The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of Australia's most popular permanent residency pathways for tech workers. If you're an IT professional, software engineer, systems analyst, or database administrator, understanding the 189 visa timeline is essential for planning your move to Australia. Processing times vary, but most applications take between 8 and 14 months from start to grant. This article walks you through each stage of the 189 visa process, from initial planning through to landing in Australia.

Stage 1: Preparing Your Application (Months 1-2)

Before you lodge your 189 visa application, you need to complete several preparatory steps. This stage typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly you can gather documents and arrange assessments.

First, check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Tech roles like Software Engineer (ANZSCO 261313), ICT Security Specialist (262011), and Systems Analyst (261112) are currently listed. You can verify this on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Next, you'll need a skills assessment from a recognised assessing authority. For most IT roles, this means submitting to:

  • ACS (Australian Computer Society)
  • VETASSESS
  • Engineers Australia (if your role is engineering-focused)

The ACS assessment typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. You'll submit your resume, employment references, and evidence of your qualifications. The cost is around AUD 600 to AUD 800. During this time, you should also arrange English language testing if required (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).

Simultaneously, create your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the SkillSelect portal. This is free and takes about 30 minutes. Your EOI sits in the pool for 12 months and doesn't commit you to anything.

Stage 2: Receiving an Invitation (Months 2-6)

Once your skills assessment is approved, you can update your EOI with the assessment details. You're now in the SkillSelect pool competing with other applicants in your occupation.

Invitations are issued based on points. Most tech workers have between 65 and 95 points depending on age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Higher-pointed applicants are invited first. In recent years, tech occupations have been invited regularly, though processing can be slower during peak periods.

You may receive an invitation within weeks, or it may take several months. Some occupations see invitations every few months, while others may have longer gaps. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for recent invitation rounds to estimate your chances.

When you receive an invitation, you have 7 days to decide whether to lodge your full application. This is your point of no return. You cannot withdraw and reapply for the same occupation in the same financial year without losing your place.

Stage 3: Lodging Your Full Application (Months 6-7)

Once you accept the invitation, you have 60 days to lodge your complete 189 visa application. This is a critical stage where accuracy matters enormously.

You'll need to upload:

  1. Your skills assessment certificate
  2. English language test results
  3. Passport and identity documents
  4. Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
  5. Police clearance certificates from every country you've lived in for more than 12 months
  6. Medical examination results (Form 26 from an approved panel doctor)
  7. Employment references and payslips covering the past 10 years
  8. Qualification documents (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)
  9. Tax returns and financial records

The application fee is AUD 4,885 for the primary applicant (as of 2026). If you have a partner or dependent children, add AUD 2,445 per person. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Most applicants lodge online through ImmiAccount. The system is straightforward but can be slow if you're uploading large files. Set aside a full day for this task. Once submitted, you'll receive a Unique Application Number (UAN) and a receipt.

Stage 4: Initial Assessment and Requests for Further Information (Months 7-11)

After lodging, your application enters the assessment queue. The Department of Home Affairs processes applications in order of receipt within each occupation group. This stage typically takes 2 to 4 months, but can extend longer if the department needs more information.

During this period, a case officer will review your documents for completeness and authenticity. If anything is missing or unclear, they'll send you a Request for Further Information (RFI). Common RFIs include:

  • Clarification on employment dates or job duties
  • Additional police clearance certificates
  • Updated medical examination if your initial one is expiring
  • Proof of English language proficiency if your test results are borderline
  • Explanation of employment gaps or visa history

You typically have 28 days to respond to an RFI. Delays in responding can push your processing time out significantly. Some applicants wait 6 months or longer at this stage if they don't respond promptly or if the department needs to verify employment details with previous employers.

You can check your application status in ImmiAccount. The system shows whether your application is being processed, if an RFI has been issued, or if it's awaiting a decision. However, the Department of Home Affairs does not provide detailed progress updates beyond this.

Stage 5: Final Decision and Grant (Months 11-14)

Once the case officer completes their assessment, your application moves to the final decision stage. This is typically the quickest phase, lasting 1 to 3 weeks.

You'll receive notification via email to your ImmiAccount inbox. The email will contain your visa grant letter, which includes:

  • Your visa subclass number (189)
  • Your visa grant date
  • Conditions attached to your visa (usually minimal for 189 visas)
  • Your initial entry date (usually within 12 months of grant)

The 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, so there are no ongoing visa renewal requirements. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. You can also sponsor family members and apply for Australian citizenship after three years of permanent residency.

After receiving your grant, you have up to 12 months to make your initial entry into Australia. Most tech workers arrive within 1 to 3 months of grant to start their new job. When you arrive, you'll need to activate your visa by presenting your grant letter and passport to immigration officials at the airport.

Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Several factors can speed up or slow down your 189 visa processing:

Your occupation and points. Tech occupations with higher point requirements (80+) are typically processed faster because fewer applicants qualify. Conversely, occupations with lower point thresholds (65-70) have larger pools and longer wait times.

Completeness of your application. Submitting all documents upfront reduces the chance of RFIs and speeds processing. Incomplete applications can add 2 to 6 months to your timeline.

Background verification requirements. If you've worked in multiple countries or have a complex employment history, the Department of Home Affairs may need to verify details with previous employers or government agencies. This can add 1 to 3 months.

Medical and police clearance processing. Some countries take longer to issue police clearances. If you've lived in India, China, or the Philippines, expect delays of 2 to 4 weeks just for clearance documents.

Seasonal processing variations. The Department of Home Affairs processes more applications during certain periods. Applications lodged between July and September often face longer queues.

What to Expect After Your Grant

Once you receive your 189 visa grant, your next steps depend on your circumstances. If you've already secured a job offer, you can arrange your relocation immediately. If you're still job hunting, you have up to 12 months to find a role and move.

Before arriving, register with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a Tax File Number (TFN). You'll need this to work legally in Australia. You can apply online at ato.gov.au and receive your TFN within 7 to 10 days.

If you're moving with a partner or children, ensure all family members have their own visas or are included on your application. Dependent children can be added to your 189 application before it's finalised, but partners must have their own visa.

Book your initial accommodation well in advance. Sydney's rental market moves quickly, and tech workers often compete for housing in inner-west suburbs like Marrickville, Newtown, and Redfern, as well as inner-north areas like Willoughby and Neutral Bay. Expect to pay AUD 400 to AUD 600 per week for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas.

Useful Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a 189 visa take to process from application to grant?

Most 189 visa applications take between 8 and 14 months from lodgement to final grant. Processing times vary depending on your occupation, the completeness of your application, and whether the Department of Home Affairs requests further information.

What is the 189 visa application fee for 2026?

The primary applicant fee is AUD 4,885 as of 2026. Partners and dependent children each add AUD 2,445. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Can I work in Australia while my 189 visa is being processed?

No. You cannot work in Australia until you receive your visa grant. You must be outside Australia or on a valid work visa when you lodge your 189 application. Once granted, you can work anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

What happens if the Department of Home Affairs asks for more information during processing?

You'll receive a Request for Further Information (RFI) via your ImmiAccount. You typically have 28 days to respond. Delays in responding can significantly extend your processing timeline, sometimes by several months.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a 189 visa?

No. The 189 visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship. You can apply as an independent skilled migrant and find a job after you arrive in Australia.

How many points do I need for a 189 visa as a tech worker?

The minimum is 65 points, but most tech workers have 70 to 95 points depending on age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. Higher points increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

What is the initial entry date on my 189 visa grant?

You typically have up to 12 months from your grant date to make your initial entry into Australia. You can arrive anytime within this window, and your permanent residency begins from your arrival date.

Can I include my partner and children in my 189 visa application?

Dependent children can be included in your application before it's finalised. Partners must have their own separate visa or be included before lodgement. Dependent partners can be added, but de facto or married partners applying separately will need their own skilled visa or sponsorship.

This is general information only. It is not legal, migration, financial, tax, medical, or professional advice. Always check official sources before acting.