The skilled independent visa subclass 189 is an Australian permanent residency visa that has a high appeal to skilled professionals to live and work in any part of Australia. For this, meeting the 189 visa requirements is necessary for individuals who want to work in Australia.
This visa is a points-based visa and targets applicants who are highly skilled and whose occupations are listed as being in short supply, thus making you eligible for a fast track to permanent settlement in Australia with full work and other essential benefits.
Here , we will take a thorough look at the 189 visa conditions, paperwork, point system explanation, and FAQs to assist you in understanding your permanent residency path from start to finish.
Also Read: Confused Between Visa 189 & 190? Read This First!
What Is the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189?
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is a points-tested visa that offers permanent residency to skilled professionals who want to move to Australia, but without requiring sponsorship from any employer, state, territory, or family members.
With this visa, you are free to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia for an indefinite period, have access to Medicare, be able to sponsor eligible relatives, and, if you want, apply for Australian citizenship later, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
This visa is ideal for highly skilled individuals whose occupations are on the positive skilled list, who obtain a visa based solely on their skills, experience, and points score, thereby affording them complete freedom and long-term security in Australia.
Core 189 Visa Requirements (Must-Meet Criteria)
1. Be Invited Through SkillSelect
You are required to file an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, giving details of your skills, qualifications, and work profile, to be considered for the 189 visa. The government of Australia must send you an invitation to apply for the visa within 60 days, then you can continue with your application; just lodging an EOI does not secure the pick.
2. Age Requirement
To qualify for the 189 visa requirements, you must be under 45 years old when you are invited to apply. You are allowed to lodge your visa application without any problem, even if you become 45 years old after the receipt of the invitation.
3. Occupation Must Be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
For receiving the 189 visa, your nominated occupation should appear on the Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This condition is set to verify that your skills are needed in Australia. Only after that can you proceed with the skills assessment and points test.
4. Positive Skills Assessment
For your nominated occupation, you are required to get a positive skills assessment from the official assessing authority. This indicates that your qualifications and work experience are at the level of the Australian standards and serves as a confirmation that you are a skilled professional in the area you are applying for.
5. Meet the English Language Requirement
To be qualified for the 189 visa, one needs to demonstrate that they have a proficient level of English. Most of the time, this is shown by the results of a recognized English test such as IELTS, PTE, or equivalent. The purpose of this is to indicate that the applicant can use English effectively in a working environment as well as in daily life in Australia.
6. Meet the Points Test Requirement (65+ Points)
In the 189 visa, you can use a point-based system, and have to reach at least 65 points to receive a letter of invitation. The elements that determine your points are your age, ability in English, work history, and educational credentials. The higher your score, the more likely it is that you will be chosen.
7. Meet Australian Character Requirements
You are required to fulfill Australia’s character requirements, and as a rule, this implies that you will have to present police clearance certificates from the places where you have resided. This is part of the process to make sure that you do not have any substantial criminal history, which may have an unfavourable impact on your visa approval.
8. Meet Health Requirements
You are required to meet the health standards of Australia if you want to get a 189 visa. As a part of these health standards, you should undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved for this purpose. The reason for this is to confirm that you are not suffering from a disease that could significantly increase Australia’s healthcare expenses.
9. No Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
Make sure that you don’t have any debts or unpaid obligations to the Australian government, for instance, unpaid visas or fines. It is very important to get rid of any debts first so that your application can be processed without any financial or legal issues.
10. Sign the Australian Values Statement
You are required to sign the Australian Values Statement as one of the conditions of your 189 visa application, whereby you acknowledge that you understand and will respect Australia’s laws, culture, and democratic values. This is an indication of your pledge to become a part of the Australian society constructively.
Must Read: Discover The Benefits Of 189 Visa Permanent Residency In Australia
Document Checklist for Subclass 189 Visa Requirements
Personal Documents
For personal documentation, you have to submit a passport, birth certificate, and other identity documents to prove your identity and citizenship.
Skills Documents
To meet the requirement, you have to present your educational qualifications, letters of work experience, and any other documents that prove your professional skills to support your nominated occupation.
English Language Test Results
For the approval of the visa, you have to clear an English test score (IELTS, PTE, etc) to show that you are proficient as required.
Character Documents
If you want to work in Australia, then you have to submit the police clearance certificates from the countries where you have lived to prove that you do not have a criminal record.
Health Examination Reports
To meet the 189 visa requirements, you have to undergo the medical examinations with an approved doctor to show that you comply with the health requirements of Australia.
Partner or Dependent Documents (If Applying Together)
If you want to stay with your spouse or children, then you have to give them the identity documents, proof of relationships, and any necessary English, health, or character documents.
Points Breakdown Required for Subclass 189 Visa
1] Age Points
Under the 189 visa points test, the highest score of 30 points is given to you and applicants aged 25–32 years. Those whose age is between 18–24 and 33–39 receive 25 points each, while 40–44-year-olds get 15 points. Applicants aged 45 years and over cannot score any points in the age category and are not allowed to apply for this visa.
2] English Points
If you have good English skills can be a great advantage to your 189 visa points calculation. While Competent English is only the minimum requirement, which comes with 0 points, you are granted 10 points for Proficient English and as many as 20 points for Superior English.
3] Skilled Employment Points
For the overseas experience, you can get 5 to 15 points based on the number of years you worked, but the experience in Australia is given higher value and can get you up to 20 points for a long-term skilled job.
4] Educational Qualification Points
To put your qualification that determines the number of points you get, thus your profile becomes more competitive in the selection process. To illustrate, a Doctorate (PhD) will get you 20 points, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will get you 15 points, and a recognised trade qualification or diploma will get you 10 points.
5] Australian Study Requirements
The bonus goes to you who is fulfilling the Australian Study Requirement, which indicates that you have an education background locally, and you can get an extra 5 points added to your score for the 189 visa, if you have studied in Australia for at least two academic years.
6] Partner Skills Point
One way is through your partner’s skills, which can be like a hidden extra power that helps you get more points for your 189 visa, no matter if your partner has a good level of English, a positive skills assessment, or even if your partner is not there.
Conclusion: Need expert help with your 189 visa? Talk to a trusted Migration Agent today.
Securing a subclass 189 visa is often the beginning of a fresh life in Australia, and professional help can be the deciding factor. An efficient Migration Agent can make the best use of your points, keep your documents ready, and manage the SkillSelect process for you. You can further get tailored guidance for the improvement of your migration from a knowledgeable Immigration Agent in Perth.
FAQs About Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Requirements
1] What is the minimum points requirement for a 189 visa?
The minimum points requirements for a 189 visa are 65+ that meet Australian basic requirements to allow skilled workers to live or work independently, along with opening a pathway for Permanent residency later on.
2] Do I need a job offer for the 189 visa?
Not exactly! There is no requirement for a job offer for the 189 visa. You just have to meet basic requirements like age, English proficiency, points score, and other documents to apply.
3] Is the 189 visa permanent residency?
Yes, the 189 visa is the pathway for permanent residency in Australia. This visa allows skilled workers off
New Zealand, Hong Kong, and British National (Overseas) passport holders to permanently live, study, and work anywhere in the country and enjoy Australian citizenship.
4] Can I apply for the 189 visa from outside Australia?
Of course, you can easily apply for the 189 visa from anywhere in the world by just meeting basic criteria like age, English proficiency, health & character certificate, basic points score, and if bringing a partner, then their documents, like a marriage certificate.
5] How long does a skills assessment stay valid?
The skills assessment stays valid for three years from the date of issue. However, if you want to renew this skills assessment further, you may contact the skills migration agent for a better understanding.
6] Can I include my family members in my application?
Yes, you can include eligible family members while filing the 189 visa application or add them after applying before the decision is announced.
7] How long is the processing time for a 189 visa?
The processing time for a 189 visa is 7 to 9 months or till 12 months, but it totally depends on the application’s completeness and the occupation you are applying for.
