Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190): photo and application guide
Permanent residence for skilled workers selected through the SkillSelect points system. Subclass 189 is independent; 190 requires state nomination.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · set by the current Visa Pricing Table · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared Home Affairs 35 × 45 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Fee set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra. Processing 50% within 6-12 months from invitation; varies by occupation. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Subclass 189 Skilled Independent / Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Permanent residence for skilled workers selected through the SkillSelect points system. Subclass 189 is independent; 190 requires state nomination. |
| Application route | SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by invitation to apply |
| Fee | set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra — indexed every 1 July. Visa Pricing Table ↗ |
| Processing time | 50% within 6-12 months from invitation; varies by occupation |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC |
| Official portal | Home Affairs — Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) ↗ |
Photo specification
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo standard. The same photo file works for the ImmiAccount upload and the printed copy at the VAC.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 to 36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | plain neutral or light grey that contrasts with the face, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile preferred) |
| Glasses | Discouraged; remove for the shot |
| Digital file | JPEG, 70 KB to 3.5 MB; 1200 × 1600 px preferred |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Editing | Not allowed: do not remove background, moles, wrinkles, scars or red eyes Why → |
What to watch out for with the Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190)
The Skilled Independent visa is the main permanent-residence route for skilled workers without an employer sponsor. Points are awarded for age, English language, occupation, work experience and education. Invitations are issued from the SkillSelect pool based on points score. There is no permanent resident card in Australia: a permanent visa is recorded electronically against your passport and checked through VEVO, so the photo lives in the Department's identity record rather than on a plastic card.
Frequently asked questions about the Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190)
What size photo do I need for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190)?
35 × 45 mm portrait. The Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo: head 32 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression.
How much does the Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) cost?
set by the current Visa Pricing Table; dependant charges extra.
How long does the Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) take to process?
50% within 6-12 months from invitation; varies by occupation.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190)?
Yes for most nationalities — at a VAC. The biometric capture happens at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Can I use the same photo for an Australian passport later?
Yes if you become an Australian citizen and apply for an Australian passport. The DFAT passport specification (35 × 45 mm) matches the Home Affairs visa specification. The photo is interchangeable across these documents.
Other Australian visa categories
Prepare your Skilled Independent (subclass 189 / 190) photo
Upload a genuine, unedited portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to 35 × 45 mm and sets the file size. Your face and background stay untouched, as Home Affairs requires.