Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Permanent Residency with No Sponsorship Needed

    Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

    The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. It is a points-tested visa that allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.

    Eligibility

    • Must have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.

    • Must have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation.

    • Must meet the points test pass mark of 65 points or more.

    • Must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

    • Must have competent English.

    • Must be invited to apply.

    What You Can Do When You Hold This Visa

    As a holder of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently, access the public healthcare system through Medicare, and sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence. You are also able to travel in and out of Australia for up to five years and may eventually apply for Australian citizenship, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

    Advantages of the Subclass 189 Visa

    The Subclass 189 visa offers numerous benefits for skilled professionals looking to make Australia their permanent home:

    • Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere in Australia: Unlike some other visas, the Subclass 189 visa is not restricted to a specific state, region, or employer. Once granted, you can choose where you want to live and work across Australia, whether it’s in a bustling city or a regional area.
    • Permanent Residency from Day One: The visa grants permanent residency status immediately upon approval, offering long-term security for you and your family. With permanent residency, you have access to public healthcare (Medicare), education, and a wide range of social benefits.
    • Access to Australian Citizenship: After fulfilling the residency and other requirements, Subclass 189 visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, allowing you to enjoy the full rights and privileges of being an Australian citizen, including voting and obtaining an Australian passport.
    • Family Members Included: You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. They will enjoy the same permanent residency benefits, including work and study rights, once the visa is granted.
    • Travel Flexibility: The visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for the first five years. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to retain your permanent residency status and continue traveling freely.

    Points-Based System

    The Subclass 189 visa operates on a points-based system, where applicants are awarded points based on specific criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the major factors:

    • Age: Applicants between the ages of 25 and 32 receive the maximum points in this category.
    • English Language Proficiency: Points are awarded based on the level of English language proficiency, which is assessed through standardized English tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
    • Work Experience: Both overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated occupation contribute to your points total. The more years of relevant experience you have, the higher the points awarded.
    • Qualifications: Applicants with higher education qualifications, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, will earn additional points.
    • Australian Study Requirement: If you have studied in Australia for at least two years, you may be eligible for extra points.
    • Partner Skills: Additional points can be earned if your partner meets certain age, skills, and English language requirements.
    • Specialist Education and Regional Study: If you have completed specialist education or studied in a regional area of Australia, you may be eligible for bonus points.

    Skilled Occupation List

    The Subclass 189 visa is available to applicants with skills in high-demand occupations that are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The MLTSSL is updated regularly by the Australian Government to reflect changes in the labour market. This visa is particularly suitable for professionals in industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and trades. It’s important to ensure that your occupation is on the list before proceeding with your application.

    Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation to Apply

    To apply for the Subclass 189 visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect platform. This is not a visa application but a way for you to express your interest in migrating to Australia based on your skills and experience. Once your EOI is submitted, you will be entered into the SkillSelect pool, where you will be ranked based on your points score.

    The Australian Government invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for the visa. Invitations are issued periodically, and receiving an invitation depends on the competitiveness of your points score, as well as the demand for your specific occupation at the time.

    Who Should Consider the Subclass 189 Visa

    The Subclass 189 visa is an excellent option for skilled professionals who:

    • Have skills that are in demand in Australia.
    • Want the freedom to live and work anywhere in the country without being tied to a specific employer or state.
    • Are looking for a clear pathway to permanent residency and Australian citizenship.
    • Prefer to secure a visa based on their skills and qualifications without needing employer sponsorship.

    This visa is ideal for individuals who value independence and want the flexibility to shape their future in Australia, with full access to the benefits of permanent residency from the outset.

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