Thinking about making Perth your permanent home? You are not alone. Perth has become one of the most popular cities in Australia for skilled migrants, thanks to its growing economy, strong job market, and high quality of life. If you are a skilled professional looking for a permanent visa, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa could be your best path forward.
At Indeedvisa, we help skilled migrants navigate the Australian visa system every day. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about skilled migration Perth in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who do not need an employer sponsor or state government support. It gives you full rights to live and work anywhere in Australia — including Perth — from day one.
Key benefits include permanent residency from the start, freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia, access to Medicare, free schooling for your children, a pathway to Australian citizenship after 3 years, and the ability to include your family in the application.
What Has Changed in 2026?
Australia has introduced a new 4-tier occupation priority system for the Subclass 189 visa. Your occupation is now placed in one of four tiers based on market demand. Healthcare workers and other high-demand roles sit in Tier 1 and receive invitations faster. Lower-tier occupations still receive invitations, but competition is stronger.
The total skilled migration program for 2025-26 is set at 185,000 places, with 16,900 specifically for the Subclass 189. Western Australia has 2,000 Subclass 190 and 1,400 Subclass 491 state nomination places available this year.
Knowing which tier your occupation falls into is now more important than ever. The team at Indeedvisa can help you understand your position and how to improve your chances.
How the Points Test Works
The Subclass 189 is points-tested. You need at least 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest, but most applicants need 75 to 85 points or more to actually receive an invitation.
Points are awarded for your age, English language ability, skilled work experience inside and outside Australia, educational qualifications, partner skills or English test results, and study in regional Australia.
Even a small boost of 5 to 10 points can make a real difference. Indeedvisa reviews your profile carefully and looks for every legitimate way to increase your score before you lodge your EOI.
Why Perth Is a Great Choice for Skilled Migrants
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. There is strong demand for skilled workers across engineering, healthcare, IT, trades, and finance. Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Perth also offers a more affordable lifestyle, great weather, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed pace of life.
If you are open to state nomination, Western Australia's own State Nominated Migration Program can add 5 extra points (Subclass 190) or 15 extra points (Subclass 491) to your score — often enough to secure an invitation.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Check if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Step 2: Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
Step 3: Sit an approved English language test if required.
Step 4: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply. Once received, you have 60 days to lodge.
Step 6: Complete health and character checks and submit all required documents.
Processing times are currently around 8 to 9 months. Indeedvisa can help you prepare a complete, strong application to avoid delays or refusals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many points do I need for the Subclass 189 visa in 2026?
You need a minimum of 65 points to submit your EOI, but most applicants need 75 to 85 or more to receive an invitation.
Q2. Can I apply without a job offer in Perth?
Yes. The Subclass 189 is independent — no employer sponsor or job offer is needed.
Q3. How long does processing take in 2026?
Around 8 to 9 months for most applicants, depending on your documents and health checks.
Q4. What is the difference between the 189 and 190 visa for Perth?
The 189 is federal — no state nomination needed, live anywhere in Australia. The 190 is state-nominated by Western Australia, adds 5 points to your score, but requires you to live in WA for at least 2 years. Both grant permanent residency.
Q5. How can Indeedvisa help me?
Indeedvisa provides end-to-end support — from checking your eligibility and points score to lodging your application and guiding you through every step.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Perth?
Contact Indeedvisa today for a free initial consultation and take the first step towards your permanent residency in Perth, Australia.
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