Skilled Independent Visa

Subclass 189

What is it?

The 189 visa is for points-tested skilled workers, and does not require sponsorship by either an employer, state or territory government, or relative in Australia. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

The Application Process

1. Check Your Eligibility

Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants must meet the pass mark in the Skilled Migration Points Test.

3. Wait for Invitation

Once you have submitted an EOI, you can then be invited by the Australian government, Australian employers, or state governments to apply for the skilled visa.

2. Submit an EOI

In order to apply for Skilled Independent or Skilled Nominated visa, you are required to submit an EOI through SkillSelect.

4. Apply for Visa

After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa from the DOHA, you will have 60 days to lodge a visa application. Without an invitation you are not eligible to apply.

Requirements

Have a relevant occupation on the MLTSSL
Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points (as of 1 July 2018)
Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
Have competent English, and
Meet health and character requirements.

What you can do with a 189 visa?

Stay in Australia indefinitely
Work and study in Australia
Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s scheme for health related care and expenses
Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
Travel to and from Australia for five years, and
Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible.

Common Questions

Is this visa points tested?

You must be able to meet the points score on your invitation letter. This score must be 65 points (as of 16 November 2019) or more.
The score on your invitation letter is based on the information in your EOI.
You must be able to meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.

Do I need a skills assessment?

You will need to obtain a Positive Skills Assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation (which must be on the MLTSSL) or provide evidence that you have applied for your skills assessment.

What is an Expressions of Interest (EOI)?

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect with details of your nominated occupation, skills, and qualifications. SkillSelect will estimate a points score and rank you against other intending migrants. If you are ranked high enough and there are places available for your nominated occupation, you will be invited to apply for the visa.

If you are invited, you have 60 calendar days to apply for the visa.

Can I apply in Australia or Overseas?

You can be in or outside Australia when you submit your EOI.

You can either be in Australia or overseas when you apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.

To be able to lodge from within Australia, you would need to hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B or C visa. Once you apply from within Australia, you will receive a Bridging Visa allowing you to remain in Australia during processing of your visa application. If your current visa is refused or cancelled, you might not be eligible to apply for the 189 Visa while you are in Australia.

If you are outside Australia when the visa is granted, you and your family members will need to enter Australia for the first time prior to expiry of your health and police clearances.

How long will the 189 Visa be valid for?

This is a permanent visa – it lasts indefinitely. The visa starts on the date it is granted.

If you are outside Australia when the visa is granted, you and your family members will need to enter Australia for the first time prior to expiry of your health and police clearances.

Can I include my family?

You can include the following types of family members in your application:

Spouses, de facto partners and same-sex partners
Dependent children

What are the visa conditions?

You and your family members must comply with Australian laws and your visa conditions.

You can find your visa conditions in VEVO.

Can I travel on this visa?

You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for five years after the visa is granted.

Potential pathways

If eligible, 189 visa holders can go on to apply for Australian citizenship.

Key takeaway

If you are a skilled worker, you might want to consider the General Skilled Migration program. However, make sure that you meet the general and specific requirements of the relevant subclass visa. We can assist you with obtaining your skills assessment and coming up with strategies to maximise your points score.

Superior migration expertise at your side.

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Visa Application Charges

AUD $4,095 Main Applicant $4,095
AUD $2,025 Additional applicant Charge + 18
AUD $1,015 Additional applicant Charge -18

Excluded costs

Health Insurance
Australian police check
Medical Exam (if required)

*The fee listed above is current as of 1st of July, 2019 and is subject to change.

**Plus credit card surcharge if paying by credit card.

Discover and understand all your options in your quest for permanent residency in one single consultation.

Migration Plan

For a FULL assessment of your PR options including a roadmap identifying the best pathway forward, so you can reach your goals. Understand your options including the 189 visa, Regional 491 and State Nominated 190. An extensive overview of the Skills Occupation lists, Skills Assessment and State or Territory Government requirements, links to all key websites and review of any employer sponsorship & DAMA visa options.

LEARN MORE

Immigration Points Test

To apply for general skilled migration visas, you must first pass a skills assessment and points test. The points test measures how desirable you are to the Australian Government by measuring such things as your age, education, work experience and English ability.