What is Skilled Independent Subclass 189?

The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa is an opportunity for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Australia without the sponsorship of an employer, family member, or State or Territory. This visa allows for permanent residency in Australia, enabling skilled workers to live, work, and study in the country, provided they meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the skills assessment framework. The Subclass 189 Visa also permits multiple entries and exits from Australia within five years of approval, and allows for the sponsorship of relatives to Australia. As a permanent residency visa, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa allows for indefinite stay in Australia, and allows for family members to be included in the visa application. Additionally, visa holders are free to enroll in any healthcare scheme of their choice. To apply for this visa, applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the Australia 65 Points Calculator, and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skill Select. If selected, applicants will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have 60 days to submit their visa application along with supporting documents. Once granted, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa allows for visa holders and accompanying family members to reside, study, and work in Australia as permanent residents. Note: Whether you're inside or outside Australia, you can submit an application for a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa. If you're in Australia, you'll need to have a Bridging C, B, or A Visa or Substantive Visa to apply. Once you've submitted your application from within Australia, you'll receive a Bridging Visa that allows you to stay in the country while your visa application is being processed.

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

If you're a skilled worker looking to obtain permanent residency in Australia, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa can be your pathway. It provides numerous benefits, including, it:

1- Allows for permanent residency in Australia.

2- Enables skilled workers to live, work, and study in Australia.

3- Permits multiple entries and exits from Australia within five years of approval.

4 Allows for sponsorship of relatives to Australia.

5- Allows for indefinite stay in Australia.

6- Allows for family members to be included in the visa application.

7- Allows for enrollment in any healthcare scheme of choice.

How to Apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

Appropriate Work Experience

Step 1: Check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) as the visa is only available for those who can fill a position on the SOL.

Age

Step 2: Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements such as being below 45 years of age, having minimum skills in English, fulfilling character and health requirements, and agreeing to sign the Statement of Australian Values.

Education Levely

Step 3: Complete a skills assessment and score the required points as specified on your letter of invitation (stage 5) to qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa.

Proof of Funds Statement

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Australia Skill Select, which includes your skills, background, and applicable employment history. your EOI

Education Levely

Step 5: Obtain a government nomination or identify a sponsor from a Territory or State Government or a family member or employer in Australia. You can also find an employer through the Skill Select program if you do not have a qualified relative or employer for sponsorship.

Proof of Funds Statement

Step 6: Ask your sponsor to complete the necessary paperwork to nominate you for the Subclass 189 Visa. Employers can submit the nomination application online through DHA.

Education Levely

Step 7: Apply online for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa with the DHA after receiving the nomination.

Proof of Funds Statement

Step 8: Wait for the DHA to process your visa application, which may take several months.

Points allocation for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

The Subclass 189 Visa awards points based on the information in your EOI profile, including your skills, occupation, qualifications, and other details. Skill Select will rank you against other applicants based on the points you score, with a minimum of 65 points required to qualify. Your EOI submission will be used to assign points in the following criteria:

Age

Points Age
25 18-25 years
30 25-33 years
25 33-40 years
15 40-45 years

Proficiency in the English Language

Points English Proficiency
0 Competent
10 Proficient
20 Superior

The following table would tell you about the minimum required score corresponding to the type of test you decide to take:

Required Score Test
Minimum 6 for each of the 4 components IELTS - International English Language Testing System
Minimum 13 for reading, 12 for listening, 18 for speaking, and 21 for writing TOEFL iBT - Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test
Minimum 50 points for each of the 4 components PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English Academic
Minimum B for each of the 4 components OET - Occupational English Test
Minimum 169 in each of the 4 components Cambridge C1 Advanced test

Education

Points Qualification
20 Doctorate
15 Bachelor or Master's Degree
10 Diploma
10 Qualification or Award for Skilled Occupation

Work Experience (in accordance with occupations listed in the SOL)

Points Experience
0 Less than 3 Years
5 3 to 4 Years
10 5 to 7 Years
15 Minimum 8 Years

Requirements to Qualify for Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

1- Receive a nomination from a State Government or Australian Territory agency that meets the specified guidelines.

2- Be under the age of 45 years when you receive the ITA for the Subclass 189 Visa.

3- Declare that you have the appropriate skills as specified by the Australian authority for skills assessment.

4- Demonstrate your English language skills by achieving the applicable scores in the English language test.

5- Score a minimum of 65 points or more in the EOI to qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa.

6- Possess the skill or occupation that has been specified in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for the Subclass 189 Visa.

7- Fulfill the character and health requirements as specified by the DHA (including your family’s character and health requirements, if applicable)

8- Not have any outstanding debts or dues owed to the Government of Australia.

9- Not have any canceled or rejected Australia Visa applications or Australia Visas in the past.

List of Required Documents for Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

Below is a list of documents that are required to be submitted along with the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa application:

1- Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa application form

2- Two color passport size photos

3- Identification proof

4- English language skills test scores

5- Educational credentials documents

6- Skills assessment report

7- Documents proving skills

8- Letter of reference from employer/s

9- Certificate of character issued by the Department of Police

10- Medical check-up certificate

11- Proof of Australian study requirement and evidence of study, if applicable

12- Proof of proficiency in English for the partner

13- Evidence of the relationship status

14- Any additional documents requested by the DHA during the application process



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