Call us now:
Visa Subclass 189
The 189 Visa, known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a highly sought-after option for individuals seeking permanent residency in Australia based on their skills and qualifications. This visa category operates on a points-based system and does not require applicants to have an employer’s sponsorship or nomination by a State or Territory government.
Who is Eligible for the 189 Visa in Australia?
The Skilled Independent Visa 189 is designed for skilled workers who aspire to make Australia their permanent home and contribute to its workforce.
Eligibility is straightforward, and most individuals with suitable occupations can apply for this visa.
Once granted a 189 visa, you can:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely, unlike the 491 or 190 visas that may restrict your residency to designated regional areas.
- Access comprehensive medical and health benefits through Medicare.
- Sponsor your immediate family members for Australian permanent residency.
- Apply for Australian citizenship when you meet the required criteria.
What are the Application Requirements?
To be eligible for the 189 Visa, you should:
- Be under the age of 45.
- Have a nominated occupation listed on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL).
- Obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Demonstrate at least competent English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50 for all bands, or equivalent; higher scores may be required for additional points).
- Score a minimum of 65 points in the Points Test.
- Receive a nomination from the Australian Federal Government.
- Meet health and character requirements.
How to Boost Your EOI Points for 189 Visa Applications?
In the 189 Visa application process, you must accumulate a minimum of 65 points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, competition can be fierce as many applicants score 65 points or more.
To increase your points, consider these options:
- Partner Skills and English: If your partner holds a positive skills assessment and has competent English, you can earn a maximum of 10 points.
- NAATI Accreditation: Obtaining NAATI accreditation can grant you an additional 5 points.
- Professional Year Program: For Engineering, IT, and Accounting applicants, completing the Professional Year program can earn you 5 points.
- Higher English Proficiency: Achieving a higher score in an English proficiency test can provide a maximum of 20 additional points.
- Gain More Work Experience in Australia.
What is the Application Process?
- Check your eligibility using the EOI points test calculator.
- Obtain a positive skills assessment and the necessary English test results.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and include all required supporting documents.
Please note that this overview simplifies the steps involved. Accurate document preparation and submission are crucial to ensure a smooth processing of your application.
The Advantages of the 189 Visa: Why It’s So Popular
- While the 189 Visa offers fewer occupation options compared to other visas in the skilled migration stream, it provides exclusive benefits that make it a sought-after choice among applicants.
- Direct Grant of Permanent Residency
- Similar to the 190 state-nominated visa, the 189 Visa offers direct and immediate Permanent Residency in Australia.
- Moreover, primary applicants can include eligible family members in a single application for the 189 Visa. This is particularly advantageous for those interested in purchasing property in Australia, as it avoids the need for Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, which can be approximately 7-8% of the property value.
- No Residential Obligations or Conditions Post-Grant
- Another significant benefit of the 189 Visa is that holders are not bound to specific geographic areas or subject to particular conditions.
- All 189 Visa holders enjoy the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, or even choose to work in another country while retaining their Australian residency. This stands in contrast to other visas like the 491 or 190, which may require applicants to stay in a nominated state or within regional areas of Australia.
Visa 189 Application Costs
The application fees for the 189 Visa are as follows:
- Main applicant: $4,240 AUD
- Each additional applicant aged 18 and above: $2,120 AUD
- Each additional applicant under 18: $1,060 AUD
These advantages make the 189 Visa a highly attractive option for individuals seeking permanent residency in Australia. Its straightforward requirements and flexibility offer a path to a new life in Australia.
How can Success Immigration help?
At Success Immigration, we have established partnerships with MARA-registered agents and seasoned immigration lawyers. Our team has successfully guided numerous skilled professionals through their migration journey to Australia, as evidenced by the testimonials and recommendations we’ve received.
Before you embark on your visa application journey, we offer a complimentary eligibility assessment report. Our dedicated team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents is eager to assist you in every step of your Australian visa application process.
Choose Success Immigration as your trusted partner for a seamless migration experience!
If you’re willing to migrate to Australia under PR then please fill in the details below for our experts to review and inform you if there’s any opportunity for your PR through Express Entry or any other category. We will call you back within 24 hours after receiving the inquiry form to discuss your opportunity in detail.