Afrovo

Menu

How to Get Permanent Residency in Australia via 189 Visa (2025 Guide for Africans)

Want to live, work, and thrive in Australia permanently? The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most powerful migration options for Africans looking to secure PR without needing state nomination or employer sponsorship.

In this guide, we walk you through the 189 visa, from eligibility and invitation rounds to point calculation, application steps, and how to increase your chances of success as a Nigerian or African applicant.

 

What Is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer or state.

✅ Grants permanent residency (PR)

✅ Allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia

✅ Includes family members in your application

✅ Gives access to Medicare, social benefits, and eventual citizenship

Who Is the Subclass 189 Visa For?

You may qualify if you are:

✅ A skilled Nigerian or African professional (e.g. nurse, IT specialist, engineer, teacher)

✅ Under 45 years old

✅ Have an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)

✅ Can score at least 65 points (more is better)

✅ Have competent English (IELTS 6.0+ in each band)

✅ Have your skills assessed by the relevant authority

✅ Ready to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

 

Points Breakdown

  • Age (25–32): 30 points
  • English (Proficient): 10 points
  • Work Experience (Overseas): Up to 15
  • Education (Bachelor/Master): 15
  • Australian Study: 5-10
  • Partner Skills: 5-10
  • NAATI/Community Language: 5
  • Regional Study: 5
  • Total Needed: Minimum 65 (competitive = 85+)

Afrovo Tip: Most 189 invites are issued to applicants with 85–95 points

 

Invitation Rounds (2024-2025)

Australia runs periodic invitation rounds; you can’t apply directly; you must be invited.

 

Trending high-invite occupations for Africans

  • Registered Nurses

  • Software Engineers

  • Civil Engineers

  • ICT Business Analysts

  • Secondary Teachers

  • Early Childhood Teachers

  • Electricians, Mechanics, Chefs

 

Step-by-Step Subclass 189 Application

  1. Check Eligibility: Afrovo helps assess your points, skills, and occupation fit

  2. Get Skills Assessment: From ACS, AITSL, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, etc.

  3. Sit English Test: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent

  4. Lodge EOI via SkillSelect: Wait to be invited (Afrovo optimises your profile)

  5. Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA): Usually valid for 60 days

  6. Lodge Visa Application: Submit all documents and health/police checks

  7. Wait for Grant Decision: Processing time: 4–9 months

 

How Afrovo Helps You Win

We specialize in helping Africans succeed in the competitive 189 space.

✅ Eligibility evaluation
✅ Points calculation & improvement plan
✅ Skills assessment support
✅ English test prep
✅ EOI creation & optimization
✅ Visa application assistance
✅ PR strategy if 189 isn’t enough

Even if you’re not eligible now, we build your roadmap.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Wrong or incomplete skills assessment
❌ Overestimating points or fake work experience
❌ Submitting a weak EOI
❌ Applying for the wrong visa stream
❌ Ignoring new invite trends

 

“I thought 189 was out of reach. Afrovo helped boost my points through English, NAATI, and regional study. Now I have PR!”
— Ikenna, ICT Analyst from Nigeria

 

🔍 Curious if you qualify for 189 PR?
👉 Book Your Free PR Eligibility Assessment

📈 Need help boosting your points to secure an invitation?
👉 Talk to Our Migration Advisor

🛬 Looking for a long-term migration strategy starting from study?
👉 Get a Custom Study-to-PR Plan

 

Achieve Your Migration Journey Today with Afrovo.

We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.

📧 Email: hello@afrovo.com
📲 WhatsApp: Click to chat
📸 Instagram: @afrovo_
🎥 TikTok: @afrovo
📘 Facebook: @Afrovo