189 Visa Australia: Skilled Independent Visa

Benefits

Benefits of a 189 Visa Australia

Permanent Residency- Once granted, the 189 visa Australia permit for permanent residency, meaning that the holder is entitled to live, work, and study in any part of Australia for an unlimited time.
Work and Study Rights- Visa holders can work full-time or study at any institution in Australia without any restrictions.
Access to Healthcare- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public health system, is provided to permanent residents, ensuring affordable healthcare services.
Pathway to Citizenship- Applicants are also eligible to become Australian citizens after meeting the necessary residency criteria.
Family Inclusion- Dependents such as children and partners can also be included in the application and they will also receive permanent residency rights.
Social Security Benefits- Eligible for some government social security payments and benefits.
Global Mobility- The visa gives several visits in and out of Australia over a duration of five years since the time of the grant, after which one can opt to seek a Resident Return Visa to travel beyond this duration.

Requirements

189 Visa Australia Requirements

To be eligible for a 189 visa in Australia, the applicants are usually required to show the following:

Occupation on MLTSSL

The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) must appear under the nominated occupation, and is published by the Department of Home Affairs.

Skills Assessment

A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for the nominated occupation is mandatory to prove that the applicant has the necessary skills and qualifications.

Points Test

The applicants must have a minimum of 65 points in the points test, which varies according to their age, work experience, education as well and their English proficiency. The more the scoring, the more the possibilities of an invitation, as meeting the 189 visa requirements is essential for eligibility.

Age Limit

At the date of invitation to apply, the applicants should not be older than 45.

English Language Proficiency

At least Competent English is expected, and typically demonstrated by an IELTS of 6.0 or above in each band or by other recognised English tests.

Health and Character Requirements

Applicants and their family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. This typically involves a health examination and obtaining police clearance certificates.

Subclass

Visa Australia Subclass 189

The 189 independent visa applies to all skilled professionals (career seekers seeking a job around the country) whose occupation is in demand but does not require the state nomination or sponsorship of the employer.

Subclass 190 – They are permanent residency visas which can be awarded to skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian State or Territory. They should be working in a job on the state list, and have to satisfy the points eligibility criteria, and have to be invited to apply for the visa.
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 – This is an enduring, points-tested visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by a state or employer, or family. The skilled independent visa subclass 189 requires that the jobs be listed in the MLTSSL, and the shortlisting will be done through points, and nothing more.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491 – It is a temporary visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or sponsored by an eligible family member, and in a regional area. Through the visa, an entry to the Subclass 191 is also available in case the candidates are living in a regional place and they meet the income requirements.

Processing Time and Cost

189 Visa Australia Processing Time and Cost

Processing Time

The subclass 189 visa is generally processed within a time period of 6-11 months, depending on the volume of applications, the occupation an applicant attempts to pursue, and the documents submitted. The 189 visa processing time might also be influenced in case the Department of Home Affairs requires more information or assessment to postpone the process.

Visa Application Costs

The principal applicant should be paid AUD 4,910, and a difference fee of AUD 2,320 and AUD 1,160 is required to be paid by the family members above 18 and below 18, respectively. Additional fees are charged for skills testing, English tests, medical, and police certificates.

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FAQ’s

What People are honestly saying right now

The 189 visa is a permanent visa allowing full-time employment, study, and permanent residence rights across Australia. It is also an avenue to citizenship in Australia.

Children and partners may be included in your visa application as dependents, receiving a permanent visa with the new subclass and having the same rights as the primary applicant.

An invitation to apply for a visa through SkillSelect can be received at a maximum age of 45 years. No exceptions are made.

A Subclass 189 visa is not dependent on an offer of a job, and applications are only selected based on points, and not subject to either state nomination or cause for employer sponsorship.

Yes. A state-skilled nominated visa will restrict your area of residence, but an application for a 189 does not. You will be able to switch in and relocate to any part of Australia once your application has been awarded a visa.

Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)