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

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Key Takeaways:

189 Skilled Visa Overview: Permanent visa for skilled individuals and New Zealand citizens to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia.
Application Streams: Two streams include Points Tested and New Zealand; each with specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
Application Process: Submit an Expression of Interest, receive a visa invitation, and apply through ImmiAccount; specific steps for each stream.

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

What Is a 189 Skilled Visa in Australia?

The Subclass 189, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a permanent work visa that allows you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. This visa mainly targets highly skilled individuals, and New Zealand citizens who’ve resided and worked in Australia for multiple years also find it advantageous.

Skilled Visa: Subclass 189 Categories

Subclass 189 visa comprises two primary streams:

Points Tested Stream

In this stream, you need to be invited to apply. Your invitation depends on whether you meet the necessary score on the points table. You do not need a sponsor or a nomination for this stream.

New Zealand Stream

Exclusive to New Zealand citizens, this stream requires applicants to have lived in Australia for at least five years. Moreover, you must have held a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and have been living in Australia on or before February 19, 2016.

Document Checklist for a Subclass 189 Skilled Visa

When applying for a Skilled Independent Visa 189, ensure you have the following documents:

Copy of passport pages with personal details
National identity card copy (if applicable)
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Character documents, including Form 80
Proof of English language proficiency (not needed for New Zealand stream)
Skill assessment documents
Documents for any name change
Form 956 and Form 956a

For the New Zealand stream:

Residence documents
Income documentation

For your partner or spouse:

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

For dependent children under 18:

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

For dependent children over 18:

Proof of dependency, including form 47a
Proof of functional English proficiency (only required for the points tested stream)

Am I Eligible for the Subclass 189 Skilled Visa?

Points Tested Stream Eligibility Criteria

You qualify for the points tested stream if:

You have received an invitation to apply for the visa.
You are under 45 years old.
You have a positive skill evaluation.
You score at least 65 points on the points table.

New Zealand Stream Eligibility Criteria

You qualify for the New Zealand stream if:

You hold a Special Category Visa subclass 444.
You have resided in Australia for at least five years.
Your earnings meet the income threshold.

Understanding 189 Visa Points

For the Skilled Independent 189 Visa under the points tested stream, your application hinges on meeting a score requirement of at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on skills such as English proficiency—superior English yields more points than functional English.

For a detailed calculation of your points, a helpful resource is available here.

Steps to Apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled Visa

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

For the points tested stream, you must submit an EOI via SkillSelect before you can formally apply for the visa.

Meet the Points Requirement

Fill in your personal and professional information in the EOI. If you reach at least 65 points, you will receive an invitation to apply.

Get a Visa Invitation

Once your EOI submission is complete, an invitation to apply will be issued if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Apply for the Visa

After receiving the invitation, use your ImmiAccount to submit the visa application. For the New Zealand stream, you can directly apply without submitting an EOI.

Processing Times for Subclass 189 Skilled Visa

Processing times can vary:

Points tested stream: 15-25 months
New Zealand stream: 14-17 months

How Much Does a 189 Visa Application Cost?

The base cost of a Subclass 189 Skilled Visa is AUD4,115. An additional fee of AUD4,890 applies for each secondary applicant who fails to demonstrate functional English proficiency—this is specific to the points tested stream.

For the New Zealand stream, the fees are split into two installments. Initially, you pay 20% of the total amount, and the remainder is due before your visa is granted.

For a comprehensive breakdown of visa fees, you can visit this page.

What is the Skill Occupation List for a 189 Skilled Visa?

To qualify for the points tested stream, your occupation needs to be on the skilled occupation list. This list specifies occupations that are eligible for visa applications along with the corresponding assessing authorities. This list also includes ANZSCO codes, which classify occupations and required skills.

For more details, visit the Skilled Occupation List.

How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a 189 Skilled Visa?

With a Subclass 189 Skilled Visa, you can stay in Australia indefinitely. However, if you aspire to become an Australian citizen, you may apply for citizenship after fulfilling certain residency requirements over a few years.

Can I Bring My Family Members to Australia with a 189 Skilled Visa?

Yes, you can bring your close family members, which typically include:

Partner (spouse or registered partner)
Biological or adopted children
Your partner’s children

If you are bringing adult children over 18, evidence of their dependency on you or your partner must be provided.

Can I Travel with a 189 Skilled Visa?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Visa allows travel for five years from the date it’s granted. After five years, you must apply for a resident return visa to extend your travel privileges. Without this, re-entry to Australia as a permanent resident may not be possible if you leave the country.

Applying for a Skilled Independent Visa 189 could be your opportunity to live and thrive in Australia. Understanding the requirements and having all necessary documents will help streamline the process. For more official information and ready resources, the Australian Government Visa page offers comprehensive guidance.

This guide aims to provide essentials on the 189 Skilled Visa process, making your journey smoother and more predictable. Remember, thorough preparation and understanding the eligibility criteria are key to a successful application.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Key Immigration Terms

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa)
- A permanent visa that allows the holder to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely without the need for sponsorship or nomination. It targets highly skilled individuals and some New Zealand citizens.
Points Tested Stream
- A pathway within the Subclass 189 visa category where applicants must be invited to apply based on their score on a points table. Points are awarded for factors like age, English proficiency, and work experience.
Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)
- A visa automatically granted to New Zealand citizens upon entering Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia. It’s a prerequisite for New Zealand citizens applying for the Subclass 189 visa New Zealand stream.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
- A formal submission made through SkillSelect that indicates an applicant’s desire to apply for an Australian visa. It provides a breakdown of the applicant’s qualifications and skills to assess their eligibility for an invitation.
Skill Assessment
- An evaluation process conducted by designated authorities to verify that an applicant’s skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for their nominated occupation, crucial for the Subclass 189 visa application.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Subclass 189 Skilled Visa in Australia is a permanent work visa for highly skilled individuals. It offers streams for points assessment and New Zealand citizens. To apply, ensure eligibility, gather necessary documents, meet points requirements, and follow application steps. For details, visit the Australian Government Visa page. Apply for a chance to live and work in Australia long-term.
— By VisaVerge.com