Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189
(Points-tested Stream)
(Permanent)
Overview of the 189 Visa and Local Melbourne Support
-
As a permanent visa, Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is designed for workers whose professional skills are sought after in Australia and can make an immediate contribution to Australian economy, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
-
It is points-based (unless for New Zealand citizens who can also apply for Subclass 189 visa in New Zealand stream), meaning you must meet the threshold points requirement (minimum 65) to be eligible to apply.
-
You may claim points based on a range of factors, such as age, work experience, educational background and English competency.
-
It is also invitation-based, meaning the Immigration generally picks the top-calibre (highest-scored) applicants in each round based on their submitted Expressions of Interest (EOI) and issue them invitations to apply for this visa. Please note different occupations may require vastly different scores to be invited.
-
Different from Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 491 visa), Subclass 189 visa does not require state or territory sponsorship.
-
You may include your family in your visa application so your entire family can migrate together.
Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
be between 18 and 44 years old (inclusive)
confirm your occupation is on the relevant occupation list
score at least 65 points on points test
have at least competent English (please note certain occupations, such as Accountant, are required to have a higher level of English proficiency)
obtain a successful skills assessment for your occupation
have specific amount of work experience, including 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in the nominated occupation in the last 3 years, for certain occupations as required by skills assessing authorities (if applicable)
meet health and character requirements
be invited by the Immigration to apply for this visa
Detailed Procedure for Securing Your Subclass 189 Visa
Step 1 – Confirm and Choose Occupation
-
Confirm your occupation is on the relevant occupation list and you are eligible.
-
You may choose the most closely related occupation from the list if its prescribed job duties generally describe what you do in your job.
Step 2 – Lodge Skills Assessment
-
Lodge a skills assessment in your selected occupation to a designated skills assessing authority.
-
The purpose of skills assessment is for the Immigration to ensure your professional skills are recognised in Australia and therefore can effectively address the skills shortage in your profession in the country.
-
The application fee and turnaround time both vary with different assessing bodies.
-
If the assessment comes out positive, you may move on to Step 3.
Step 3 – Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
-
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Immigration. To do this, you need to be able to claim at least 65 points based on your educational background, age and English proficiency among other factors.
-
Essentially, EOIs allow the Immigration to have a clear view of the detailed background of every single applicant seeking to migrate to Australia, so the Immigration can make an informed decision on which applicants should be issued a formal invitation to apply for Subclass 189 visa based the value of their particular skillset to Australian society.
-
Each EOI is valid for 2 years after submission but can be re-submitted. EOI is free of charge in any circumstance.
Step 4 – Apply for Subclass 189 Visa
-
You must apply for Subclass 189 visa within 60 days of receiving the invitation from the Immigration, or the invitation will expire.
-
The visa application usually needs to be decision-ready, meaning all supporting documents must be submitted to the Immigration when lodging the visa application. Accidentally missing documents risks a visa refusal.
Location
Applicants may be in or outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant.
Duration of Stay
This is a permanent visa that allows you to stay permanently in Australia. However, its travel facility expires after 5 years so you will need to apply for Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 & 157) or Australian citizenship (if eligible) if you wish to travel overseas and back to Australia after the expiry date.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
With this visa, you may:
-
migrate to Australia together with your family
-
stay and live in Australia permanently
-
potentially bring your extended family members to Australia permanently on parent visa or visa intended for other relatives
-
access various government benefits, including but not limited to:
-
pension
-
unemployment and job-seeking benefits
-
concession cards for commuting
-
benefits associated with new-born baby
-
interest-free school loan
-
-
travel overseas and back to Australia without limitations for any purposes (e.g. overseas holiday, visiting family and/or attending family matters in home country)
-
access Australia’s public health care scheme (Medicare) which essentially provides free medical consultations, operations and hospitalization for a wide range of medical conditions
-
work in Australia without any limitations
-
study in Australia without any limitations
-
attend free English language course provided by Australian government
-
apply for Australian citizenship when eligible
Application Fees
You may include your family in your Subclass 189 visa application so your entire family can migrate together.
First Instalment
-
Primary applicant: $4240
-
Each additional applicant aged 18 or above: $2120
-
Each additional applicant under 18: $1060
Second Instalment
A second instalment of $4885 applies for each applicant who is at least 18 and assessed as not having functional English at the time of invitation.
Please note: you may incur third-party charges, for example, for translation, skills assessment, English test, police certificate and health exam.
Processing Time
Kindly note the processing time constantly varies. Please contact us for update.
-
75% of applications: 21 months
-
90% of applications: 33 months
