL, who have a strong points score, and who want permanent residence without needing an employer, state, or family sponsor.
Eligibility requirements
- Be invited to apply via a SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI); you can submit at 65 points but invitations in 2025 realistically require far more (construction/trades from ~65-70, health/education from ~75, and high-demand fields like ICT/engineering/accounting commonly 90-110+).
- Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) with a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation (age also scores points, peaking 25-32).
- At least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band, or equivalent PTE/TOEFL); Proficient (IELTS 7) and Superior (IELTS 8) earn extra points.
- Total points combine age, English, skilled employment experience (Australian and overseas), qualifications, and partner/study/community-language bonuses.
- 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
Independent skilled allocations have been tight, pushing cut-off scores up. The whole GSM points test is under government review following the Migration Strategy, so the scoring framework may change. Exact invitation cut-offs vary by occupation and round - check the SkillSelect round results.
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 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.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) - Core / Specialist / Essential streams
TemporaryThe renamed and rebuilt TSS visa (since Dec 2024): employer-sponsored work for up to 4 years with a faster, more portable path to PR.