This invitation—often called an ITA (Invitation to Apply)—is one of the most important milestones in the entire migration journey. But what does it really mean, and what happens next?
Let’s break it down clearly and simply.
What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for qualified workers who:
- Do not need sponsorship from an employer
- Do not need nomination from a state or territory
- Are invited directly by the Australian Government
It is highly competitive because it offers direct Australian PR.
🔵 What Does “Invited to Apply” Actually Mean?
When you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, your profile enters a pool with thousands of other skilled applicants. The government then conducts invitation rounds, reviewing factors such as:
- Points score
- Occupation demand
- Age
- English proficiency
- Educational qualifications
- Skilled work experience
If your profile is strong enough, you receive a message from SkillSelect stating that you have been invited to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
This invitation shows that:
- Your skills are in demand
- Your points met the cut-off
- You are officially selected
- The government wants you to submit a visa application
It is essentially a green light to proceed to the next stage of securing Australian permanent residency.
🔵 What Happens After Receiving the 189 Invitation?
Once you receive your ITA, the countdown begins.
1. You get 60 days to lodge your full visa application
This is a strict window. If you fail to submit within 60 days, your invitation expires and you may need to wait for another round.
2. You must gather and upload all required documents
These typically include:
- Valid skill assessment
- English test results (IELTS, etc.)
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exams
- Employment reference letters
- Payslips or contracts as proof of experience
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Passport
- Evidence supporting every point you claimed in your EOI
Everything you claimed in the EOI must be backed with evidence—otherwise, your visa may be refused.
3. You pay the visa fee and submit your application
Once you lodge, the Department of Home Affairs begins assessing your documents.
🔵 How Close Is the Invitation to Getting PR?
An invitation is not visa approval—but it means you are almost there.
Subclass 189 is a straight-to-PR visa, so once your application is processed and approved, you become a permanent resident immediately with:
- The right to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Access to Medicare
- The pathway to citizenship
- The ability to sponsor eligible relatives
The ITA is therefore a huge step forward.
🔵 Why Are Invitations So Competitive?
Australia uses Subclass 189 to select high-skilled, high-demand professionals, especially in fields like:
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- IT
- Construction
- Education
The number of invitations issued depends on Australia’s labour market needs, which means some occupations must compete with very high points.
🔵 Key Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Invited
If you haven’t received an invitation yet, you can boost your profile by:
- Improving English test scores
- Obtaining more skilled work experience
- Completing a higher qualification
- Applying for state nomination (e.g., 190 or 491)
- Increasing your points through partner skills
Even a small increase—from 85 to 90 points—can dramatically change your chances.
🔵 Final Thoughts
Being invited to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa is a major achievement that reflects:
- Your skills
- Your qualification level
- Your competitiveness
- Australia’s need for your occupation
Once you receive the invitation, the path to Australian permanent residency becomes clearer and more achievable—provided you submit a strong and well-documented application within the 60-day window.
