189 Visa FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Subclass 189 Visa

1. What is Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points based permanent residency (PR) visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by any employer, state or either family member. With the help of this visa you can live and work anywhere in Australia. If you want to apply then you must have a relevant occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), a positive skills assessment and meet the points requirement (currently 65). It is ideal for skilled professionals seeking PR in Australia independently.

2. What are the benefits of having a 189 visa?

The 189 visa offers many benefits. You get permanent residency status, you can live & work anywhere in Australia. You also have access to all the medical benefits (Australia’s public healthcare), social security benefits after waiting periods and you can apply for citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria. Your dependent family members can also be included in the application.

3. How long can I stay in Australia with a 189 visa?

The 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, which means you can stay in Australia indefinitely. This visa comes with a 5 year travel facility, allows you to travel in and out of Australia during this period. After 5 years, you can either apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible) or renew the travel facility if you want to continue traveling internationally. As a 189 visa holder you can live, work, study and in Australia.

4. Can I apply 189 and 190 at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for 189 and 190 visas both at the same time if you meet the eligibility criteria for both subclasses. You must submit a separate Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in SkillSelect for each visa. However, you can only accept one visa invitation. Some applicants do this to increase their chances of receiving an invitation faster, especially if their occupation is highly competitive. Be sure to keep both EOIs updated and accurate. If you do any mistak in EOIs then you can face rejection.

5. Can I apply 189 and 190 at the same time?

No, you do not need any job offer to apply for the skilled migration visa 189. This visa is designed for skilled professionals who meet the points requirement and they have their occupation on the relevant skilled list. Having work experience related to your occupation can give you extra points and make your application more strong.

6. What is the minimum income for 189 visa?

There is no official minimum income required if you wish to apply for a 189 visa. The visa is points based and selection is based on skills, qualifications, English proficiency and age do not requred income.

7. Which is better, a 189 or 190 visa?

Both visas are great options, but they give you different benefits or needs. The 189 visa offers full independence with no location restrictions, but the 190 visa requires state nomination and usually comes with a 2 year commitment to live in that state. The 189 visa is more competitive as it’s not tied to any region. However, subclass190 visa can be easier to get for those who qualify for state nomination. Choose based on your occupation, eligibility and goals.

8. What is the rejection rate for 189 visa?

The rejection rate for Subclass 189 visa applications is generally low around 13%. If your documents are accurate and you meet the eligibility criteria, there is an estimated 87% chance of approval.

9. What is the processing time for Skilled Independent Visa 189 visa?

The average processing time for the 189 visa depends on your case. In 2025, most applications are processed within 6 to 10 months. Processing time can be faster or slower its totally depend on the complexity of your case, how quick you respond to requests for documents and the volume of applications.

10. Can I add my partner to my 189 visa?

Yes, you can include your partner (spouse or de facto) in your 189 visa application. But you need to provide evidence of your relationship, like a joint documents and proof of living together.

11. Can I get PR with the help of 189 visa?

Yes, with the helpof 189 visa you can get Australian permanent residency (PR) directly. Once you get the PR then you can live, work and study in Australia permanently.