Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. This visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia and is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that meet the needs of the Australian labor market.

Key Features

• Permanent Residency: This visa grants you and your immediate family permanent residency in Australia.
• Work and Study Rights: Holders can work and study in Australia without restrictions.
• Access to Medicare: As a permanent resident, you’ll have access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, you may apply for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet several requirements:

1. Skills Assessment:
   • You must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority in Australia for your nominated occupation.
2. Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List:
   • Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
3. Age:
   • You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.
4. English Proficiency:
   • You must demonstrate competent English proficiency through an approved test (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
5. Points Test:
   • You must score at least 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
6. Health and Character Requirements:
   • You must meet specific health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearance certificates.

The Application Process

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):
   • Create and submit an EOI through SkillSelect. This form provides details about your qualifications, work experience, and points score.
2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
   • If your EOI is successful and you meet the required points threshold, you will receive an ITA to apply for the visa.
3. Prepare Your Application:
   • Gather all necessary documents, including:
     • Identification (passport, birth certificate)
     • Skills assessment results
     • English language test results
     • Work experience letters
     • Medical and police clearance certificates.
4. Submit Your Application:
   • Complete and submit your visa application online, providing all required documents and paying the application fee.
5. Processing Time:
   • Processing times can vary, but it typically takes several months to receive a decision.
6. Receive Your Visa:
   • If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification, allowing you to live and work in Australia permanently.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

• Freedom to Live Anywhere: You can choose where to live and work throughout Australia.
• Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application.
• Social Security Benefits: As a permanent resident, you can access various social security benefits.
• Educational Opportunities: You can study at Australian institutions and may be eligible for domestic student fees.

Conclusion

The Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Australia. With its focus on individual skills and qualifications, this visa pathway allows you to contribute to Australia’s economy and enjoy a high standard of living.

Contact Us

If you need assistance with the Subclass 189 Visa application process or have questions about your eligibility, our experienced immigration consultants are here to help. Contact us today for personalized guidance on your journey to permanent residency in Australia!