Subclass 189
Permanent visa for applicants who are invited as per their points and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders.
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa
The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or state government. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. This visa is granted based on a high-scoring points test or through a dedicated streamlined pathway for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
At Immilex, we focus on the facts. We assess your points, optimise your Expression of Interest (EOI), and handle the complexities of the 4-tier priority system so that you have a clear, realistic roadmap to residency from the very beginning.
Key Factors for a Successful Application:
- The Invitation System: For the points-tested stream, you cannot apply without first being invited through the SkillSelect system.
- National Priority: In 2026, invitations are focused on priority sectors such as healthcare, teaching, and essential trades.
Point Tested Stream
What it is for: For skilled workers whose occupations are in critical demand across the entire Australian economy.
What it allows: Immediate permanent residency; work and study anywhere in Australia; and a direct path to Australian Citizenship.
Key Requirements:
- Be formally invited to apply through SkillSelect.
- Satisfy the minimum points requirement (minimum 65 points, though actual cut-offs are often higher).
- Occupation must be on the MLTSSL.
- Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment and meet English requirements.
- Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Hong Kong Stream
What it is for: A streamlined permanent residency pathway for eligible Hong Kong (SAR) or British National (Overseas) passport holders.
What it allows: Permanent residency with relaxed criteria, bypassing the points test, age limits, and skills assessment.
Key Requirements:
- Hold a Hong Kong or BNO passport.
- Have been living in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before applying.
- Have held an eligible temporary visa and complied with its conditions.
- Meet Functional English requirements.
Length of Stay: Permanent.
Maintaining compliance
As a 189 visa holder, you have few restrictions, but you must maintain your residency status:
- Initial Entry Date: If granted while you are outside Australia, you must enter the country by the initial entry date on your grant letter.
- Travel Facility: Your visa includes a 5-year travel facility. If you plan to travel overseas after 5 years, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your right to re-enter.
The 189 Application Process
Skills & English
Secure a positive skills assessment and achieve your target English score to maximise points.
EOI Lodgement
Submit your EOI via SkillSelect. At Immilex, we ensure your points are claimed accurately to avoid "over-claiming," which can lead to visa refusal.
Invitation Rounds
Wait for the quarterly invitation rounds.
Visa Lodgement
Once invited, lodge your application within 60 days, providing evidence for every point claimed in your EOI.
For 189 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 189 is an independent pathway based on your points and qualifications. Since there is no state or employer sponsor, the accuracy of your supporting evidence is essential. A common reason for refusal is incorrectly calculating a "skilled employment date," which leads to over-claiming points in the Expression of Interest (EOI). At Immilex, we assess your EOI to ensure your claims are verifiable before you proceed with an application.
It is important to include family members in your application. If you wish to bring a partner or child after your 189 visa is granted, you will need to utilise the separate Family Migration pathways, which often involve higher costs and longer processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. One of the primary benefits of the Hong Kong stream is that it bypasses the skills assessment, points test, and age requirements entirely.
You can update your EOI at any time before receiving aninvitation. However, once you are invited for a specific occupation, you cannot change it on that application.
While 65 is the legal minimum, it may be only sufficient for Tier 1 "Fast Track" occupations (like nursing or secondary teaching). Most IT and Engineering roles currently require 85–95+ points due to high competition.
Take Control of Your Future
The 189 visa is the ultimate migration goal. Contact us at Immilex for a consultation and a technical strategy to maximise your points and secure your invitation.