Australia Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

For foreign employees and New Zealand citizens, two streams are available under the skilled independent visa program, subclass 189. If you are highly skilled and satisfy the points requirements (for the points tested stream), you may apply for this visa.

If you abide by the terms of your visa and Australian law, you can work, study, and live in Australia for as long as you choose.

What is Australia Skilled Independent Visa 189?

With the work visa known as the “skilled independent visa,” you are able to reside in Australia permanently. You must be invited to apply for an 189 visa, and in order to be invited, you must meet the score point requirements for this visa.

New Zealanders who have worked and resided in Australia for a number of years are also eligible for Visa 189.

Skilled Independent Visa 189 streams

Within the category of skilled independent visas, there are two primary streams:

1. Points Tested Stream: You don’t need a sponsor or to be nominated to participate in this broadcast. To apply, you must first receive an invitation. If you obtain the minimum number of points needed for a visa type 189, you will be invited. Typically, 65 points or more are required for a points-tested stream visa.

2. New Zealand Stream: If you are a citizen of New Zealand and have been in Australia for at least five years while holding a special visa 444, you are eligible to apply for this stream. You must have been a resident of Australia since or before February 19, 2016, in order for the residence time to count toward your eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): You must nominate an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and have the skills, qualifications, and work experience to match the chosen occupation.

• Skill Assessment: Before applying for the visa, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment ensures that your skills are recognized and meet Australian standards.

• Points Test: Applicants are required to score a minimum number of points on the GSM points test, which considers factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, educational qualifications, and other criteria.

• Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years old at the time of invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.

• English Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate competent English language skills by undertaking an English language test and achieving the required score.

• Health and Character Requirements: You and your family members must meet certain health and character requirements to be granted the visa.

Visa 189 Document Requirements

To apply for Visa 189, you must submit the following paperwork:

• You must submit a copy of your passport pages that contain your personal information.
• Identification Document: Please include a copy of your national identity card.
• Expression of interest: For your points-tested stream visa 189, you must submit an expression of interest.
• Proof of English language proficiency: If you are using the New Zealand stream English proficiency Is not necessary.
• Skill assessment documents: To obtain a points-tested stream visa, you might additionally need to take a skill evaluation.
• Character Documents: Along with the other character documentation, you might also need to submit Form 80 for the points-tested stream.
• Form 956.
• Form 956a.
• To obtain a New Zealand stream visa, you must:
  • Documents proving residency and income
• Documents needed for your spouse or companion:
  • Their identification cards
  • Divorce document (if necessary)
  • Character document
  • Marriage Cert
  • Proof of a registered relationship, (if necessary)
  • Proof of English language proficiency
• Documents needed for your dependent minor children:
  • Identification cards
  • birth certificate copies
  • Family book with the names of the parents (As an alternative to the birth certificate).
  • Form 1229 for parental approval
  • Statutory declaration
• Documents needed for your dependant kids over the age of 18:
  • Evidence of dependency.
  • Dependency form 47a
  • Proof of English Proficiency (just for the stream with points tested)

The Application Process

Applying for the Subclass 189 visa involves a multi-step process:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): You must submit an EOI through the Skill Select online platform. The EOI allows you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and willingness to migrate to Australia.

2. Invitation to Apply: If your EOI is successful and you meet the minimum points requirement, you may receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa.

3. Visa Application: After receiving an invitation, you must submit a complete visa application within 60 days. This application includes evidence of your skills assessment, English language proficiency, health, and character requirements, among others.

4. Wait for a Decision: The processing time for the Subclass 189 visa can vary, but you will be notified once a decision has been made.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

Obtaining a Subclass 189 visa comes with numerous advantages:

• Permanent Residency: The visa grants you and your eligible family members the right to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

• Study and Healthcare: As a permanent resident, you can access the country’s exceptional healthcare system and enroll in Australia’s world-renowned educational institutions.

• Social Security Benefits: You may be eligible for certain social security benefits and privileges available to Australian citizens.

• Freedom and Flexibility: Unlike employer-sponsored visas, the Subclass 189 visa provides freedom and flexibility to work for any employer and in any occupation of your choice.

Visa 189 Processing Times

1. Points Tested Stream: 14 – 26 Months
2. New Zealand Stream: 13 – 18 Months

Costs of Visa 189

For the points tested stream Visa 189 costs AUD4,150. You must pay a second installment price of AUD4,900 for each additional applicant who is unable to demonstrate a functional level of English.

You do not need to pay the English requirement charge if you are applying for a New Zealand stream, but you must pay the application money in two installments. 20% of the total must be paid upfront, and the rest amount must be paid before your visa is issued.

Visa 189 Skill Occupation List

You require a profession that is included in the list of skilled occupations in order to be eligible for a visa 189-points-tested stream. You can apply for work visas in a number of professions on this list. The assessing authority for each occupation is mentioned in addition to the listed occupations. Knowing this is crucial if a relevant authority asks you to submit a skill assessment.

When I Have a Skilled Independent Visa, How Long Can I Stay?

A 189 visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently as it is a permanent visa. If you match the requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship after a few years.

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