Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Do you possess skills that are in high demand within Australia’s dynamic economy?

Is your goal to secure permanent residency in Australia?

Then the Skilled Independent Visa might be your perfect route. Apply today to work and settle permanently in the breathtaking country of Australia!

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Why Skilled Independent Visa?

The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa is a points-based immigration pathway designed to attract skilled individuals in demand across different Australian states.

This visa enables skilled workers to establish their lives in Australia independently, without the need for family sponsorship or state/territory government nomination.

 

Benefits of a Skilled Independent 189 Visa

  • Live, study, or work in Australia without time limits
  • Use Medicare services
  • Qualify for Australian citizenship
  • Support eligible family for permanent residency
  • Travel to Australia freely for five years after getting the visa

 

Key Steps Before Applying for a Visa: Understanding EOI Scoring

Before you apply for a visa, it’s important to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) and score at least 65 points.

Your EOI score is based on factors like:

  • Your age
  • Your education level (Diploma, Degree, PhD)
  • How well you know English
  • Your work experience
  • If you’re single or have a partner with skills
  • NAATI Accreditation
  • Completing a Professional Year

These factors determine your chances of getting an invitation from the immigration department to apply for the visa.

**Note: Earning an additional five points on your EOI is possible if you’ve completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. However, to claim these extra points, you must meet specific criteria.

 

Basic Requirements for Visa Eligibility

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

  • Be under the age limit of 45 years.
  • Choose an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
  • Demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency.
  • Undergo a skill assessment by the appropriate authority.
  • Attain the score stated in their visa application.
  • Fulfill the health and character criteria.

 

Health and Character Checks

Every applicant and their family members need to:

  • Complete medical checks and apply for the visa within a year of these checks.
  • Get police certificates from every place you’ve lived for at least a year in the last ten years, starting when you turned 16.

English Language Requirements

To show you have enough English skills, you must get these minimum scores in one of these tests:

  • At least 50 in each part of the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
  • At least 6 in each part of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
    Or similar scores in TOEFL iBT, OET, or CAE.

 

No Debts to the Australian Government

Make sure you don’t owe any money to the Australian Government before your visa is approved.

Adding Family Members to Your Application

When you apply for a visa, you can include:

  • Your spouse or partner.
  • Your or your partner’s children or stepchildren.

If the visa requirements or Expression of Interest process is confusing, our MARA-qualified team is here to help and make sure everything is correctly set up.

DISCLAIMER: This information is just for a basic understanding and isn’t legal advice. Always check the latest information with the Department of Home Affairs at their official website.

Essential FAQs on the Australian Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa, known as Subclass 189, offers permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers without sponsorship from an employer, state, or family. It’s a points-based system catering to individuals with high-demand skills and qualifications.

To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa in Australia, applicants must fulfill specific criteria: They should have a profession listed on the skilled occupation list, achieve the necessary points in the points test, receive an invitation from the Australian government, be within the age limit, demonstrate competent English, and meet health and character standards.

Your point score for the Subclass 189 visa is determined by various factors, including your age, English language ability, professional work experience, educational background, among others. The point system evaluates your suitability for the visa. The official Australian government website offers a Points Calculator to help you figure out your score.

No, securing a job offer is not a prerequisite for the Subclass 189 visa application. This visa is intended for skilled professionals with suitable qualifications and experience in a listed occupation, who can meet the point score requirements.

For the Subclass 189 visa in Australia, applicants need to be below 45 years old. The visa’s points system favors younger applicants, awarding them more points.

For the Subclass 189 visa, Australia accepts several English tests, including IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic.

Eligibility for Australia’s Subclass 189 visa is detailed in the skilled occupation list, regularly updated by the government to include various industry professions.

Yes, when applying for the Subclass 189 visa, you can include family members such as your partner, dependent children, and other dependent relatives.

Yes, obtaining the Subclass 189 visa means you and your family can permanently live, work, and study in Australia.

Applicants and their families must comply with specific health and character standards, which include medical exams and police clearances.

Yes, if you’re currently in Australia on a different visa, you can apply for Subclass 189, provided you meet the necessary criteria and receive an invitation.

The processing time varies depending on several factors. It’s best to check the latest timeframes on the Australian government’s website.

There’s no set limit for Subclass 189 visas, but the government’s annual migration planning impacts the number of visas issued.

After receiving an invitation, you cannot alter your nominated occupation, so ensure it aligns with your skills and qualifications.

For the Subclass 189 visa application, it is essential to undergo a skills assessment. This confirms that your qualifications and professional experience align with the occupation you’re nominating.

Individuals holding the Subclass 189 visa must adhere to all Australian laws, keep up-to-date health insurance, and satisfy residency conditions to maintain their permanent residency status.

If your Subclass 189 visa application is declined, you can pursue an appeal. This involves requesting a review from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

The Subclass 189 visa does not involve state or territory sponsorship. However, certain states and territories might provide nomination options for other skilled migration visas, like the Subclass 190 visa.

The Subclass 189 visa process may undergo changes periodically. It’s advised to check the latest information either on the official Australian government website or through a registered migration agent.

The Subclass 189 visa is unique as it’s intended for skilled individuals without the need for employer or state sponsorship, allowing them to independently migrate to Australia, unlike other skilled migration visas.

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