The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a popular pathway for skilled workers who wish to live and work permanently in Australia. It is designed for individuals who have the skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia but do not have a sponsor or a state/territory nomination. This visa offers independent migrants the opportunity to contribute to Australia's economy, with the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country.

In this guide, we will break down the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa application process, eligibility criteria, and other essential information to help you navigate the visa process smoothly.

 

What is the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

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The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows skilled workers to:

• Live and work permanently in Australia without requiring sponsorship from an employer, family member, or state/territory government.

• Contribute to the Australian workforce by filling occupations in demand, as specified in Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Apply for permanent residency immediately upon approval, which grants access to benefits such as Medicare, social security, and the ability to sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas.

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Key Features of the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa:

• Permanent Residency: The visa grants permanent residency from the moment it is approved, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

• Independent Visa: No sponsorship or nomination from an employer or state/territory is required.

• Access to Medicare: As a permanent resident, you will have access to Australia’s public health care system.

• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding the visa for 4 years, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

• Family Inclusion: You can include your immediate family members in your application, including your partner and children.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa

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1. Confirm Eligibility

Before applying for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Age: You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.

• Skills Assessment: You must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

• Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate your English language proficiency by providing a suitable score from an approved English test (e.g., IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL).

• Points Test: You must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, which takes into account factors like age, education, work experience, English proficiency, and other criteria.

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2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. This is a points-based system where you will be invited to apply for the visa based on your score and occupation.

• EOI Submission: Create an account in SkillSelect and submit your EOI. Provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency.

• Invitation to Apply: If you meet the minimum requirements and your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.

• Points System: The higher your points score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation. Points are awarded for factors such as age, work experience, and English proficiency.

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3. Gather Required Documents

Once you receive an invitation, you must submit the required documentation, which includes:

• Identity Documents: Passport, birth certificate, and any other identity verification documents.

• Skills Assessment: Proof of your skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.

• English Language Test Results: A valid test score from an approved English language proficiency test.

• Employment Documents: Evidence of your work experience, including reference letters, payslips, and tax records.

• Health and Character Checks: You must undergo a medical examination and submit police clearance certificates from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

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4. Apply for the Visa

• Visa Application: Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa through the ImmiAccount portal.

• Visa Fee: As of 2024, the application fee for the Subclass 189 visa is approximately AUD $4,765. Additional costs may include medical exams and police certificates.

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5. Wait for Processing and Visa Grant

The processing time for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa can vary. As of 2024:

• 50% of applications are processed within approximately 53 days.

• 90% of applications are processed within approximately 3 months.

Once your visa is granted, you will receive permanent residency status, and you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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1. How long does the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa take to process?

Processing times for the Subclass 189 visa generally range between 2 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of applications in the queue. It is crucial to ensure that your application is complete and all required documents are provided to avoid delays.

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2. Can I apply for the Subclass 189 visa if my occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List?

No, to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). If your occupation is not on this list, you may need to explore other visa options, such as the Subclass 491 or Subclass 190 visas.

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3. How can I improve my points score for the Subclass 189 visa?

You can improve your points score by:

• Improving your English language proficiency (higher test scores give more points).

• Gaining more work experience in your nominated occupation.

• Completing further education or gaining additional qualifications.

• Getting state/territory nomination for another visa, if applicable.

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4. Can I bring my family with me on the Subclass 189 visa?

Yes, the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows you to include your immediate family members (spouse and children) in your application. However, they must meet specific eligibility requirements, including health and character checks.

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5. Can I apply for Australian citizenship after getting the Subclass 189 visa?

In order to qualify for Australia citizenship, at the time of application, you must have lived in Australia for 4 years on any visa, already held permanent residency for 12 months and at the time of application, not been absent from Australia for more than 90 days. You will need to meet residency requirements and demonstrate your good character.

 

Why Apply Now for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

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The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, providing individuals with the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. Given the ever-evolving immigration landscape, applying now gives you the best chance to secure your future in Australia. As competition for skilled workers increases, it is essential to act quickly to ensure your application is successful.

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Need help applying for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa? Our team of expert migration agents can guide you through the application process, ensuring all requirements are met and your application is submitted smoothly. Contact us today for professional assistance!