The Subclass 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. It allows the visa holder to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Benefits of Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa Program
- Permanent Residency: Allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and Study: Freedom to work and study in any field.
- Healthcare: Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Social Security: After a waiting period, access to certain social security payments.
- Citizenship Pathway: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship.
- Family: Opportunity to include eligible family members.
- Travel: Multiple entries and exits from Australia for five years.
Points Requirement for Skilled Independent Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, you need to score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study requirement
- Specialist education qualification
- Other factors (e.g., partner’s skills, community language credentials, etc.)
Details Points Calculation for Skilled Independent Visa
Points are awarded based on the following criteria:
1. Age
| Age Range | Points |
|---|---|
| 18-24 years | 25 |
| 25-32 years | 30 |
| 33-39 years | 25 |
| 40-44 years | 15 |
2. English Language Proficiency
| Proficiency Level | Points |
|---|---|
| Superior (IELTS 8/PTE 79) | 20 |
| Proficient (IELTS 7/PTE 65) | 10 |
| Competent (IELTS 6/PTE 50) | 0 |
3. Skilled Employment Experience (Outside Australia)
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 3-5 years | 5 |
| 5-8 years | 10 |
| 8-10 years | 15 |
4. Skilled Employment Experience (In Australia)
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 1-3 years | 5 |
| 3-5 years | 10 |
| 5-8 years | 15 |
| 8-10 years | 20 |
5. Educational Qualifications
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s/Master’s degree | 15 |
| Diploma or trade qualification | 10 |
6. Australian Study Requirement
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| At least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution | 5 |
7. Specialist Education Qualification
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Master’s by research or Doctorate from an Australian educational institution in a relevant field (STEM) | 10 |
8. Other Factors
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Credentialed community language | 5 |
| Study in regional Australia | 5 |
| Partner’s skills | 10 |
| Single applicant | 10 |
Total Points Calculation Example
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Age (25-32) | 30 |
| English Proficiency (Proficient) | 10 |
| Overseas Work Experience (5-8 years) | 10 |
| Australian Study Requirement | 5 |
| Partner’s Skills | 10 |
| Total Points | 65 |
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, you need a minimum of 65 points. However, higher points can improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
Eligibility
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Points Test: You must score at least 65 points.
- English Language: You must meet the English language requirements.
- Invitation: You must be invited to apply for the visa.
- Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.
Documentation
- Proof of Identity: Passport, birth certificate, etc.
- Skills Assessment: Positive skills assessment report.
- English Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE scores.
- Educational Qualifications: Certificates, diplomas, degrees.
- Work Experience: Reference letters, pay slips, tax records.
- Points Test Documents: Proof of all factors claimed for points.
- Health and Character: Medical examination, police certificates.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment.
- Submit EOI: Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
- Receive Invitation: Wait for an invitation to apply.
- Apply for Visa: Submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- Submit Documents: Provide all required documentation.
- Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and character checks.
- Wait for Decision: Wait for the visa decision from the Department of Home Affairs.
Cost
| Item | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $4,240 |
| Additional applicant (18 and over) | $2,120 |
| Additional applicant (under 18) | $1,060 |
Processing Time
Processing times can vary, but generally, it takes around 8 to 9 months.
Occupation List for Australia Skilled Independent Visa
Any aspirant who wishing to apply for the Subclass 189 visa must choose an occupation related to those under the Skilled Occupation List.
This list is updated annually by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs based on the latest demands in the country’s labour market.
Here is the updated list of occupations that are currently in-demand in the Australian labour market.
The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) includes occupations that are in high demand in Australia for a longer period. These occupations are essential to the country’s long-term economic needs and are often eligible for several visa categories, including the Subclass 189 Visa.
Examples of Long-Term Skilled Occupations
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant (General) | 221111 | 1 |
| Civil Engineer | 233211 | 1 |
| Electrical Engineer | 233311 | 1 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 233512 | 1 |
| Registered Nurse | 254412 | 1 |
| Software Engineer | 261313 | 1 |
| ICT Business Analyst | 261111 | 1 |
| Architect | 232111 | 1 |
The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) contains occupations that are needed to fill immediate skill shortages in Australia. These occupations are typically eligible for temporary visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482).
Examples of Short-Term Skilled Occupations
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | 232411 | 1 |
| Marketing Specialist | 225113 | 1 |
| Chef | 351311 | 2 |
| Web Developer | 261212 | 1 |
| Interior Designer | 232511 | 1 |
| Sales and Marketing Manager | 131112 | 1 |
| Hairdresser | 391111 | 3 |
| Human Resource Advisor | 223111 | 1 |
Explanation of Skill Levels
- Skill Level 1: Occupations at this skill level have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
- Skill Level 2: Occupations at this skill level have a level of skill commensurate with an Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, or Diploma. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
- Skill Level 3: Occupations at this skill level have a level of skill commensurate with a Certificate III or IV. At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Things to Do Before Applying for a Skilled Independent Visa
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all criteria.
- Skills Assessment: Start the skills assessment process.
- English Test: Book and complete your English proficiency test.
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents.
- Calculate Points: Ensure you meet the minimum points requirement.
- Financial Preparation: Prepare for application costs.
- Health Insurance: Consider obtaining health insurance.
What to Do After Getting the Visa Invitation?
- Submit Application: Lodge your visa application within 60 days.
- Gather Documents: Ensure all required documents are ready.
- Medical Examination: Complete required medical checks.
- Police Certificates: Obtain police certificates from all countries lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.
- Update Information: Keep your information up to date on your application.
Medical Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa
- Health Examination: Undergo a health examination by a panel physician.
- Health Clearance: Obtain a health clearance to prove you meet the health requirements.
- TB Testing: Tuberculosis (TB) test if applicable.
- HIV Testing: HIV test if applicable.
Partner/Family Requirements for Subclass 189 Visa
- Partner Skills: Partner must meet English and skills requirements for additional points.
- Dependent Children: Include children under 18, or dependent children under 23 who are financially dependent.
- Family Members’ Health and Character: All family members must meet health and character requirements.
Reasons You Are Not Invited For Subclass 189 Visa
- Low Points Score: Not meeting the minimum points threshold.
- Occupation Quotas: Occupation ceiling for your nominated occupation has been reached.
- Insufficient Documentation: Missing or inadequate documentation.
- Changes in Immigration Policy: Changes in government policy or occupation lists.
- Competition: High competition from other applicants.
Related FAQs
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa, which means it allows the holder to live in Australia indefinitely. However, the visa has a travel facility that is valid for five years from the date the visa is granted. This travel facility allows the visa holder to travel to and from Australia as many times as they want during the five-year period.
After the initial five years, if the visa holder wishes to continue traveling to and from Australia as a permanent resident, they will need to apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to renew their travel facility.
- Permanent Residency: Grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- No Sponsorship Required: Does not require sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member.
- Work and Study Flexibility: Freedom to work and study in any field across Australia.
- Medicare Access: Access to Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Social Security Benefits: Access to certain social security payments after a waiting period.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Provides a pathway to Australian citizenship.
- Family Inclusion: Allows you to include eligible family members in your application.
- Travel Rights: Enables you to travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
- No Regional Restrictions: No obligation to live in a specific region or state, offering flexibility in choosing where to reside.
- Points-Based System: Transparent points-based selection process based on skills, experience, and other factors.
Yes, the Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent visa. It allows the holder to:
- Live in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enroll in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
This visa is designed to attract highly skilled workers to Australia and provides them with a permanent pathway to live and contribute to the Australian economy and society.
The visa allows you to stay indefinitely, with travel rights for five years.
You must update your EOI, and it will be reassessed based on the new points score.
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
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