A points-tested permanent visa, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is issued to skilled workers who have not been sponsored by an Australia-based employer, family member, or nominated by a state/territory. To get a Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), applicants should get at least 65 points on the point assessment.You need to submit an expression of interest (EOI) and also need to be invited by SkillSelect to apply for this visa. After getting an invitation to apply (ITA) for this visa, you should submit your application in 60 days.
On the granting of the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent), a holder of the visa and accompanying family members can stay, work, and study as permanent residents in Australia.
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A permanent visa lets you:
To gain eligibility to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa, candidates need to:
Here is the list of required documents:
Collect all the documents carefully, for a single blunder can affect your chances. Ensure to verify with Australia’s immigration officials to overcome delays in processing.
Step 1: Ensure that occupation is on the skilled list and score over 65 points
Step 2: Our migration agents file with the immigration department your expression of interest (EOI)
Step 3: Await receipt of an invitation to apply (ITA) for the visa from the immigration department
Step 4: Our experts file for your visa and communicate with the immigration department till a decision is taken
Step 5: After receiving the visa approval, you and your family emigrate to Australia
You can apply for a 189 Skilled Independent Visa, provided you fulfill the following requirements:
Your occupation must be present on the applicable list of eligible skilled occupations.
You need to complete the skills assessment through the accredited assessing authority to demonstrate that you hold the skills and qualifications to be employed in the occupation of your choice.
You must be aged below 45 to receive an invitation to apply.
You should fulfill the health & character requirements.
If you are a citizen of New Zealand, you become eligible to apply for the New Zealand Stream 189 Visa instead.
The tables demonstrate the estimated costs for 189 visas.
Application Fees for Subclass 189 Visa
Primary Adult Applicant | AUD 4,115 |
Additional Adult Applicant (more than 18 years) | AUD 2,055 |
Dependent Child (fewer than 18 years) | AUD 1,030 |
Other Expenses Associated with Subclass 189
Type of Fee | Fees to be paid per individual |
Education Credentials & Work Assessment (ACS) | USD 390 |
Police Clearance Certificate (varies from one country to another) | USD 18 |
English Proficiency Test | USD 200 |
Medical Examination (varies from one country to another) | USD 350 |
It is a long and extensive process to get an Australian visa. You can pay the visa fees online making use of both debit and credit cards. However, you may incur additional transaction charges when you pay with the cards.
Subclass 189 & Subclass 491 Visas – Processing Times
There are various aspects to processing times needed for these visas such as time taken by skill-assessing authorities, invitation rounds, state sponsorship, and others. Here is a step-by-step guide for processing Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 visas.
Guide for Processing Times of Subclass 189 & Subclass 491 Visas
189 Visa Processing Time | Permanent Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Visa |
7 – 12 Working Days | Confirm if your occupation or profile is existing in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) |
0 – 15 days | Ensure to meet all the eligibility requirements |
2 – 3 Months | Finish the Skills Assessment Tests |
15 Working Days | Submit through Skill Select an EOI |
2 Months | Lodging Visa Application |
15 – 30 Days | Await a decision |
The overall processing time for the Subclass 189 visa can range from eight to nine months after the submission of the Skilled Independent Visa application.
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The Subclass 189 visa is exclusively for permanent residency and therefore immigrants opt for it more. A transitional visa, the Subclass 491 visa only allows relocation to other parts of Australia for employment after three years and permanency subsequently.
The validity period of the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa is indefinite. It is a permanent resident visa and also includes in the application close relations.
For the Subclass 189 visa, the minimum points required at the 2019 year-end were 90 to get an invitation. To get an invitation, these candidates too had to wait for four months.
For candidates of Australian PR, additional means to get more points are as follows.
Requirements for these two subclasses differ. While the 189 visa does not need any sponsorship, the 190 visa needs a nomination from a state or a territory.
You can apply for Australian citizenship after you hold the PR visa for three years. Overall eligibility criteria include work experience of eight to ten years within or outside Australia.