Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

What is a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers, who hold occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List, may be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government.

An additional path to permanent residence for New Zealand citizens

On July 1 2017, this additional path became a new stream within the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa making it easier for New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia to become permanent residents.

You must meet the following requirements in order to apply:

Hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa
Have been living in Australia continuously for five years and started that period before February 19, 2016 prior to applying
Meet the taxable income requirements
Meet the health requirements
Meet the character requirements

Features of 189 visa

1. The visa is intended for skilled independent workers and their families to permanently move to Australia. In this regard family includes and is limited to the following members

a. Your partner/spouse
b.Yours or your partner’s dependent child
c.Yours or your partner’s dependent relative

2. The visa subclass 189 is granted on a points based system, with points assigned for various factors such as your age, work experience, education and English language ability. The points are assigned for the following criteria.

a. Age – not less than 45 years
b. English language skills – you will need to submit scores of IELTS or equivalent examination
c. Education level
d. Overall work experience including work experience in Australia,

What Are the Benefits of a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent Work Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.

Work and live in Australia indefinitely
Opportunity to study in Australia
Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
Travel in and out of Australia as you please

Eligibility for a Skilled Independent Visa:

The applicant must have a relevant occupation
A valid skills assessment from the designated skills assessment board
Must meet the minimum pass mark of 65 points. check how many points you might get.
Candidate must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
Have Competent English Language skills. How can I prove I have competent English?
Must be invited by DHA to apply after submitting Expression of interest

Australia subclass 189 Visa Processing Time

75 per cent of applications processed in 4 months
90 per cent of applications processed in 6 months

How Much Subclass 189 visa costs?

Independent (Subclass 189) visa- 3755 $ (Primary Applicant)
Dependent Applicant Fees 18 and over : 1875 $
Dependent Applicant Fees under 18 – 940 $

Estimate the cost of your visa

Additional Fees:

Medical Examination: This fees would be paid directly to the concerned doctor doing medical examination
Police check: this fees would be paid to the corresponding authorities in the respective countries where you have lived more than 6/12 months

The process

Processing time	75 per cent of applications processed	90 per cent of applications processed
	8 months	11 months

How Can I Apply for a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

Step 1: Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation Lists.

This visa is only available to people who can fill a position on this list.

Step 2: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.

You must meet the following requirements in order to apply:

Under age 50
Basic English skills.
Meet the health requirements.
Meet the character requirements.
Do not have any outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Willing to sign the Australian Values Statement.

Step 3: Complete a Skills Assessment.

You must complete a Skills Assessment and obtain an acceptable score in order to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa. Your score must be meet that specified on your letter of invitation (step 5). Instructions on how to get a proper Skills Assessment can be found on the DHA website.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest through Skill Select.

Next, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select. The Skill Isme HYPERLINK Select program will ask you a number of questions related to your background, skills, and relevant work history. Your EOI will be seen by the Australian authorities as well as available to Australian employers who may be looking for someone of your skill-set to hire.
If you obtain a nomination or sponsor and your EOI meets the requirements of the visa, you be invited to apply for the 189 visa.

Step 5: Find a sponsor or obtain a government nomination.

The Skilled Independent Work Visa (subclass 189) requires you to be sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. Once you find a suitable sponsor, they will send you a letter of invitation to apply for the visa.
If you do not have an eligible relative or employer to sponsor you, you may be able to find an employer through the Skill Select program. This program matches skilled workers with employers looking for foreign-national workers. A state or territory government may also nominate you through this program.

Step 6: Have your sponsor complete necessary paperwork.

Once you find a sponsor, you will need to have them nominate you for the visa. You can often apply for this visa at the same time your sponsor lodges their applications.
Employers can complete the employer nomination application online through the DHA.

Step 7: SApply for the Skilled Independent Work Visa (subclass 189).

After you find an employer and get a nomination, you can apply for the 189 visa online through the DHA.

Step 8: Wait for a decision

It can take several months for the DHA to make a decision on your visa application. In 2016, the processing time for the 189 visa was 3 months.

Step 9: Receive your visa and start working.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your visa and can start work in Australia. Do You Qualify For An Australian Highly Skilled Visa?

FAQ’s

Q). What is 189 visa in Australia?

A). The 189 visa is a skilled independent visa that is intended for independent workers who are not nominated by any state, territory or employer for immigration to Australia. Read the section above for details of the visa and its features. For more in depth information you can walk in to any of our offices or call us for a free consultation.

Q). How do I get a subclass 189 visa?

A). The process for applying for a subclass 189 visa has been explained in detail above. If you have any further questions you can reach out to us for a free consultation.

Q).How long does it take to get a 189 visa Australia?

A). The 189 visa is eligible for priority processing by the Australian government. It is one of the fastest visas to be granted and has the least processing time. For a more realistic view of how much time your visa will be processed please contact us for a free consultation.

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