Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member to live and work in Australia. It is a points-based visa that is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications in high-demand occupations.

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet the following criteria: have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, score the required points on the points test, be invited to apply by the Australian government, meet the age requirement, have competent English language skills, and satisfy health and character requirements.

Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, education, and other criteria. The points-based system is designed to assess your eligibility for the visa. You can use the Points Calculator available on the official Australian government website to determine your points score.

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for the Subclass 189 visa. It is designed for skilled workers who have the qualifications and experience in an occupation on the skilled occupation list and who can meet the required points threshold.

Generally, you must be under the age of 45 to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa. Points are awarded based on age, with higher points awarded to younger applicants.

The accepted English language tests for the Subclass 189 visa include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Occupational English Test (OET), Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.

The skilled occupation list specifies the occupations that are eligible for the Subclass 189 visa. The list is periodically updated by the Australian government and includes a range of professions across various industries.

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your Subclass 189 visa application. Eligible family members include your spouse or partner, dependent children, and other dependent relatives.

Yes, the Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, which means that once granted, you and your eligible family members can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

You and your family members included in the application must meet certain health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearances.

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 189 visa while you are in Australia on a different visa, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and are invited to apply.

The processing time for the Subclass 189 visa can vary based on individual circumstances, application volumes, and other factors. Generally, it is advisable to check the current processing times on the official Australian government website.

While there is no fixed quota for Subclass 189 visas, the Australian government sets an annual planning level for the General Skilled Migration program, which includes the Subclass 189 visa. This planning level can influence the number of invitations issued.

Once you receive an invitation to apply, you cannot change your nominated occupation. It is crucial to ensure that your occupation is accurate and corresponds to your skills and qualifications.

Yes, a positive skills assessment is typically required to demonstrate that your qualifications and work experience are relevant to your nominated occupation.

Subclass 189 visa holders are expected to comply with Australian laws and regulations, maintain valid health insurance, and meet the residency requirements to retain their permanent residency status.

Yes, there is an appeal process available if your visa application is rejected. You can seek a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) if your application is refused.

The Subclass 189 visa is not sponsored by a specific state or territory. However, some states and territories may offer nomination pathways for other skilled migration visas, such as the Subclass 190 visa.

Immigration policies and procedures can change over time. It is recommended to visit the official Australian government website or consult with a registered migration agent for the latest updates on the Subclass 189 visa application process.

Unlike other skilled migration visas that require sponsorship from an employer or a state/territory government, the Subclass 189 visa is designed for skilled workers who do not have employer or state sponsorship and want to migrate independently to Australia.