Australia will continue to be a top place to live for skilled workers who want both stability (in their career), a good quality of life, and good opportunities for socio-economic advancement. The Skilled Independent Visa 189 has been the most common way for skilled workers to move to Australia since 2026. With this type of Visa, eligible skilled workers can move to any area (or state).
As a result of this Visa, skilled workers will benefit from more freedom of movement throughout Australia, as well as additional job opportunities. Additionally, understanding the newly updated eligibility criteria for this Visa is important for anyone who wants to apply in 2026 or beyond.
In this guide, you will learn about the Skilled Independent Visa 189 and be able to provide a strong and competitive application for this category of Permanent Resident Visa for the year 2026.
What Is the Skilled Independent Visa 189?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled professionals who are qualified for employment in occupations on the Skilled Occupation List. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows you to live, work, and study in any part of Australia at any time, and provides access to the national health insurance scheme of Medicare as well as a pathway to Australian citizenship.
The fact that this visa does not require an employer’s sponsorship means that it is very competitive; applicants must be assessed based on their total points for this visa class and those with the highest total points will be invited to apply for this visa class.
Key Eligibility Requirements for 2026
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 in 2026, applicants must meet several mandatory criteria set by the Australian Government.
1. Occupation on the Skilled List
Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list reflects Australia’s current and future workforce needs and includes professions across healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, education, and trades. The list is reviewed regularly, so applicants should ensure their occupation remains eligible at the time of invitation.
2. Positive Skills Assessment
The relevant assessing authority will provide an assessment to confirm that the qualifications and employment experience of each applicant satisfy the Australian requirements for the nominated occupation. Each occupation has an individual assessing authority with varying requirements depending on the type of work you are applying for.
3. Age Requirement
To apply, the applicant must be under 45 years of age when invited. Age does not affect the ability to be eligible for an invitation. However, the age of an applicant will be a major factor in calculating the points they receive when applying, meaning that you should plan well before seeking an invitation.
4. English Language Proficiency
English proficiency is a core requirement and a major contributor to your points score. Applicants must demonstrate competent English at a minimum, with higher scores in recognised English tests providing additional points. Strong English results can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
5. Points Test Threshold
The minimum score required to submit an EOI is 65 points; however, many successful candidates will score higher than this due to the competitive nature of this process, and EOIs are ranked based on point scores. Points are awarded for the following factors, including Age, English Ability, Skilled Work Experience, Educational Qualifications, Australian Study Experience and Partner Skills.
6. Expression of Interest and Invitation
To submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, applicants do not submit a visa application with this submission, rather they show their interest in receiving a visa to live and work in Australia and this is done by submitting an EOI through the SkillSelect website. Once submitted, EOIs are ranked, and the most highly ranked applicants will receive an invitation to apply for a visa as part of an ongoing process of visa processing that occurs on a periodic basis. After receiving an invitation to apply for a visa, you may lodge a visa application.
7. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character standards. This includes medical examinations and police clearances from countries where the applicant has lived for a specified period. These checks ensure the safety and well-being of the Australian community.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Simply meeting the minimum requirements does NOT = an invitation. EVERY applicant is encouraged to improve their overall profile to be competitive. The applicant needs to be proactive in improving areas, including English test results, obtaining additional skilled work experience, completing additional qualifications, and/or Partner Skills Points (if applicable).
Because this process can be overwhelming and there are frequent changes made to the policy, many applicants find it beneficial to work with a professional immigration agent located in Adelaide, South Australia. Professional immigration agents can help improve documentation accuracy, select the correct occupation(s), and provide guidance on strategic point optimisation. All these areas can greatly increase an applicant’s chance(s) of obtaining a positive determination.
Conclusion
The Successor/Independent Visa (SubClass 189) will remain a popular choice for obtaining permanent residence in Australia in 2026. Although there are many applicants for this visa, there are required criteria to meet, and the level of competition is extremely high. However, you can prepare to have a successful application with plenty of time to build an excellent point profile and develop a detailed plan to increase your chances of success.
If you are considering or planning to move to Australia soon, now is the time to check your qualifications and complete any required paperwork, as well as have an immigration professional provide your support if needed! Having the proper approach and guidance will increase your ability to obtain permanent residence under Sub-Class 189.
Take action today — your future in Australia starts with informed preparation.
