The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a highly sought-after permanent visa option for skilled workers looking to make Australia their new home. Unlike some other visas, the 189 visa doesn’t require nomination by a state/territory, family member, or employer in Australia. Instead, it relies on a points system for eligibility. To qualify for this visa, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the point assessment. The process begins with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and subsequently receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) from SkillSelect. Once you receive the ITA, you have sixty days to submit your application for the 189 Visa.

Holders of the 189 Visa, along with their family members, enjoy the privileges of becoming long-term residents in Australia. This means they can live, work, and pursue education in the country without any time restrictions.

Here are some of the key advantages of the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189:

• Long-term Residency: You can live, work, and study in Australia as a long-term resident.
• Access to Medicare: You can enroll in Medicare, Australia’s national healthcare program.
• Sponsor Family Members: You can sponsor eligible family members for immigration to Australia.
• Travel Flexibility: Over the next five years, you can enter and exit Australia as needed.
• Pathway to Citizenship: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship and obtain an Australian passport.

Visa Processing Time in 2023

Understanding the processing time for the 189 Visa is crucial for planning your move to Australia. While the “Visa Processing Time Guidance Tool” provides a rough estimate, actual processing times can vary based on several factors:

• Application Completeness: The completeness of your application and the inclusion of all required supporting documentation play a significant role.
• Timely Response: Responding promptly to any requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs can expedite your application.
• Verification Time: The time needed to verify the submitted supporting data is a variable factor.
• External Factors: Delays can occur when waiting for information from external sources, especially related to national security, character, and health criteria.
• Programme Availability: The number of available spots in the migration program can impact processing times.

Skilled Independent Visa Processing Time

The Department of Home Affairs processes each 189 Visa application individually, which typically takes several months. Here’s a general overview of the processing times:

• 25% of applications are processed in approximately 23 months.
• 50% of applications are processed in around 25 months.
• 75% of applications are processed in roughly 36 months.
• 90% of applications are processed in about 39 months.

Accelerate Your Visa Application

If you want to expedite your 189 Visa application process, consider meeting the eligibility requirements and providing all necessary documentation upfront. The Department of Home Affairs may reach out to applicants for additional information, so it’s essential to respond promptly. This proactive approach can significantly speed up your application process.

Conclusion

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 offers a fantastic opportunity to live, work, and study in Australia through its point-based immigration system. While the visa processing times can be influenced by various factors, including application completeness and external delays, staying organized and responsive throughout the process can help ensure a smoother and faster experience.

For expert guidance and assistance in navigating the Skilled Independent Visa 189 application process, consider consulting with an immigration agent. They can help you with form filling, document collection, accuracy verification, and timely responses, ultimately reducing the time it takes for your visa to be processed.