Australia’s Visa Subclass 189
Migrating to a new country is more than just packing bags; it’s a transformative life decision. If Australia, with its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and thriving economy, is on your radar, you are not alone. Many skilled professionals worldwide dream of starting a new chapter in this land of opportunity.
Among the various visa options available, the Visa Subclass 189 stands out as a key to unlocking Australia’s permanent residency, providing a robust platform for you to build a prosperous future. This guide will walk you through every detail of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), helping you understand its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and what happens after your visa is granted.
What is the Visa Subclass 189?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers, eligible New Zealand citizens, and certain Hong Kong or British nationals to live and work in Australia without needing state or territory nomination. This visa is ideal for professionals whose skills are in demand and who wish to secure a stable, prosperous future in Australia. Unlike other visas, the Subclass 189 does not tie you to any specific employer or region, offering you the flexibility to choose where you live and work in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?
Before embarking on your migration journey, it’s essential to determine whether you meet the stringent eligibility criteria for Visa Subclass 189. Australia seeks individuals who can contribute to its economy, so meeting these requirements is crucial:
- Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list includes professions that are in high demand.
- Age: You must be between 18 and 44 years old.
- English Proficiency: A competent level of English is required, typically demonstrated by achieving at least a 6 in each band of the IELTS test or equivalent scores in tests like PTE, TOEFL, or CAE.
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation is a must.
- Points Test: You need a minimum score of 65 points on the points test, which assesses factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and English proficiency.
- Health and Character: You must meet the Australian government’s health and character requirements.
- Invitation to Apply: The final step is receiving an invitation from the Australian government to apply for this visa. This invitation is crucial, as you cannot apply without it.
Key Benefits of the Visa Subclass 189
- Permanent Residence: This visa grants you the right to stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and Study Freedom: Enjoy the liberty to work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Healthcare Access: Get enrolled in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare, ensuring your health needs are met.
- Family Sponsorship: You can bring eligible family members to Australia, giving them the chance to live and work here.
- Travel Flexibility: Travel freely in and out of Australia for five years from the date your visa is granted.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Once eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship, unlocking further rights and privileges.
Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The journey to securing your Visa Subclass 189 is a process that requires careful planning and precise execution. Let’s break it down step by step:
Begin by submitting an EOI through SkillSelect, an online system that lets the Australian government know you are interested in applying for this visa. Your EOI is essentially your pitch, showcasing your skills, qualifications, and eligibility.
Once your EOI is lodged, it’s time to gather all necessary documents that support your claims. This includes your skills assessment, proof of English proficiency, identity documents, and any other relevant paperwork.
If your EOI is successful and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. This invitation is your golden ticket—you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to submit your visa application.
With your invitation in hand, you can now apply online. This can be done from within Australia or abroad. Ensure all your information is accurate and your documents are correctly uploaded.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive confirmation. If you are applying from within Australia, you may be granted a bridging visa, allowing you to remain in the country while your visa is processed.
The Australian government will assess your application. If approved, you will receive your visa grant number, start date, and any visa conditions. If your application is refused, you will be informed of the reasons and whether you have the right to appeal the decision.
Costs and Processing Time
- Application Fee: The cost for the primary applicant is AUD 4,765. If you are including family members in your application, additional fees will apply.
- Other Costs: Be prepared for additional expenses, such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.
- Processing Time: While the timeline can vary, the initial stages, like confirming your occupation on the SOL, typically take 7 to 12 working days. The entire process, from lodging your visa application to receiving a decision, can take 3 to 6 months.
Including Your Family
One of the most significant advantages of the Visa Subclass 189 is that it allows you to include your family members in your application. They, too, must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. You can add them either at the time of your application or afterward, as long as it’s before a decision is made on your visa.
FAQs
Yes, the Visa Subclass 189 is highly competitive. The number of EOIs far exceeds the available places, making a high points score crucial for securing an invitation to apply.
While 65 points is the minimum, a higher score improves your chances of receiving an invitation. The more points you have, the better your chances.
It depends on your circumstances. The 189 visa offers greater flexibility as it doesn’t tie you to a specific state or territory, whereas the 190 visa requires state nomination.
Yes, a positive skills assessment is mandatory for applying for the Subclass 189 visa, as well as for other general skilled migration visas.
How We Can Help You
At Morganvij, we understand that the migration process can be complex and overwhelming. With our extensive experience in guiding individuals and families through the complexities of Australia’s visa applications, we can help make your journey smoother. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Expert guidance: Our licensed immigration consultants provide step-by-step assistance, ensuring every detail is handled with care.
- Transparency and Security: We maintain a secure and transparent online process, addressing any concerns you may have.
- Proven Success: With hundreds of successful applications processed, our track record speaks for itself.
- Thorough Assessment: We meticulously evaluate every case multiple time before submission, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us for personalised guidance and let us help you turn your Australian dream into reality.
Conclusion
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is more than just a visa; it’s a ticket to a new life in Australia. By meeting the eligibility criteria and carefully navigating the application process, you can secure your place in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Whether you are looking to advance your career, enjoy a high standard of living, or secure a bright future for your family, Visa Subclass 189 could be the key to your successful migration journey.