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Skilled independent visa (subclass 189)

This visa is for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills we need, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

About Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a permanent visa option that offers individuals the opportunity to live in Australia permanently, work, and study in the country, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Australian skills assessment framework. With the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you’ll receive a travel component that allows you to travel to and from Australia as many times as you wish within a 5-year period. This visa also enables you to sponsor eligible relatives to Australia and grants you the privilege of indefinite stay in the country.

Additionally, Subclass 189 entitles you to permanent residency in Australia and allows you to include family members in your visa application. You can also enroll in any of Australia’s healthcare schemes, ensuring your well-being in your new home.

What This Visa Allows You to Do

The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa type that offers a range of privileges:

  1. You may stay in Australia indefinitely and travel to and from the country for a 5-year period as many times as you wish.
  2. You become a permanent resident of Australia.
  3. You can enroll in any of Australia’s healthcare schemes.
  4. You can sponsor eligible relatives to come to Australia.

Requirements of Visa Subclass 189

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, certain requirements must be met:

  1. You must possess the skills or occupation listed in the skilled occupations list of Subclass 189.
  2. English language competency requirements must be met, and you must satisfy the specified English score test.
  3. Both health and character requirements must be completed for you and any family members applying with you.
  4. You must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
  5. Your previous visa applications must not have been rejected or canceled.

English Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Unless you hold a valid passport from Canada, the United States of America, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, you must meet specific English language requirements. The required English language proficiency criteria include:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): At least 6 for each of the 4 components.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking.
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): At least 50 points for each of the 4 components.
  • Occupational English Test (OET): At least B for each of the 4 components.
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced test: At least 169 in each of the 4 components.

Eligibility Criteria for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa cannot be obtained by anyone who wishes to apply for it. There are specific eligibility criteria that must be met to apply for this visa subclass:

  1. You must be invited to apply for the visa subclass 189 by submitting an expression of interest to express your intention.
  2. Your nominator should be a State Government agency or an Australian territory as per the nomination guidelines.
  3. At the time of invitation, you should be under 45 years of age.
  4. You must possess skills suitable for the Australian skills assessment authority as declared in your application for the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189.
  5. You must pass the English language proficiency criteria and demonstrate competence in the required level of English.
  6. You must score at least 65 or more points in your Expression of Interest to be eligible for the visa subclass 189.

Checklist for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189

Before applying for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, it’s essential to have a checklist to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and requirements:

  1. Apply within 60 calendar days from the date you receive the invitation.
  2. Be between 18 and 45 years of age when you receive the invitation.
  3. Satisfy the English language competency requirement for Subclass 189.
  4. Score at least 65 or more points in your Expression of Interest.
  5. Fulfill health and character requirements.
  6. Clear all outstanding debts to the Australian government.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a permanent visa that allows you to live in Australia indefinitely, with a travel component allowing multiple trips to and from Australia for a 5-year period from the date of visa grant.

The main difference is that Subclass 190 requires sponsorship from a State or Territory Government, while Subclass 189 is an Independent visa type.

The visa application fee for Subclass 189 is AUD4,640, exclusive of any additional charges for biometrics, police certificates, or health checkups.

You can apply for Subclass 189 from anywhere, whether inside or outside Australia. However, you should be outside Australia when your application is under immigration clearance.

An Expression of Interest is a document through which you express your intention to apply for a Skilled Visa category and achieve the required scores under the points test stream to determine your eligibility for Visa Subclass 189.

Visa Subclass

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer sponsorship.

Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers, requiring state or territory nomination.

Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)

The Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who have lived and worked in specified regional areas in Australia.

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