Route comparison
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Baseline rows come from published route metadata. Optional fields appear only where ReloTide has source-backed structured enrichment.
| Field | 🇦🇺AustraliaAustralia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 2026 Guide |
|---|---|
| Country | Australia (AU) |
| Route | Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): 2026 Guide |
| Route family | Other |
| Route type | skilled migration |
| Summary | Guide to the points-tested Skilled Independent subclass 189 permanent visa, including invitation rules, skills assessment, points and evidence. |
| Last verified | 2026-09-16 |
| Official/supporting source count | 4 |
| Route guide | Open full guide → |
| Program availability | ActiveSource 1Source 2Source 3 |
| Best-fit work models | Local employmentSource 1Source 2Source 3 |
| Income requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Savings requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Investment requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Government fees | Home Affairs currently lists the base application charge from AUD 6,135; additional applicant charges and any applicable surcharge are extra. Confirm the total in the estimator at lodgement.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Processing time | Home Affairs directs applicants to its live processing-time guide; timing varies with completeness, checks, program places and current processing priorities, so no fixed end-to-end period is guaranteed.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Validity | Permanent visa. The travel facility is generally five years; a Resident Return visa may be needed for overseas travel after it expires if the holder is not an Australian citizen.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Renewal | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Family inclusion | Eligible family members may be included in the application, subject to the visa's family-unit, health and character requirements; their charges affect the total fee.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Spouse work rights | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Local-work rules | A subclass 189 grant is permanent and permits the holder to live, work and study anywhere in Australia.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Application location | Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect first. Only after invitation, lodge the visa application online through ImmiAccount within 60 days; an EOI is not a visa application and does not grant a bridging visa.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Permanent-residence pathway | Subclass 189 is a permanent visa, granting Australian permanent residence at visa grant.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Citizenship pathway | A permanent visa holder may apply for Australian citizenship if they separately satisfy the residence and other citizenship requirements; citizenship is not automatic with this visa.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
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