Understanding Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Table of Contents
If you are a skilled worker looking to migrate to Australia, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) could be the right choice for you. This visa is a permanent visa that allows you to live and work in Australia as a skilled worker.
To be eligible for this visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation to apply. You must also meet the minimum requirements for age, English language proficiency, and skilled occupation.
The visa process for Subclass 189 involves a points-based system, where points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. The minimum points required to be eligible for this visa is 65.
Once you receive an invitation to apply, you must submit a complete application within 60 days. The application must include all required documents, such as proof of English language proficiency, skills assessment, and health and character checks.
It is important to note that the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a highly competitive visa, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Therefore, it is recommended that you seek professional advice and guidance to increase your chances of success.
In summary, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. The visa process involves a points-based system, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Therefore, seeking professional guidance is recommended to increase your chances of success.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you need to meet certain requirements. This section outlines the eligibility criteria for the visa.
Age and Skill Requirements
You must be under the age of 45 to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Additionally, you must have skills and qualifications that are relevant to an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Your skills and qualifications will be assessed by a relevant assessing authority.
English Proficiency
You must meet the English language requirement for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). You can demonstrate your English proficiency by taking an English language test. The minimum score required for the test is competent English, which is a score of at least 6 in each of the four components of the test (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
Health and Character Requirements
You must meet the Australian health and character requirements to be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). You will need to undergo a health check and provide evidence of your character.
Occupation and Qualifications
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you must have relevant qualifications and work experience in an occupation that is on the MLTSSL or the STSOL. Your qualifications and work experience will be assessed by a relevant assessing authority.
Points Test
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested visa. To be eligible for the visa, you must score at least 65 points on the points test. The points test takes into account factors such as your age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other factors. You can use the points calculator on the SkillSelect website to calculate your points score.
In summary, to be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you must meet the age and skill requirements, English language proficiency requirements, health and character requirements, and have relevant qualifications and work experience in an occupation on the MLTSSL or the STSOL. Additionally, you must score at least 65 points on the points test.
Expression of Interest and Invitation to Apply
To apply for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) in Australia, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. This is an online system that allows skilled workers to be considered for a visa based on their skills and experience.
Your EOI will be assessed and given a points score based on factors such as your age, education, work experience, and language skills. You must score at least 65 points to be eligible for the visa.
Once you have submitted your EOI, you will be entered into a pool of candidates and ranked based on your points score. If you have a high enough score, you may be invited to apply for the visa.
Invitations to apply are issued regularly by the Department of Home Affairs, usually on a monthly basis. The number of invitations issued depends on the number of places available in the visa program and the number of candidates in the pool.
If you receive an invitation to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your visa application. You will need to provide evidence to support the claims you made in your EOI, such as educational qualifications and work experience.
It is important to note that receiving an invitation to apply does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa. Your application will still need to meet all the requirements and be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Overall, the EOI and invitation to apply process is a crucial step in applying for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) in Australia. By submitting a strong EOI and being invited to apply, you can increase your chances of being granted a visa and starting your new life in Australia.
Visa Application Process
If you are interested in applying for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you must first ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can begin the application process.
Documents and Fees
As part of your visa application, you will need to provide several documents, including a skills assessment, evidence of your English language proficiency, and a police certificate. You may also need to provide evidence of your work experience and qualifications. The cost of the visa application fee varies depending on your circumstances, and additional fees may apply for family members included in your application.
Processing Time
The processing time for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) application can vary depending on a range of factors, including the complexity of your case, the completeness of your application, and the current processing times. Generally, the processing time can take several months, and it is important to ensure that you have provided all necessary documentation to avoid any delays.
During the processing period, a case officer may contact you to request additional information or clarification on your application. It is important to respond to any requests promptly to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
In summary, applying for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) involves providing several documents and paying the appropriate fees, while also ensuring that you meet the eligibility criteria. The processing time can vary, but it is important to provide all necessary documentation and respond promptly to any requests from the case officer.
Benefits of Skilled Independent Visa
If you are looking to migrate to Australia, the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a great option to consider. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member or nominated by a state or territory government. Here are some of the benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa:
Permanent Residency
The Skilled Independent Visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. This means that you can enjoy all the benefits of being a permanent resident of Australia, such as access to Medicare, education, and social security benefits. You can also apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the eligibility criteria.
Travel Component
The Skilled Independent Visa comes with a travel component that allows you to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for five years from the date the visa is granted. This means that you can leave and re-enter Australia freely during this period.
No Sponsorship Required
One of the biggest advantages of the Skilled Independent Visa is that you do not need a sponsor to apply. This means that you can apply for the visa on your own, without having to rely on an employer or family member to sponsor you. This gives you more freedom and flexibility in choosing where you want to work and live in Australia.
Wide Range of Occupations
The Skilled Independent Visa is available to people with a wide range of occupations. The visa is points-based, which means that you need to score a certain number of points to be eligible. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications. This means that if you have a skilled occupation, you may be eligible for the visa.
In conclusion, the Skilled Independent Visa is a great option for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. With its many benefits, including permanent residency, a travel component, and no sponsorship required, it’s no wonder that the Skilled Independent Visa is such a popular choice for immigrants to Australia.
Role of Family Members and Sponsors
If you are applying for a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), your family members can be included in your application. Family members include your spouse or de facto partner, dependent child, and other dependent relatives.
If your family members are included in your application, they must meet the same health and character requirements as you. You will also need to provide evidence of your relationship with your family members, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
If your family members are not included in your application, they can still apply for their own visas to come to Australia. For example, your spouse or de facto partner can apply for a Partner visa, and your dependent child can apply for a Child visa.
If you are sponsored by an employer, your employer can also sponsor your family members to come to Australia. Your family members will need to meet certain requirements, such as health and character requirements, and they will need to provide evidence of their relationship with you.
Overall, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) allows for the inclusion of family members and sponsorship by employers. This can make the visa application process easier for you and your family members, and can help you settle into life in Australia.
Other Relevant Information
Once you have received your Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), there are a few additional pieces of information that you should be aware of.
Nomination
Unlike the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) does not require you to be nominated by a state or territory government. This means that you have more freedom in choosing where you want to live and work in Australia.
Migration Agents
If you are having trouble navigating the visa application process, you may want to consider hiring a migration agent. Migration agents are professionals who can assist you with your visa application and provide you with advice on the best pathway for your specific situation.
Positive Skills Assessment
Before you can apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you must first obtain a positive skills assessment. This assessment is conducted by a relevant assessing authority and verifies that your skills and qualifications meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.
MLTSSL List
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is only available for occupations that are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list is updated regularly and includes occupations that are in high demand in Australia.
Bridging Visa
If you are in Australia when you apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you may be eligible for a bridging visa. This visa allows you to remain in Australia while your application is being processed.
New Zealand Citizens
New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia for at least five years may be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) under the New Zealand Stream. This pathway provides a faster and more streamlined process for New Zealand citizens who wish to become permanent residents of Australia.
Department of Home Affairs
If you have any questions about the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you can contact the Department of Home Affairs. They are responsible for processing visa applications and can provide you with information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and other relevant information.
State or Territory Government
Although you do not need to be nominated by a state or territory government to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you may be eligible for additional benefits if you are nominated. These benefits may include priority processing or access to additional services and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the skilled independent visa subclass 189 in Australia?
The Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 is a type of visa for individuals who possess the skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia. It is a permanent residency visa that allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
What are the requirements for the skilled independent visa subclass 189 in Australia?
The requirements for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 include meeting the points test pass mark of 65 points, being under 45 years of age, having competent English language skills, and having your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority.
What is the skill select process for the skilled independent visa subclass 189 in Australia?
The SkillSelect process is an online system that allows skilled workers to express their interest in migrating to Australia. It is the first step in applying for a Skilled Independent visa subclass 189. After submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), you may be invited to apply for the visa if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the processing time for the skilled independent visa subclass 189 in 2023?
The processing time for a Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 application can vary depending on a number of factors such as the completeness of the application and the complexity of the case. As of 2023, the average processing time is approximately 8-12 months.
What is the skilled occupation list for the skilled independent visa subclass 189 in Australia?
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are in demand in Australia. To be eligible for a Skilled Independent visa subclass 189, your occupation must be on the SOL. The SOL is regularly updated by the Australian government to reflect changes in the labor market.
What is the difference between the skilled independent visa subclass 189 and subclass 190 in Australia?
The main difference between the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 and the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 is that the latter requires nomination by a state or territory government. While both visas require meeting the same eligibility criteria, the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 gives priority to applicants who have been nominated by a state or territory government.