Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Subclass 189, or the Skilled Independent Visa, is designed for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. It’s available to those who aren’t sponsored by employers, states, or family members and is based on a points system, targeting those with in-demand skills.

Eligibility for Australia’s Subclass 189 visa requires: a listed occupation on the skilled occupation list, achieving the point score needed in the points test, an invitation from the Australian government, meeting the age criteria, possessing competent English language abilities, and fulfilling health and character checks.

For the Subclass 189 visa, points are allocated based on age, English proficiency, professional experience, educational qualifications, and other factors. This point system is used to evaluate if you are eligible for the visa. To estimate your total points, you can use the Points Calculator on the Australian government’s website.

Applying for the Subclass 189 visa does not necessitate having a job offer. It targets skilled individuals who possess the necessary qualifications and experience for a role on the skilled occupation list and meet the point score threshold.

To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, you should be under 45 years of age. The points awarded in the application process are higher for younger applicants.

The Subclass 189 visa in Australia accepts IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic as valid English language proficiency tests.

Yes, the Subclass 189 visa is open to occupations listed on Australia’s skilled occupation list, encompassing a variety of professions updated regularly by the government.

In your Subclass 189 visa application, you’re allowed to include eligible family members such as your spouse or partner and dependent children or relatives.

Yes, Subclass 189 grants permanent residency, allowing you and eligible family members indefinite living, working, and studying rights in Australia.

All applicants and their families must satisfy health and character criteria, which may include medical tests and obtaining police certificates.

Yes, you can transition to a Subclass 189 visa from another visa type in Australia, subject to meeting eligibility and receiving an invitation.

Processing times for Subclass 189 visas depend on various factors, with current times available on the government’s official website.

There isn’t a specific quota for Subclass 189 visas, but the number issued is influenced by the government’s yearly migration levels.

Changing your nominated occupation post-invitation is not possible, so it’s important to ensure accuracy in your initial application.

Yes, applicants for the Subclass 189 visa must complete a skills assessment. This process is crucial to validate that your qualifications and work history are suitable for your chosen occupation.

Those holding a Subclass 189 visa are required to follow all Australian legal guidelines, maintain valid health insurance, and meet certain residency conditions to keep their permanent resident status.

In case of a rejection of your Subclass 189 visa application, you have the option to appeal. This involves seeking a review from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

State or territory sponsorship isn’t available for the Subclass 189 visa. However, other skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 190 visa, might offer such sponsorship options through various states and territories.

The procedures and policies for the Subclass 189 visa can change. For the most current information, visit the Australian government’s official website or consult a registered migration agent.

Distinctly, the Subclass 189 visa caters to skilled professionals who do not require sponsorship from an employer or state/territory, enabling them to migrate to Australia on their own, unlike other skilled migration visas.