Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

What does subclass 189 visa has to offer?

The Subclass 189 Visa, known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a permanent visa that offers several benefits to its holders. It has two different streams: the Points-Tested Stream and the New Zealand Stream.

Key Features of the Subclass 189 Visa:

• Work and Study: Holders of this visa can work and study anywhere in Australia. This flexibility allows them to pursue their career and educational goals within the country.
• Access to Public Healthcare: Visa holders can enroll in Australia’s public health care scheme, which provides access to healthcare services, adding to their well-being and security.
• Travel Component: The visa includes a travel component that allows visa holders to travel in and out of Australia for up to five years from the date the visa is granted. This flexibility makes it easy for visa holders to visit their home country or explore other parts of the world.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Visa:

The eligibility criteria may vary based on the stream of application:

Points-Tested Stream:

• Age: The applicant must be under 45 years of age.
• Occupation: The applicant must have a relevant occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
• Skills Assessment: The applicant must have a skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
• Invitation: The applicant must be invited to apply for the visa.
• Points: The applicant must score a minimum of 65 points based on factors like age, English language proficiency, work experience, and more.
• English Proficiency: The applicant must have a competent level of English.
• Health and Character: The applicant must meet health and character requirements.
• Visa History: The applicant should not have had a visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused.

New Zealand Stream:

• The applicant must have a New Zealand Special Category visa.
• Residence: The applicant should have been living in Australia for at least five years and must have started residing in Australia on or before 19 February 2016.

How to Apply for Subclass 189 Visa:

Here are the general steps to apply for a Subclass 189 Visa:

• Check Skilled Occupation List: Ensure that your occupation is present in the skilled occupation list issued by the Australian government.
• Skills Assessment: Get your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. This is done to obtain an invitation from the government based on your points score and other criteria.
• Receive Invitation: Once you receive an invitation from the Australian government, you can proceed to lodge your visa application.
• Visa Application: Submit your visa application, including all required documents and information.
• Visa Grant: After completing the official process, if your application is successful, the visa will be granted, and you can move to Australia.

The Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent visa, meaning you can stay in Australia indefinitely with a travel component that allows you to travel in and out of the country for up to five years from the date of visa grant. This visa offers a pathway to settle in Australia permanently, work, study, and enjoy the benefits of living in this diverse and dynamic country.