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Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa

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    Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa

    The Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent residency (PR) visa designed for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia without requiring employer, family, or state sponsorship. This points-tested visa offers a direct pathway to Australian PR, making it one of the most sought-after visas under the skilled migration programme.

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    What is the Subclass 189 Visa?

    The Subclass 189 Visa is a points-based skilled migration visa that allows qualified professionals and tradespeople to permanently live, work, and study in Australia. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect, meeting the minimum 65 points requirement based on factors like age, education, English proficiency, and work experience. This visa is ideal for skilled workers who:

    • Do not have an Australian employer sponsorship.
    • Are not nominated by a state or territory government.
    • Do not have eligible family sponsorship.
    • Hold occupations listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

    Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa

    The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa offers full permanent residency rights, allowing you to:

    • Live and work anywhere in Australia.
    • Study at any Australian institution.
    • Access Australia’s Medicare healthcare scheme.
    • Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

    Applicants can include dependant family members (spouse, partner, dependant children) in their visa application, ensuring the entire family enjoys the same permanent residency rights, including healthcare, education, and work opportunities in Australia.

    Top Features of Australia Subclass 189 Visa

    The Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa offers a wide range of benefits that make it one of the most attractive permanent residency (PR) options for skilled migrants:

    Permanent residency (live & work indefinitely)

    Gain full Australian PR status, allowing you to live, work, and settle anywhere in Australia without restrictions.

    Study opportunities at Australian institutions

    Enroll in top universities, colleges, and training institutes across Australia with access to local student rates and opportunities.

    Access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare scheme)

    Enjoy comprehensive healthcare benefits under Australia’s Medicare system for you and your included family members.

    Pathway to Australian citizenship

    After meeting residency requirements, Subclass 189 visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship and enjoy the full rights of an Australian citizen.

    Sponsor relatives for PR

    With your permanent residency, you can sponsor eligible family members to join you in Australia under various family visa categories.

    Travel in and out of Australia multiple times

    The Subclass 189 Visa allows unlimited travel to and from Australia for five years, making it easier to visit family or handle global work commitments.

    Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Australia Visa

    To qualify for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements under the Australia skilled migration program:

    1. Applicants must be below 45 years old at the time of Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    2. You must achieve at least 65 points on the Australia skilled migration points test.
    3. Your nominated occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
    4. You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
    5. Competent English score in a valid test from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, etc.
    6. You and family members must pass mandatory health & character assessments.
    7. Applicants must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government.
    8. You should not have a history of visa cancellations or refusals.

    How to Apply for Australia Subclass 189 Visa?

    Applying for the Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa is a structured, multi-stage process that requires attention to detail and compliance with the Australia immigration rules. Here’s a clear breakdown of each step:

    Stage 1: Check if your occupation is on the SOL

    Confirm that your nominated job is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)—only eligible skilled occupations qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa.

    Stage 2: Ensure all eligibility requirements are met

    Make sure you meet the age limit (under 45), have competent English proficiency, meet health and character standards, and can score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points test.

    Stage 3: Complete skills assessment

    Obtain a positive skills assessment from the designated assessing authority for your occupation, proving you have the qualifications and experience required.

    Stage 4: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect

    Create and submit your EOI (Expression of Interest) through the SkillSelect platform, providing details about your skills, experience, and qualifications.

    Stage 5: Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

    If your EOI meets the required points and ranking, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs.

    Stage 6: Submit visa application with all documents

    After receiving your ITA, submit the complete Subclass 189 visa application online, attaching all supporting documents like proof of identity, skills assessment, and English test results.

    Stage 7: Await decision (processing time: 4–5 months)

    The visa processing time typically ranges from 4 to 5 months, depending on application complexity and case volume.

    Stage 8: Receive visa grant & move to Australia

    Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, allowing you and your family to move to Australia as permanent residents.

    Points System for Australia Subclass 189 Visa

    To qualify for the Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, you must score at least 65 points on the Australia skilled migration points calculator. Points are awarded based on key profile factors:

    Factor

    Maximum Points

    Age (25–33 years)

    30 points

    English proficiency

    Up to 20 points

    Education level

    Up to 20 points

    Overseas experience

    Up to 15 points

    Australian experience

    Up to 20 points

    Partner’s skills

    5 points

    Higher points increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect, making strong scores essential for success.

    English Language Requirements for Subclass 189

    To meet the English language eligibility for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, you must provide valid test scores from one of the approved exams:

    Test

    Required Score

    IELTS

    Minimum 6 in each component

    TOEFL iBT

    Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18, Writing 21

    PTE Academic

    Minimum 50 in each component

    OET

    Minimum B in each component

    Cambridge C1

    Minimum 169 in each component

    Applicants can submit results from any of these internationally recognized tests to prove competent English for Subclass 189 Visa eligibility.

    Document Checklist for Australia Subclass 189 Visa

    When applying for the Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, ensure you have all required documents ready for submission:

    1. Completed visa application form.
    2. Passport & recent passport-size photos.
    3. Identity documents (national ID, birth certificate).
    4. English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, OET).
    5. Skills assessment report from the relevant authority.
    6. Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas).
    7. Work experience references or employment letters.
    8. Police clearance certificate for character assessment.
    9. Medical examination report for health checks.
    10. Partner’s English proficiency & relationship proof (if applicable).
    11. Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

    Providing a complete and accurate document set is crucial for smooth processing and to avoid application delays or rejections.

    Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Processing Time

    The Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa generally follows a predictable processing timeline, although individual cases may vary based on application complexity and document completeness. Here’s what to expect:

    Applications Processed

    Timeframe

    50% of applications

    Processed in 4 months

    90% of applications

    Processed in 5 months

    It’s essential to submit a complete and accurate application to avoid delays and ensure a smooth approval process through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

    Why Choose Smart Geek Visas for Subclass 189?

    When it comes to securing your Australia Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, partnering with an experienced and trusted consultancy can make all the difference. Smart Geek Visas offers unmatched expertise, personalised service, and proven success to help you confidently navigate your PR journey.

    • 17+ years of immigration expertise.
    • 30,000+ successful global clients.
    • Accurate points assessment with the Australia 65 Points Calculator.
    • Step-by-step EOI submission & ITA guidance.
    • Personalised document preparation & review. 
    • Dedicated support until final visa approval.

    Let Smart Geek Visas help you turn your Australian permanent residency goals into reality!

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    FAQs – Australia Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa

    1
    How Many Points do I Need to Apply?
    To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must score at least 65 points on the skilled migration points calculator. However, securing a higher score—such as 75 or above—significantly increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the SkillSelect system, as competition is fierce among skilled applicants.
    2
    Can I Include My Family in The Visa Application?
    Yes! You can include your spouse, partner, and dependent children in your Subclass 189 Visa application. When approved, they will also receive permanent residency status, giving them access to work, study, healthcare, and other social benefits in Australia alongside you.
    3
    Do I Need a Sponsor or Job Offer?
    No, the Subclass 189 Visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, family member, or Australian state or territory. However, you must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet the eligibility criteria to apply as an independent skilled migrant.
    4
    Can I Apply If I’m Already in Australia?
    Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 189 Visa even if you are already in Australia, provided you hold a valid Bridging Visa A, B, C, or another substantive visa. This ensures you maintain lawful status in the country while your permanent residency application is being processed.
    5
    Is the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa Permanent?
    Yes, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa grants permanent residency (PR), allowing you and your eligible family members to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It also offers a clear pathway to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the required residency period and legal conditions.
    We at SmartGeek Visas are determined to make your dream possible.
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