Skilled Independent Visa - Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa allowing skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia. It's designed for individuals with high-demand skills who don't need sponsorship from an employer, state, or territory. Eligible applicants are invited based on a points-tested assessment considering age, English proficiency, education, and work experience.
The visa is open to skilled migrants, eligible New Zealand citizens, and certain Hong Kong and British National passport holders, offering flexibility to work, study, and enjoy full residency rights in Australia. Holders gain access to Australian healthcare, social benefits, and the opportunity to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements. This makes the 189 visa an ideal option for skilled professionals seeking long-term settlement and career growth in Australia.
Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa
Permanent Residency
The Subclass 189 visa grants you and your family members permanent residency in Australia, providing the right to live, work, and study indefinitely.
Access to Healthcare
You and your family will be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
Family Rights
Family members, including your spouse or partner and dependent children, can be included in the visa application and enjoy the same benefits.
Work and Study Flexibility
You can work and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions on location.
Travel Rights
You can travel to and from Australia freely for five years, after which you may need a Resident Return Visa (RRV)
Pathway to Citizenship
Once you’ve lived in Australia for a certain period, this visa makes it easier to apply for Australian citizenship.
Social Security
After a waiting period, you may be eligible for certain social security payments.
Subclass 189 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must meet several essential criteria:
Occupation List
Your occupation must be listed on the relevant Australian skilled occupation list.
Skills Assessment
You must undergo a skills assessment conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Points Test
Achieve a minimum of 65 points on the Australian points test, which considers factors such as age, work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency.
Age
You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
English Language Proficiency
Demonstrate competent English by taking an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
Invitation to Apply
You must receive an invitation to apply for the visa after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
Health and Character
Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government.
Different Streams of Subclass 189 visa
Points-Tested Stream
Designed for skilled workers who meet the points test requirements.
Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Requires a minimum score of 65 points based on factors such as age, English proficiency, and work experience.
No need for employer, state, or territory sponsorship.
Provides permanent residency with the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Hong Kong Stream
Designed for residents of Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders.
For those who have been living, working, or studying in Australia on a temporary visa for at least 4 years.
Provides a direct pathway to permanent residency.
No need to meet the points test or occupation list requirements.
New Zealand Stream
This is permanently closed to new applicants on 1 July 2023
For New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for at least 5 years.
Must have started living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016.
No need to meet the points test or occupation list requirements.
Offers a straightforward pathway to permanent residency for New Zealand citizens already residing in Australia.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa
Check Your Eligibility
Ensure that your occupation is on the relevant occupation list and that you meet all other criteria, including a valid skills assessment and sufficient points.
1
Submit an Expresson of Interest (EOI)
Lodge an EOI through SkillSelect, detailing your qualifications, skills, and experience.
2
Receive an Invitation
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
3
Prepare and Submit Your Visa Application
Once invited, submit your visa application online, along with supporting documents such as your skills assessment, English language test results, and health checks.
4
Health and Character Checks
Complete mandatory health examinations and character checks, including police clearances.
5
Visa Decision
Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your application and make a decision.
6
Current Processing Time: Subclass 189 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| Stream | 50% applications are processed in | 90% applications are processed in |
|---|---|---|
| Points Tested Stream | 6 Months | 19 Months |
| New Zealand Stream | 29 Months | 37 Months |
| Hong Kong Stream | N/A | N/A |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
-
You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, but higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
-
No, you must be under 45 at the time of receiving an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
-
No, this visa does not require a job offer. It is a skilled independent visa, meaning you are not tied to an employer.
-
The key difference is that the Subclass 189 visa does not require state or territory sponsorship, while the Subclass 190 visa requires nomination by a state or territory.