# Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) for applicants from India

The subclass 189 is permanent residence on your own points, without a state or employer. You need a positive skills assessment, at least 65 points, and an invitation from SkillSelect, where recent invitation rounds have required far more than the minimum.

Source: https://australiavisahub.com/visas/skilled-independent-189 · Updated 2026-10-08 · Australia Visa Hub, a brand of Pro Lifeset Overseas Private Limited, Patiala, India. WhatsApp +91 91155 80911, Mon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.

## For Indian applicants
India is the largest source of Australian permanent migrants and about 30 percent of all skilled grants. The catch for offshore applicants is supply: the 2026-27 program reserves most skilled places for people already in Australia, so the realistic routes from India are state nomination (190 and 491) or employer sponsorship, with 189 reserved for very high points.

## Eligibility
- Occupation on the eligible skilled list for 189 and a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
- Under 45 at the time of invitation
- At least competent English; proficient or superior English adds 10 or 20 points
- At least 65 points on the points test, and realistically 85 or more to be invited
- Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, then invitation, then application within 60 days

## Documents
- Skills assessment outcome letter (for example ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS)
- English test report within the validity period
- Employment references, payslips, bank credits and tax records for every claimed year
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Partner's skills assessment and English result if claiming partner points
- Police clearances from every country lived in for 12 months or more, and health examinations

## Government fee (2026-27)
- Skilled Independent visa, Points-tested stream, Primary applicant: A$6,135 (about ₹4,13,070 at 67.33 INR/AUD on 2026-10-07), effective 2026-07-01

## Common refusal reasons
- Claimed points not supported by evidence at application stage (employment years are the usual problem)
- Skills assessment or English result expired before invitation
- Health or character issues, or inconsistent information between the EOI and the application

## FAQ
**How many points do I need for a 189 invitation from India?**
The legal minimum is 65, but invitations in 2025 and 2026 went to much higher scores, often 85 to 95 depending on the occupation. Use the calculator, then compare with recent invitation rounds.

**Is 190 or 491 easier than 189?**
Usually yes. State nomination adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491) and states run their own selection, some of which remain open to offshore applicants.

**Can my family be included?**
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in the one application, and your partner can add points.

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