The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of Australia’s most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers. It allows eligible individuals to live and work in Australia permanently. Unlike other visas, the 189 visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, state, or territory government, making it highly appealing for those who wish to move independently to Australia.
In this article, we will explore the main aspects of the 189 visa, including eligibility requirements, application process, and the benefits of this visa.
What is the 189 Visa
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are invited to apply based on their qualifications, skills, and experience. This visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is designed to attract skilled individuals to fill gaps in the Australian labor market.
Since it is a points-tested visa, applicants need to meet the required points threshold to be considered eligible for an invitation.
Points-Tested System
The 189 visa operates under a points-tested system. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 points to be eligible for consideration. Points are awarded based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
The higher your points score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the visa.
Invitation to Apply
One unique feature of the 189 visa is that you cannot apply for it directly. Instead, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. The Department of Home Affairs reviews EOIs and issues invitations to those who meet the points requirement and have skills in demand.
Once you receive an invitation, you can then proceed with the formal visa application.
Eligibility Requirements for the 189 Visa
To be eligible for the 189 visa, you must meet several criteria. Below are the key eligibility requirements:
Age
Applicants must be under 45 years of age when they receive their invitation to apply for the visa. Age is a significant factor in the points test, with younger applicants typically earning more points.
Skilled Occupation
You must have a nominated occupation that is listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list includes professions that are in high demand in Australia, such as engineers, healthcare professionals, and IT specialists.
It is important to ensure that your occupation is on the MLTSSL before submitting your EOI.
Skills Assessment
A positive skills assessment is required for your nominated occupation. The skills assessment verifies that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards. Each occupation has its own assessing authority, so you will need to apply to the relevant body for your assessment.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. The minimum requirement is a competent level of English, which can be demonstrated through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Higher English scores can also contribute to a higher points score.
Points Test
As mentioned earlier, you need to score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for the 189 visa. Points are awarded for:
Age (maximum points are given to those between 25 and 32 years old)
English language skills
Skilled work experience (both in Australia and overseas)
Educational qualifications
Australian study experience
Partner skills (if applicable)
Specialist education qualifications (PhD or STEM-related)
Community language skills
Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
The Application Process
Applying for the 189 visa involves several steps. Below is a simplified outline of the process:
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
The first step is to submit an EOI through SkillSelect. In your EOI, you will provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information. Based on this, SkillSelect will calculate your points score.
Step 2: Wait for an Invitation
Once your EOI is lodged, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply for the 189 visa. Invitations are issued based on the applicant’s points score and the demand for their occupation.
There is no fixed timeline for receiving an invitation, as it depends on your points score and how many invitations are being issued at that time.
Step 3: Lodge a Visa Application
Once you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to lodge your visa application. You must provide evidence of your qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and skills assessment. You will also need to complete medical exams and submit character documents.
Step 4: Visa Processing
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process it. Processing times can vary, but it generally takes several months. During this time, you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.
Step 5: Visa Outcome
If your visa is granted, you will be issued a permanent residency visa, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely. If your application is refused, you may have the option to appeal or apply for another visa category.
Benefits of the 189 Visa
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers several benefits for successful applicants. Below are some of the key advantages:
Permanent Residency
One of the biggest advantages of the 189 visa is that it grants permanent residency in Australia. This means you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions. Permanent residents also have access to Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) and can eventually apply for citizenship.
No Sponsorship Required
Unlike other visa categories, the 189 visa does not require employer or state sponsorship. This provides greater flexibility for applicants, as they are not tied to a specific employer or location in Australia.
Family Inclusion
The 189 visa allows you to include eligible family members in your application. Your spouse, partner, and children can all be granted permanent residency, allowing your entire family to relocate to Australia together.
Pathway to Citizenship
After holding permanent residency for a certain period (typically four years), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. Citizenship grants additional rights, including the right to vote and access to certain government benefits.
Flexibility to Live and Work Anywhere
Unlike state-sponsored visas, which may require you to live and work in a specific state or territory, the 189 visa allows you to settle anywhere in Australia. This flexibility is appealing to many skilled workers looking for diverse opportunities across the country.
Costs and Processing Times
The cost of applying for the 189 visa varies but generally starts at around AUD 4,000 for the primary applicant. Additional fees may apply for family members, skills assessments, and English language tests.
Processing times for the 189 visa can range from several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs.
See also: What Is The 188 Subclass Visa
Conclusion
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers a great opportunity for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia without the need for sponsorship. With its points-tested system and pathway to permanent residency, it remains one of the most attractive visa options for individuals seeking a long-term future in Australia.
However, the application process can be complex, and competition for invitations is often high. It is essential to carefully assess your eligibility and ensure your EOI is as strong as possible. Seeking professional guidance can help maximize your chances of success.
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