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The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a popular pathway for skilled workers who wish to live and work permanently in Australia. Unlike other skilled migration visas, the Subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer, state, or territory, making it a favourable option for skilled professionals worldwide. This guide covers eligibility criteria, application steps, costs, and more to help you understand the benefits and requirements of the Subclass 189 visa.
The Subclass 189 is a points-tested visa that allows skilled individuals to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is designed for skilled workers whose qualifications and occupations are in high demand across Australia, as specified on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
The visa has two streams:
✔️ Points-tested stream: Requires applicants to meet a minimum points score based on age, English language skills, work experience, education, and other factors.
✔️ New Zealand stream: For eligible New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia and wish to obtain permanent residency.
To qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants must meet the following criteria:
✔️ Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List, and it must align with your skills and qualifications.
✔️ Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
✔️ English Language Proficiency: A proficient level of English is required. You may need to take an English language test if you are not a native English speaker.
✔️ Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from an approved assessing authority for your occupation.
✔️ Points Test: Achieve a minimum score of 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, education, and work experience.
✔️ Health and Character: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
The application process for the 189 visa involves several steps:
✔️ Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and that your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
✔️ Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, specifying the visa subclass and providing information on your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
✔️ Receive an Invitation: Wait to receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Invitations are issued based on the points score and demand for your occupation.
✔️ Submit Your Application: After receiving an invitation, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application online.
✔️ Complete Health and Character Checks: Undergo required medical exams and police background checks.
✔️ Await Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will review your application, and you’ll be notified of the decision.
The points test is a major factor in determining eligibility for the Subclass 189 visa. Points are awarded based on:
✔️ Age: Younger applicants receive more points.
✔️ English Language Ability: Proficiency scores can add significant points.
✔️ Educational Qualifications: Higher education degrees can increase your score.
✔️ Work Experience: Relevant skilled employment in Australia or overseas can add points.
✔️ Other Factors: Certain qualifications, study in Australia, and partner skills may contribute additional points.
Achieving a high score increases your chances of receiving an invitation, especially in competitive occupations.
Yes, applicants can apply for the Subclass 189 visa from within Australia or overseas. However, you must hold a Substantive Visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C if applying from within Australia. This flexibility makes the Subclass 189 visa suitable for individuals currently in Australia on temporary visas as well as those living outside the country.
To qualify, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from an approved assessing authority related to your occupation. Each occupation on the Skilled Occupation List has a designated authority responsible for assessing skills and qualifications. This assessment ensures that your experience and education align with the Australian standards for your occupation.
With a 189 visa, you’ll enjoy various benefits, including:
✔️ Permanent Residency: Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with no restrictions.
✔️ Health and Education: Access Medicare and other healthcare benefits.
✔️ Citizenship Pathway: After meeting the residency requirements, you may be eligible for Australian citizenship.
✔️ Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application.
✔️ Freedom to Work: Unlike other visas, the Subclass 189 does not require a sponsoring employer.
The application fee for the Subclass 189 visa is approximately AUD 4,115 for the primary applicant. Additional charges apply for family members:
✔️ Partner or spouse: AUD 2,055
✔️ Children under 18: AUD 1,030
Additional fees may apply for health exams, police certificates, and biometric data collection. It’s advisable to check the latest costs on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) grants permanent residency to successful applicants. This visa allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely, with the option to travel to and from the country for five years from the date of grant. After five years, you may need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia if you haven’t yet obtained citizenship.
Applicants for the Subclass 189 visa can include certain family members in their application, including:
✔️ Partner or spouse
✔️ Dependent children
✔️ Other dependent relatives in some cases
Family members will receive the same rights and benefits as the primary visa holder, including work and study rights.
Holders of the Subclass 189 visa must meet certain obligations:
✔️ Maintain Valid Health Insurance: If you haven’t enrolled in Medicare, it’s advisable to maintain private health insurance.
✔️ Comply with Australian Laws: Abide by all local, state, and federal laws in Australia.
The Subclass 189 visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as needed within the first five years from the grant date. After that period, if you wish to travel internationally, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) unless you have obtained citizenship.
