Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Migration Lawyers in Sydney
At CMI Legal, our migration lawyers specialise in Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) applications, helping qualified professionals secure permanent residency in Australia. We handle eligibility assessments, SkillSelect submissions, and direct communication with the Department of Home Affairs to maximise your approval chances and simplify every stage of the process.
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What Is a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa designed for highly skilled individuals who wish to live and work in Australia without the need for employer or state sponsorship. It operates on a points-tested system, rewarding applicants based on skills, qualifications, and experience relevant to Australia’s workforce needs.
Our migration lawyers help you understand and meet the eligibility requirements, strengthen your points score, and prepare a legally compliant application aligned with Australian immigration laws.
Visa Stress? Here’s How We Simplify Every Step
Transparent Fee Structure
We provide a clear, itemised quote upfront—no hidden costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Direct Lawyer Access
Talk one-on-one with our senior immigration lawyer whenever you need personalised advice and swift answers.
Real-Time Case Updates
Stay in the loop with automated notifications and progress reports at every stage of your application.
Who Can Apply for the Skilled Independent Visa?
The Subclass 189 Visa is available to professionals and tradespeople whose occupations are listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). However, eligibility involves more than simply matching a job title, as it requires meeting multiple legal and procedural conditions.
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Get Expert Migration Support For Your Australian Visa Today!
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Planning to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)? Let our Sydney-based migration lawyers guide you with confidence. We’ll assess your eligibility, calculate your points, and manage your application with precision and transparency from start to finish.
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Suite 904/10 Help St, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia
How Our Lawyers Handle the 189 Visa Process
The 189 Visa process involves several stages, each requiring precision and careful timing. At CMI Legal, we manage your application end-to-end, ensuring every document, declaration, and deadline complies with the Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994.
Initial Consultation & Points Evaluation
We begin by assessing your qualifications, employment history, and English results to calculate your points score. Our lawyers identify weaknesses and provide recommendations to strengthen your eligibility before proceeding.
Skills Assessment Preparation
We assist you in preparing the right documentation for the relevant skills-assessing authority. Whether it’s Engineers Australia, ACS, or VETASSESS, our team ensures your evidence clearly meets the occupation standards.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Your EOI is lodged through the SkillSelect portal. Our lawyers prepare a precise and compliant submission that accurately reflects your qualifications, avoiding inconsistencies that could delay or disqualify your invitation.
Invitation to Apply & Visa Lodgement
Once you receive an invitation from SkillSelect, we prepare and lodge your Subclass 189 Visa application with Home Affairs. This includes verifying all personal, professional, and medical details to ensure a fully compliant lodgement.
Application Follow-Up & Decision
Our team monitors your visa application closely, handles communication with Home Affairs, and provides updates throughout the process. Once approved, we help you understand your visa conditions and next steps toward citizenship eligibility.
Common Legal Challenges We Solve for Small Businesses
Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The 189 Visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency in Australia, giving you and your family the freedom to build your future without restrictions tied to employment or location.
Key Benefits:
- Permanent Residency: Live and work in Australia indefinitely with access to most government services.
- Access to Public Services: Enjoy Medicare health coverage and free or subsidised education for children.
- Family Inclusion: Include your partner and eligible dependents under one application, ensuring a unified migration outcome.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residence and good-character requirements.
- Freedom of Movement: Travel freely in and out of Australia for five years, with options to renew or apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV).
Need Help?
Talk to a Sydney-Based Migration Lawyer Who Gets It? Book Your Paid Consultation and Get Practical Advice You Can Trust.
*Our Expert Migration Lawyers Offer 15-minute General Advice Or 45-minute In-depth, Tailored Consultations To Suit Your Needs.
Documents Required for a Subclass 189 Visa Application
Accurate documentation is vital for a successful 189 Visa application. Our migration lawyers work closely with you to ensure every document meets the standards required by Home Affairs and your assessing authority.
Why Choose CMI Legal for Your Skilled Independent Visa (189)?
Our Migration Lawyers Reviews
Client Testimonials and Reviews
5.0
Based on 70 reviews
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Joe Shi
5 months ago
Tina Tang is doing excellent service job as a profesional lawer and provide valued information about property purchase issue.Thank you so much,we are appreciated to your skilled help and hope to cooperate with your esteemed company,current residential living apartment 506/2-4 Culworth Ave Killara should be put in market,we hope Tina Tang will provide support as well.thank you so much.
Joe Shi
Joe Shi
Sydney Translation
6 months ago
Ying Wan
6 months ago
We had an excellent experience with CMI Legal during our property purchase. The team was highly professional, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They carefully reviewed all contracts, clearly explained potential risks, and provided practical advice at every stage, which gave us great peace of mind. Communication was prompt and clear, and they were always patient in answering our questions. Their efficiency and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process smooth and well-managed. We would confidently recommend CMI Legal to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy conveyancing and legal services, with special thanks to Tina for her professionalism, patience, and exceptional support throughout the process.
郭小姐
7 months ago
Attorney Tina was professional and patient; I am very grateful for her legal assistance during my home sale process.
Solutions NovaBuild
7 months ago
John and Tina are the best! I just had another settlement through them. Everything was so smooth and they are reminding you every step for the key points.
P W
9 months ago
I recently used CMI and worked with Tina for my property settlement. Tina was extremely helpful, patient and very professional throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Highly recommend Tina and the CMI team!
Andy Hsieh
9 months ago
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Tina as my solicitor. She has been outstanding throughout the entire contract exchange and settlement process. She is always the first to respond, timely, and extremely efficient. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she consistently makes sure everything is in the buyer’s best interest. Super attentive, helpful, and genuinely caring. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tina to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal services.
David Lin
9 months ago
Many thanks to Senior Lawyer Tina Tang for helping me handle the sale of my property in Sydney. She liaised with the real estate, banks and buyers broker and explained everything well and handled the sale meticulously.Her professional ability, experience and sense of responsibility are trustworthy. I recommend Tina and CMI for anyone looking for support in real estate sales.
David Lin
David Lin
Denis Lebrun
9 months ago
John Zhang has been absolutely great in helping me with my EOI and application for a skilled visa in Australia. On both calls I've had with John, I have had a multitude of questions for him which he answered in depth and gave me all the information I required. He really has a great amount of knowledge and I would highly recommend him and the CMI legal team for their efficiency and professionalism.
Jing LI
11 months ago
I was very fortunate to have Tina TANG from CMI as my conveyancing solicitor for the recent sale of my property. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process — from preparing the contract, exchanging contracts, right through to settlement. What impressed me the most is that even after settlement, she continued to go above and beyond to assist me as the vendor, making sure everything was properly taken care of.
Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sabrina Ng
1 year ago
Outstanding service from start to finish. Tina Tang handled my unit's sales contract with exceptional professionalism. Communication was always clear and prompt, making the whole process smooth and stree free. I highly recommand Tina to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor.
Max Swan
1 year ago
I’ve had an incredibly positive experience working with John & Winnie on my matter. From start to finish, they have been professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout what’s been a stressful time for me.
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
They explained every step of the process clearly, responded promptly to any questions I had, and made complicated situations feel a lot more manageable. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time, and their calm, confident approach really helped me stay grounded.
Highly recommend CMI services to anyone needing immigration or legal assistance — couldn’t be more grateful.
Thanks again!
danny
1 year ago
As an old customer of CMI, this year is already the 8th year. Special thanks to attorney John and attorney Tina for carefully answering our various questions, providing a lot of professional advice and help, allowing us to easily complete each transaction.
Vivien Lu
1 year ago
Tina was a great lawyer - she was always incredibly knowledgeable, answered all questions promptly, and very friendly. Would recommend Tina!
Zhiyi LI
1 year ago
Jeremy Tong
2 years ago
Tina was a great help in guiding us through our first home buying experience. She gave us a lot of great explanations and advice from initial discussion of the process through every step until successful settlement. Communication and resolution of issues was prompt and professional.
Yun Jung Hsieh
2 years ago
Tina is a fantastic lawyer. her responses to my queries were thorough and timely, and impeccable organizational skills! Truly appreciated her clear and consistent communcation througout the entire property-purchasing process. she handled everything with profressionalism and expertise, making what could have been a stressful experience much smoother. Highly recommend!
Jeena Jung
2 years ago
We had the pleasure of working with Tina as our solicitor for our first home purchase, and we couldn’t have been in better hands. She carefully explained every step of the process, guiding us through what initially felt overwhelming and unfamiliar. Buying off the plan made us particularly cautious, especially when it came to reviewing legal documents. Tina’s meticulous approach put us at ease—she ensured we both clearly understood each aspect, taking the time to highlight and reorganise information to make it more accessible. Her dedication and professionalism made the entire experience far less daunting, and we’re truly grateful for her support.
Keyu Jiang
2 years ago
John and Tina have provided great professional legal service since 2017 for me.
Ian Pereira
2 years ago
I realised that I hadn’t left a review for my dealings with CMI legal. I had dealt with them a few months ago, but an epiphany made me come and leave a review.
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
5 stars is insufficient to express their work. We were working Dee and she is an amazing and thorough professional. She goes above and beyond and explains matters that makes you understand things really well. Thank you Dee for your amazing work.
FAQs About 189 Skilled Independent Visa
It’s a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member.
You’re scored on age, English proficiency, qualifications, and skilled experience. A minimum of 65 points is required to apply.
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children, who will receive the same permanent residency rights upon approval.
You must be under 45, have an occupation on the MLTSSL, pass a skills assessment, meet English standards, and reach 65 points.
Most 189 Visa applications are finalised within 3–8 months, depending on your documentation and points score.
Yes. Applicants in Australia on another substantive visa can apply onshore and remain lawfully while their 189 Visa is processed.
Our lawyers help challenge or resubmit assessments and prepare alternative evidence to keep your visa process moving forward.
We identify weaknesses in your points profile, ensure your documentation meets legal standards, and handle all correspondence with Home Affairs.
Yes. After four years of residency (including one year as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
- The 189 Visa is independent.
- The 190 Visa requires state nomination.
- The 491 Visa is a temporary regional visa leading to permanent residency after three years.
Meet Our Experienced Team of Migration Lawyers
Tina Tang
Lawyer
Rita Lam
Lawyer
Mathew Wu
Director
Jhon Zhang
Principal
Malorie Tan
Lawyer