🇦🇺 Australia Skilled Independent (189) document checklist
Points-tested permanent residence.
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Document coverage
0%
Self-reported coverage only. It does not check dates, name matches, balances or tampering — that is what the full analysis does.
Required documents
- Valid PassportRequired
Machine-readable passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel.
- Passport PhotographRequired
Recent biometric-standard photo.
- Completed Application FormRequired
Signed and consistent with supporting evidence.
- Bank StatementsRequired
Last 3-6 months showing sufficient and stable funds.
- Job Offer / Employment ContractRequired
Signed contract stating role, salary and start date.
- Proof of IncomeRequired
Payslips, tax returns or business income evidence.
- Sponsorship / Work Authorisation ReferenceRequired
Sponsor licence number, certificate or labour approval.
- Qualifications for the RoleRequired
Degrees or certificates that match the occupation requirement.
- Experience LettersRequired
Reference letters covering the claimed years of experience.
- Salary Threshold EvidenceRequired
Proof the offered salary meets the route minimum.
- Purpose of Travel LetterRequired
Clear, consistent explanation of the visit or study plan.
- Ties to Home CountryRequired
Employment, property, family or study commitments.
Strongly recommended
- Sponsorship / Affidavit of Support
Required only if funded by a third party.
- Travel Itinerary
Flight and accommodation plan for the intended stay.
- Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking, invitation or tenancy evidence.
- Language Requirement Proof
Test result or exemption evidence where the route requires it.
- Police Clearance Certificate
Required for many regulated occupations and long stays.
- Travel / Health Insurance
Coverage meeting the destination minimum.
- Education Documents
Transcripts, degrees and admission letters.
- Medical / TB Certificate
Where required by the destination for your nationality.
- Employment Letter
Leave approval or employment confirmation.
Why Australia Skilled Independent (189) applications get refused
Most refusals are not about missing documents — they are about documents that contradict each other.
- Offered salary below the route threshold for the occupation code
- Experience letters do not cover the claimed years or duties
- Qualification does not map to the sponsored job role
- Sponsor reference expired or issued for a different role
- Missing police clearance or medical certificate for the nationality
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Skilled Independent (189) take to process?
Most Skilled Independent (189) decisions land in 6-12 months, but peak season and additional document requests can extend that. Apply early and keep every document consistent.
What is the most common reason a Skilled Independent (189) is refused?
Salary or experience evidence that does not line up with the sponsored role.
Can DocuScore AI check my Skilled Independent (189) documents?
Yes. Upload what you already have and the free readiness score reviews each required document against this checklist, flags gaps and shows what a case officer is likely to question.
Deep dives for Australia — Skilled Independent (189)
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