Subclass 189
Skilled Independent visa
A permanent visa in the skilled migration program. Review current requirements only on the official source.
Overview
A permanent visa in the skilled migration program. Review current requirements only on the official source.
General factual information. This page does not assess your eligibility and has not been reviewed by a lawyer or registered migration agent.
Requirements
Open the official visa page for its current requirements and stream details. A listing here does not mean applications are open.
Requirements on Home AffairsDocuments & forms
Home Affairs lists the documents for each stream. Your practitioner can prepare a checklist for your matter.
Browse official form linksForms commonly used with this visa
- Form 80: Personal Particulars for Assessment Including Character Assessment — Personal particulars and character — routinely requested for skilled permanent applicants.
- Form 1221: Additional Personal Particulars Information — Additional personal particulars, if requested.
- Form 956: Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person — If you appoint a registered migration agent or legal practitioner.
- Form 956a: Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient — To appoint an authorised recipient for correspondence.
- Form 1022: Notification of Changes in Circumstances — To notify a change in circumstances after lodgement.
- Form 1023: Notification of Incorrect Answer(s) — To correct an incorrect answer after lodgement.
Factual associations from a dated snapshot. The official visa page lists what an application actually requires.
Open official visa documents and instructions
General preparation checklist — a printable, official-linked list of common steps and documents. It is not advice.
Occupation lists
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List — 212 occupations in the captured instrument
Which list a program uses, and any caveats, are set by the official source. Appearing on a list is not an assessment of any person.
Published processing times and charges
Official global processing times
| Stream | 25% of applications | 50% | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points-Tested | 6 Months | 7 Months | 8 Months | 9 Months |
Aggregate figures for applications decided in the period ending 2026-06-30, published 2026-08-04. They describe past decisions and never an individual timeframe. Current official processing times ↗
Visa application charge (published table)
| Published entry | Base applicant | Additional applicant 18+ | Additional applicant under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points tested stream | $6,135 | $3,070 | $1,540 |
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Hong Kong stream | $6,135 | $3,070 | $1,535 |
Generic published amounts as at 2026-07-01. Government charges are separate from any professional fee, and surcharges or exemptions may apply. Current official pricing ↗
Updates & sources
Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
Source link checked: 9 September 2026. This records a source check, not a guarantee that the information has not changed.
Changes are reviewed before publication. Manage source update preferences or report a correction.
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