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Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

Your Guide to the Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 in Australia 

skilled immigration visa australia

What is Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189?

The Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. This visa is ideal for individuals who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or a family member. With this visa, you and your family can enjoy all the benefits of Australian permanent residency, including access to healthcare and education services, and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship in the future. 

  • Key Requirements skilled visa 189 

To be eligible for the skilled visa 189, you must: 

  • Have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). 
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation. 
  • Be invited to apply for this visa. 
  • Satisfy the points test by scoring at least 65 points based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications. 
  • You must be younger than 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation to apply. 
skilled independent visa

Various Streams Under Subclass 189

skilled visa 189
  • Points Tested Stream 

Overview 

The Points Tested Stream of the Skill Independent Visa Subclass 189 allows invited workers with skills needed in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in the country. This stream is highly competitive and requires applicants to meet specific criteria to qualify for an invitation. 

Key Requirements 

To qualify for the Points Tested Stream, you must: 

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): You need to lodge an EOI through SkillSelect and be invited to apply. 
  • Occupational Requirement: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. 
  • Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. 
  • Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded for various factors including age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and other factors. 
  • Invitation: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa. 
  • Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements. 
  • New Zealand Stream 

Overview 

The New Zealand Stream allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated a long-term commitment and contribution to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. This stream acknowledges the close relationship between Australia and New Zealand and provides a pathway for New Zealand citizens to become permanent residents of Australia. 

Please Note: The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream) visa permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. For more information see Recent changes.  

Key Requirements 

To be eligible for the New Zealand Stream, you must: 

  • Citizenship: Be a New Zealand citizen. 
  • Residence: Have been usually resident in Australia for at least the last 5 years. 
  • Income: Meet certain income thresholds, unless exempt. 
  • Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements. 
  • Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment and contribution to Australia. 

 

visa subclass 189
permanent residency visa 189
  • Hong Kong Stream 

Overview 

The Hong Kong Stream allows eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia to live and work permanently in Australia. This stream is designed to offer permanent residency pathways to individuals from Hong Kong who have built a life in Australia. 

Key Requirements 

To be eligible for the Hong Kong Stream, you must: 

  • Passport: Hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport. 
  • Visa and Residence: Meet specific visa and residence requirements. 
  • Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements. 
  • Commitment: Demonstrate your commitment and contribution to Australia. 

For the most current updates on any details regarding the Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189, please visit the official Australian Government website

  • Benefits of Skilled Independ Visa –Subclass 189 

  • Permanent Residency: The permanent residency visa 189 grants you the right to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. 
  • Travel: You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want for five years from the date the visa is granted. 
  • Family: You can include eligible family members in your application, providing them with the same permanent residency benefits. 
  • Citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period, you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. 
skill independent visa subclass 189
skill independent visa
  • Application Process 

The application process for the skill independent visa subclass 189 involves several steps: 

  • Submit an EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. 
  • Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including your skills assessment, English language test results, and evidence of your work experience and qualifications. 
  • Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application online within 60 days of receiving the invitation. 
  • Medical and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and provide police certificates to meet the health and character requirements.
  • Await Decision: Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application and make a decision

Processing Time For all Visas

Check your Processing Time here.  

  • The visa applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including: 
  • whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents 
  • how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information 
  • how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided 
  • how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements 
  • how many places are available in the migration program 
  •  
permanent residency visa

Contact us today for a free consultation! 

KnN Migration’s experienced team will guide you throughout the process, ensuring a smooth journey.

FAQs

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory, or family member. It allows the visa holder to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. 

To be eligible for this visa, you must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a suitable skills assessment, meet the points test requirement of at least 65 points, and be invited to apply. Additionally, you must be under 45 years of age and have competent English proficiency. 

The points test assesses factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and other relevant criteria. Points are awarded for each factor, and you need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to apply (Immigration and citizenship Website) (Immigration and citizenship Website) (knN Visa Point Calculator) 

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a way to show your interest in applying for the visa. You can submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. This does not mean you have applied for the visa but rather that you would like to be considered for an invitation to apply (Immigration and citizenship Website) . 

A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience by a relevant assessment authority to ensure they meet the standards required for your nominated occupation. You must contact the appropriate assessing authority for your occupation to obtain this assessment (Immigration and citizenship Website) . 

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your visa application. They will also be granted permanent residency if your application is successful. 

Processing times for the visa can vary. The Department of Home Affairs provides updated processing times on their website. Generally, it can take several months from the time of application to receive a decision (Immigration and citizenship Website) . 

You must demonstrate competent English language proficiency, which generally means a minimum score in one of the accepted English language tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Competent English proficiency is minimum requirement to qualify but its recommended to get higher score as English can help to boost up your points. 

After holding the visa and residing in Australia for a certain period, typically four years, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. This includes meeting residency, character, and English language requirements. 

New Zealand citizens can apply through a specific New Zealand stream of the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This stream requires demonstrating a long-term commitment and contribution to Australia (Immigration and citizenship Website) (Immigration and citizenship Website) . 

Contact KnN Migration!

Our team of experts can assess your eligibility, guide you through the application process, and ensure a smooth journey towards your Australian dream. 

GSM Visa Australia

    Disclaimer

    The details shared above were accurate as of July 2024, but it’s important to note that migration regulations change over time. This information is meant for general understanding and should not be taken as legal advice. Keep in mind that information can change, so reach out to us for the latest guidance tailored to your situation. We look forward to assisting you!

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