If you dream of an Aussie lifestyle, then go on board the flight towards a journey to make Australia your permanent home with subclass 189.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is designed for invited, eligible workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. This subclass is part of the General Skilled Migration, a permanent stream that attracts skilled individuals from across the world to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia to fill Australia’s workforce shortage.
According to reports, on December 18, 2023, 8,300 invitations were issued for subclass 189 for the program year 2023-2024 in Australia. In contrast, in the prior program year (2022-2023), 10,230 subclass 189 visas were granted to internationals.
As its name suggests, an independent skill visa is a permanent visa stream that allows eligible skilled applicants to work independently in Australia with full work rights. Through this stream, applicants do not need to obtain sponsorship from a state or territory government or a territory government or a relative in Australia. It is a point-tested stream for those who dream of living and working in Australia permanently, free from time restrictions.
Types of Subclass 189 Independent Skilled Visa Australia
Subclass 189 has its own three possible streams, such as:
- Points Tested Stream
- New Zealand Stream
- Hong Kong Stream
Points Tested Stream
With this visa stream, invited people with in-demand skills can live and work permanently in any area of Australia. In this stream:
- The Australian Government must invite you to apply for this stream.
- It will help if you are under 45 to be invited.
- You don’t require a sponsor or nominator.
New Zealand Stream
This visa stream allows eligible New Zealand citizens to live and work in Australia permanently to make a contribution to its economy.
Note: The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) (New Zealand stream) visa has been permanently closed to new applications since July 1, 2023. For more up-to-date information, see recent Department of Home Affairs changes.
Hong Kong Stream
This visa stream allows eligible passport holders of Hong Kong or British National (overseas) who exhibit a devotion to the Australian economy to live and work in Australia permanently.
Subclass 189 Skilled Visa Australia Requirements
The Independent Skilled visa is a point-tested stream with specific eligibility criteria. To pave your way towards your dream destination, Australia, you must meet these criteria. In addition to getting an invitation to apply and meeting the skills threshold, you must fulfil a variety of prerequisites, including age, language, health, and character requirements.
Here are the requirements to apply for subclass 189 in Australia:
- You are obliged to be invited to apply.
- You must possess a skill included in the relevant skilled occupation lists.
- You must undergo a skill assessment test.
- You have to obtain an English language proficiency score of 65.
- You need to meet the skills, health, and character requirements.
- You don’t need to have any outstanding government debt.
- You are required to sign the Australian values statement.
- You must haven’t had a previous visa cancellation or application rejection record
Documents Required for Subclass 189 Skilled Visa
Here is the list of required documents that you need to provide while applying for subclass 189:
- Personal Identifications: Your birth certificate, national ID card (if applicable), passport-size photographs, a valid passport
- Application Form: A completed application form is crucial to start your visa application process.
- Skills Assessment Report: An evaluation report of your professional skills assessment relevant to your nomination of occupation (included in the Skillselect occupation list).
- Educational Documents: Certificates and transcripts for all completed educational qualifications, including the highest degree.
- Proof of Relationship Status: Relationship proof legal documents that verify marital or de facto status.
- Partner Skills Documents: Relevant documents proofing the skills assessment of the partner (if claiming points for partner skills).
- Health Clearance: The Australian health authorities require proof of medical certificates confirming good health.
- Character Certificates: Official documents, such as police clearance certificates, certify your good character in the home country.
- Employment Reference Letters: Previous employment records detailing your work experience and skills.
- English-language Proficiency Test Score: Applicants must provide proof of a minimum English proficiency score of 65 in the relevant test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other relevant test scores.
- Required Age to Apply for Subclass 189: Applicants must be under 45 to receive an invitation to apply for an independent skilled visa in Australia.
- Health and character requirements: You should fulfill the health and character requirements as required by the Australian Immigration authorities.
- Cost of Independent Skilled Visa: The cost of the subclass 189 visa is estimated based on many factors, including the main application fee, additional charges for dependents, and other related expenses. Although here is the estimated application fee cost for subclass 189 visa applicants:
| Description | Visa Cost (AUD) |
| Subclass 189 Visa (Main Applicant) | $4,045 |
| Additional Family Member (Over 18) | $2,020 |
| Additional Family Member (Under 18) | $1,015 |
| Second Instalment (Functional English) | $4,885 |
Note: Getting an independent skilled visa in Australia is an extensive process that may take a long time. You can pay your fee using both a debit and credit card, according to your convenience.
SkillSelect Points Calculator for Subclass 189 Visa
The SkillSelect visa points test calculator is a great way to measure eligibility for anyone applying for the Skilled Independent Visa 189. This calculator also helps applicants determine whether they meet the minimum points score required for this visa category.
In Australia, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the immigration authority. The DHA considers candidates who secure a minimum of 65 points eligible for the invitation.
Understand The Point System of Subclass 189 Based on Various Factors
Here is a table that defines the different criteria for scoring points:
Points Based on Age:
| Age | Points |
| At least 18 years but less than 25 years | 25 |
| At least 25 years but less than 33 years | 30 |
| At least 33 years but less than 40 years | 25 |
| At least 40 years but less than 45 years | 15 |
Points Based on Qualification
| Categories | Points |
| Doctorate from Australian institution or recognized standard | 20 |
| Bachelor’s degree from Australian institution or recognized standard | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution | 10 |
| Qualification recognized by assessing authority for a nominated occupation | 10 |
| Masters or Doctorate degree from Australian institution (specified fields) | 10 |
| At least One Qualification from Australian educational institution | 5 |
Points Based on English Language Skills
| English | Points |
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior | 20 |
Points Based on Skilled Employment Experience
1. Overseas Skilled Employment – Outside Australia
| Number of Years | Points |
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 years less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 years less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
2. Overseas Skilled Employment Experience – Inside Australia
| Number of Years | Points |
| At least 1 years | 0 |
| Less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 years less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 years less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Points For Partners of Subclass 189 Applicants
| Categories | Points |
| If a partner is an applicant and meet the criteria and same occupation skill list | 10 |
| If a partner is an applicant has competent English but not PR/Citizenship | 5 |
| Single or Partner is an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident | 10 |
Understand the Subclass 189 Important Skill Assessment Process
| Steps | What To Do? |
| Check Eligibility | Check your occupation to make sure it is included in the skilled occupation list, you have 65 scores and are eligible to get an invitation to apply. |
| Submit | Submit an expression of interest in Skillselect |
| Wait | Wait for the invitation to apply for subclass 189 |
| Gather Document | Gather Necessary Documents ( Educational transcripts, ID Cards, Passport, and Photographs |
| Apply | Apply the subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa within 60 days |
Expected Visa Processing Time for Subclass 189
Eligible applicants living inside or outside Australia can apply for the independent skilled visa stream. Sublclass 189 Visa processing time may vary based on various factors, such as applicants’ educational background, circumstances, and type of application. However, Australia has speed up the processing time for point-based skilled independent visas. Usually, it can take 8 to 9 months for a complete visa application to proceed to obtain subclass 189.
Note: To get appropriate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the Department of Home Affairs website or the visa processing times page provided by the Australian Government.
Here is an expected list of the current processing times for the subclass 189 visa’s points-tested stream:
| Application Time | Expected Processing Time |
|---|---|
| 25% Application | 74 days |
| 50% Applications | 80 days |
| 75% Applications | 88 days |
| 90% Applications | 3 months |
How The Migration Can be Your Helping Hand in Your Journey Towards a New Home!
Migrating from a home country to a new country can be challenging. But with the proper assistance and preparation, it can be very easy for you. Visa subclass 189 has made it easier for international individuals to make a successful transition into their lives by moving to Australia permanently. From embracing the variety of opportunities to experiencing multiculturalism and enjoying beautiful landscapes and friendly communities, Australia has a lot to offer.
The Migration is an Australian-based registered company offering a wide range of services, including visa processing, immigration and migration consultancy, study visa counselling, and other essential services. From visa application preparation to visa grants, we work for you as your advocates to ensure a successful migration journey towards your dream country. If you want to proudly call Australia your sweet home, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Book our consultation to gain Australian permanent residency. If you wish to make Australia your new home and live permanently, subclass 189 stream is for you.
FAQs
Q: 1 What is the skill assessment procedure?
The skill assessment procedure is an important step in evaluating a specific occupation. In this process, your qualifications and experience are evaluated before you apply for the subclass 189 Independent Skilled Visa Australia.
Q: 2 Can I conclude my family members in subclass 189?
Yes, your family members, including partners, dependents, parents, or children, can also be included in your application. They can be added at the time of application or as a secondary applicant at any stage of your subclass visa processing.
Q: 3 What is EOI, and why is it important?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a formal submission made through SkillSelect. Through EOI, the genuine interest of potential skilled people is guaranteed, which is why they intend to apply for a skilled migration visa, including an independent skilled visa.