Bangladesh → Australia: the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) roadmap
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. Selection is invitation-only through SkillSelect: you submit an Expression of Interest, and the Department invites the highest-scoring candidates. The official minimum pass mark is 65 points, but in 2026 real invitation cut-offs are much higher (often 85 to 95+ points depending on occupation), and invitation rounds have moved to a quarterly schedule with 189 treated as a residual program after 190/491. Note: the AUD 4,910 base fee is the current 2025-26 GSM-group charge confirmed by migration-law firms (Nov 2025); the official immi.homeaffairs.gov.au pages were not directly reachable during research, so verify the exact fee via the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Moving from Bangladesh
- You apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) at the Australia consulate, embassy, or visa application centre that serves Bangladesh, confirm the office and the current appointment wait for your region.
- Qualifications and work experience earned in Bangladesh usually need a credential assessment or recognition before they count toward Australia's requirements.
- Budget for certified translation and apostille or legalisation of your Bangladesh documents (degree, police certificate, civil records).
- Check whether a Bangladesh passport needs a short-stay visa for any in-person biometrics or interview steps.
General guidance for any Bangladesh to Australia applicant; the eligibility and fees below are set by Australia.
At a glance
Who qualifies
- Be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply
- Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list from the correct assessing authority
- Score at least 65 points on the points test (age, English, qualifications, work experience, etc.), though a higher score is needed in practice to be invited
- Have at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
- Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply
- Meet health and character requirements
Your step-by-step roadmap
Prepare and qualify
- Confirm your occupation is on the eligible skilled occupation list and identify the correct assessing authority
- Obtain a positive skills assessment and sit an English test (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
- Calculate your points score to confirm you reach at least 65
Submit EOI and receive invitation
- Lodge an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect with your claimed points
- Wait for an invitation in a (now quarterly) invitation round; ranking is by points then date of effect
- Receive an Invitation to Apply, valid for 60 days
Lodge the visa application
- Apply online within 60 days of invitation and pay the visa application charge
- Upload evidence for every points claim (identity, skills assessment, English, work experience)
- Complete health examinations and provide police clearances for each country of residence
Grant and settlement
- Receive the permanent visa decision, typically within 6 to 12 months
- Enter or remain in Australia as a permanent resident with full work and study rights
- Begin accruing residence time toward citizenship eligibility
Government fees
Timeline & path to citizenship
Timeline: End to end, expect roughly 12 to 24 months: several months to complete skills assessment, English test, and EOI, then a variable wait for an invitation (which can be long for competitive occupations), followed by visa processing of about 6 to 12 months after lodgement.
Citizenship: Subclass 189 is permanent residence from the day it is granted; you can then apply for Australian citizenship after living in Australia lawfully for 4 years, including the most recent 12 months as a permanent resident (subject to absence limits, good character, and the citizenship test).
This is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration professional.