No state nomination, no employer sponsorship… So, what exactly is the Australian subclass 189 visa? Let’s explore it with Skill Direct in the article below.
Among the different pathways to live and work in Australia, skilled migration is often considered one of the most attractive options because it offers one of the most valuable outcomes a foreign applicant can achieve: becoming an Australian permanent resident and building a long-term life in Australia. Among the skilled migration visa options, subclass 189 is often seen as a secure pathway, with a relatively stable number of places announced each year. So, what is the Australian subclass 189 visa, and what do you need to do to migrate to Australia through this skilled visa pathway?
Definition of the Australian Subclass 189 Visa
To answer the question “What is the Australian subclass 189 visa?”, you first need to understand that this visa belongs to the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program for skilled workers. The GSM program includes three main visa subclasses: Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 491
For Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas, you need nomination from a state or territory government, or sponsorship by an eligible relative. By contrast, the Subclass 189 visa does not require any nomination or sponsorship. In other words, with Visa 189, you may be able to migrate to Australia without being sponsored by: A state or territory government, A relative, An employer.
Most importantly, Visa 189 allows you to live in Australia permanently as a permanent resident once granted. This is a permanent visa , similar to Visa 190, while Visa 491 is a temporary provisional visa that allows you to live and work in a designated regional area for up to five years.
If you are considering a migration pathway through state nomination, you may wish to read What is a subclass 190 visa? to gain a better understanding of the eligibility requirements and benefits associated with this visa pathway.
Benefits of Holding an Australian Subclass 189 Visa
When you hold an Australian Visa 189, you may enjoy the following benefits:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Enjoy social security like an Australian citizen: Entitled to enroll in Australia's public healthcare program ( Medicare)
- Attend free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), if eligible.
- Enjoy many of the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens across various aspects of life, subject to eligibility requirements
- Work and study anywhere in Australia and allow your children to study in Australia
- Travel freely to and from Australia for up to 5 years from the date your visa is granted.
- Sponsorship of family members as per regulations: Spouse (or partner); children under 23 years old.
- Become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship once all requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements for the Australian Subclass 189 Visa
To be eligible for the Australian Subclass 189 Visa, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
- Migration points: At least 65 points
- Education: Usually a bachelor degree or higher
- English proficiency: At least IELTS 6.0 in each band, or an equivalent score
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment outcome
- Health and character: Meet health and character requirements, including no serious criminal record
Note:
English language ability and work experience are only entry-level requirements for lodging a visa application. The stronger your profile, the greater your competitive advantage.
In addition to Vietnamese citizens, Subclass 189 may also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens or holders of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports, depending on the relevant stream and requirements.
Priority Occupations for Australian Skilled Migration Under Subclass 189 Visa
Priority skilled migration occupations are occupations in demand in Australia due to labour shortages. Applicants may choose an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list when applying under the GSM program, including Subclass 189.
Below are some popular occupation groups that are both in demand in Australia and commonly considered by Vietnamese applicants:
- Engineering
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Information Technology
- Education
Australian Subclass 189 Visa Migration Process
Similar to other skilled migration visas, applicants for Subclass 189 usually go through the following steps before becoming Australian permanent residents.
Step 1. Self-check your profile
Bước 2. Nộp EOI
Step 3. Wait to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Step 4. Gather the required documents, including:
Step 5. Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
Step 6. The Department of Home Affairs to assess your application
Step 7. Wait for the visa outcome or any additional requirements.
How to Prepare a Strong Subclass 189 Application in 2026
Prepare a complete application
A skilled migration visa application usually includes the following core documents:
- Identity documents, such as ID card, birth certificate, passport, marriage or divorce documents, and driver’s licence
- Police Certificates
- English language proficiency certificate
- Educational documents: university/postgraduate degree, certificates, transcripts, etc.
- Employment Documents: Employment reference letters, employment contracts, payslips and salary evidence, skills Assessment outcome
- Medical examination results
If you include dependent family members, such as a spouse or partner, additional family documents may be required, including:
- Household registration documents, where applicable
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable
- Evidence proving the relationship with the main applicant
Depending on the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements, you may also need to provide additional documents during processing.
Comply with the deadline
Within 60 days after receiving the invitation, You must lodge your visa application. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the opportunity to apply and may need to start the process again, including paying relevant application costs again.
Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time
After understanding what Subclass 189 is and what steps are required, you may wonder how long the processing time will be. The Department of Home Affairs does not guarantee an exact processing timeframe for Visa 189 applications.
In practice, around 50% of applications may be finalised within under 6 months, while 90% may take longer than 12 months. However, these figures may change depending on the Department’s processing capacity, policy priorities, application volumes and annual migration planning levels.
Common Issues When Applying for Subclass 189
Visa application processing can be a long journey, and unexpected issues may arise. However, if these issues are handled properly and promptly, applicants may still meet deadlines and avoid missing valuable visa opportunities.
Below are some common migration application issues:
| Issue | Possible solution |
| The main applicant wants to include a dependent partner, but divorce has not been finalised | The main applicant and dependent partner may rely on evidence of a genuine de facto relationship, such as living together for at least 12 months, if eligible |
| The main applicant or dependent has a health condition affecting migration eligibility | The applicant may need to complete treatment or satisfy health requirements before the application can proceed |
| The Department requests further documents | The applicant should closely monitor updates and submit additional documents within the required timeframe |
| The application is refused | The applicant should contact their migration adviser, if any, to review options and consider preparing a new application or other available pathways |
How Can You Start a Subclass 189 Application?
You can either apply by yourself or seek assistance from a migration professional. However, handling the process alone may increase the risk of missing required documents, which can delay processing or create pressure when deadlines arise unexpectedly. According to the Department of Home Affairs, some unsuccessful Subclass 189 applications are not necessarily refused because the applicant has insufficient points, but because the applicant fails to complete the required documents on time.
With support from a migration consultancy, you can reduce the risk of missing documents and receive guidance on unexpected issues, such as expiring documents or additional information requests. This helps you avoid unnecessary pressure and gives you more time to prepare properly for your Australian migration journey.
Are you planning to migrate to Australia through a skilled visa pathway? Contact Skill Direct via hotline 0846 868 685 to receive detailed advice on the most suitable pathway for your profile.
Skill Direct hopes that the information above has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Subclass 189 visa and the key steps involved in preparing a strong application. If you have any questions about the Subclass 189 visa or other skilled migration pathways such as the Subclass 491or Subclass 190 visa, feel free to contact Skill Direct for personalised advice and guidance.
