What is a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa category designed to attract highly skilled individuals who wish to permanently live and work in Australia. With this visa, you do not require sponsorship from an employer, family member, or territory/state government. It provides you the freedom to choose your occupation and apply based on your skills, qualifications, and experience.
With the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you will receive a travel component, allowing you unlimited travel to and from Australia for a period of five years. Furthermore, you can even sponsor your family members’ immigration to Australia using the visa category 189. You are permitted to stay in Australia indefinitely with the category 189 skilled independent visa.
Navigating the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application process can be complex. Our experienced Migration Agent in Melbourne can guide you through every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful visa application.
Basic Requirements
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, you must meet the following basic requirements:
Occupation: Your occupation must be on the skilled occupation list, and you should have the necessary skills and qualifications to work in that occupation.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Through the official SkillSelect system, you are required to submit an Expression of Interest. It indicates your interest in applying for the Subclass 189 visa.
Required Score:
You must score at least 65 or more points in your Expression of Interest submitted by you to be able to stand eligible for Visa 189.
Invitation to Apply: You can continue with the visa application only after you receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Age: You must be under a specified age (usually under 45) at the time of invitation.
Skills Assessment: Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
English Language Proficiency: You need to submit evidence of your English language proficiency through approved language tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements as specified by the Australian government.
No Outstanding Debts:
If you owe the Australian Government money, you must have paid it back or made arrangements for it to be paid back. This includes any family members (including those who do not apply for the visa with you).
No Previous Visa Rejections:
Any of your visa applications or visa must not have been rejected or cancelled in the past.
Eligibility Criteria
To get qualified for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), applicants are evaluated based on a points-based system. Points are awarded for factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and more. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Checklist
Before applying for the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Skills assessment
- English language test results
- EOI submission proof
- Invitation to Apply
- Health examination results
- Character clearance certificate
Note:
- You must submit your visa application within 60 calendar days from the date you receive the invitation.
- At the time of receiving the invitation, you should be over 18 years of age but under 45 years of age.
Benefits
Permanent Residency: With this visa, you get the benefits of being a permanent resident of Australia and gain access to healthcare, education, and social security.
Work Freedom: Work in any occupation, and for any employer in Australia, and for that, you don’t need sponsorship.
Travel Flexibility: You can travel to and from Australia as often as you want for five years from the date the visa is granted.
Enroll In Health Care Schemes: Through this Visa 189, you can enroll in any of Australia’s health care schemes.
Sponsor Family: You can even sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency in Australia.
FAQs
What is Skilled Independent Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-tested stream that enables skilled professionals to permanently live and work in Australia. This visa is relevant for skilled professionals who are not sponsored by any employer, state, territory or family member.
What is an Expression of Interest?
Expression of Interest (EOI) is a document in which the applicant declares their intent to apply for a category of skilled visa and achieves the scores necessary to qualify for Visa Subclass 189.
Can a migration agent help me get visa 189 quickly and easily?
For a seamless and successful application process, consider seeking guidance from our experienced team of Immigration Agents and Migration Experts. West Global will assist you every step of the way to make your Australian dream a reality. Navigating the visa application process can be overwhelming, but our team of Immigration Agents and Migration Experts is here to make it simple for you.