Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Eligibility & Application Guide

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Key Takeaways:

The Subclass 189 Visa allows highly skilled individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely without employer or familial sponsorship.
Applicants must meet specific points criteria or be New Zealand citizens residing in Australia for at least five years.
Required documents include ID, skill assessments, proof of English proficiency, and specific forms for dependents and partners.

What Is a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a work visa that allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This visa is designed for highly skilled individuals who meet specific points criteria and do not require sponsorship from an employer or Australian relative. This visa also has a stream specifically for New Zealand citizens who have been living and working in Australia for several years.

Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Eligibility & Application Guide — Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Eligibility & Application Guide

Who Can Apply for the Subclass 189 Visa?

You can apply for the Subclass 189 Visa if you are:
– A highly skilled individual meeting the points requirements for the Points Tested Stream, or
– A New Zealand citizen who has lived in Australia for at least five years while holding a special visa subclass 444.

What Are the Main Streams for the Subclass 189 Visa?

1. Points Tested Stream

The Points Tested Stream does not require sponsorship or a nomination. However, to apply, you must receive an invitation. Invitations are extended to individuals who meet the required points threshold, which generally begins at 65 points.

2. New Zealand Stream

This stream is for New Zealand citizens who have resided in Australia for at least five years and hold a special subclass 444 visa. Your stay must have begun on or before February 19, 2016, for the residence period to be considered valid.

What Documents Are Needed for the Subclass 189 Visa Application?

Essential Documents for Points Tested Stream:

Copy of passport pages with personal details
Identification document (e.g., national identity card)
Expression of interest
Character documents (may include form 80)
Proof of English language proficiency
Skill assessment documents
Documents proving any name changes
Forms 956 and 956a

Essential Documents for New Zealand Stream:

Residence documents
Income documentation

Documents for Your Partner or Spouse:

Identity documents
Character documents
Marriage certificate or evidence of registered relationship
Divorce documents (if applicable)
Proof of functional English proficiency

Documents for Your Dependent Children Under 18:

Identity documents
Birth certificates or family book with parents’ names
Parental consent form 1229
Statutory declaration

Documents for Your Dependent Children Over 18:

Proof of dependency
Dependency form 47a
Proof of functional English proficiency (only for Points Tested Stream)

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 189 Visa?

For Points Tested Stream:

Invitation to apply for the visa
Under 45 years of age
Positive skill evaluation
At least 65 points on the score table

For New Zealand Stream:

Possession of a special visa subclass 444
Lived in Australia for at least five years
Meet the income threshold

How Are Points Calculated for the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) under the Points Tested Stream requires you to meet a minimum of 65 points. Points are awarded based on various factors including your English language proficiency, age, work experience, and qualifications. You can calculate your points using the SkillSelect system, which will inform you if you meet the eligibility criteria for an invitation. Check your points.

How Can You Apply for the Subclass 189 Visa?

Step-by-Step Application Process:

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): For the Points Tested Stream, submit an EOI via SkillSelect.
Meet the Points Requirement: An automatic calculation will determine your points.
Receive a Visa Invitation: Wait for an invitation to apply if your points meet the threshold.
Apply for the Visa: After receiving the invitation, apply via your ImmiAccount.

For the New Zealand Stream, you can directly apply via your ImmiAccount without the first three steps.

What Are the Processing Times for the Subclass 189 Visa?

Processing times for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):
– Points Tested Stream: 15-25 months
– New Zealand Stream: 14-17 months

What Are the Fees for the Subclass 189 Visa?

The application fee for the Subclass 189 Visa is AUD 4,115. For additional applicants who cannot meet the English language requirement, an extra fee of AUD 4,890 is required. New Zealand stream applicants need to pay the application fee in two installments.

For detailed information on fees, visit the official fee schedule.

What Occupations Are Eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa?

For the Points Tested Stream, your occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List. Each occupation is matched with an assessing authority that evaluates your skills. The list also includes ANZSCO codes, which categorize occupations and the necessary skills.

Access the full Skilled Occupation List.

How Long Can You Stay in Australia with the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 Visa allows you to live in Australia indefinitely, as it is a permanent visa. You can also apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residence criteria over a number of years.

Can You Bring Family Members with the Subclass 189 Visa?

Yes, you can bring close family members such as your partner, children, and grandchildren. For adult children over 18, you need to provide proof of their dependency.

Can You Travel Outside Australia with the Subclass 189 Visa?

You can travel freely for five years from the date your visa is granted. After five years, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa to extend your travel privileges. If you leave Australia without a current travel facility, you may not be allowed to return as a permanent resident.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) offers a pathway to permanent residence in Australia for highly skilled individuals and certain New Zealand citizens. By meeting the eligibility criteria and successfully providing the required documentation, you can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Australia indefinitely.

For more comprehensive information, visit the official Australian Government immigration page.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A permanent work visa for highly skilled individuals allowing them to live and work in Australia indefinitely without needing sponsorship from an employer or relative.
Points Tested Stream: A stream under the Subclass 189 Visa for applicants who meet specific points criteria based on factors like age, English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. No sponsorship is required, but an invitation to apply must be received.
New Zealand Stream: A pathway under the Subclass 189 Visa specifically for New Zealand citizens who have lived in Australia for at least five years and hold a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444).
Expression of Interest (EOI): A formal application submission through the SkillSelect system, indicating a candidate’s interest in applying for a skilled visa. It is an essential step for those applying under the Points Tested Stream.
Skill Assessment: An evaluation conducted by an assessing authority to determine if an applicant’s skills and qualifications meet the standards required for their nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. This is mandatory for the Points Tested Stream of the Subclass 189 Visa.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows highly skilled individuals to live and work in Australia permanently without needing employer sponsorship. New Zealand citizens meeting residency criteria can also apply. Following point-based assessment, applicants collect required documents and initiate the process for a chance at Australian residency.
— By VisaVerge.com