The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is your pathway to permanent residency in Australia as a skilled worker. This points-tested visa offers incredible freedom, letting you live and work anywhere across the country without needing a sponsor. Whether you're applying from Australia or overseas, once granted, you can sponsor your family members for permanent residency and even pursue Australian citizenship down the line.
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) offers permanent residency in Australia through two streams: the Points-Tested Stream and the New Zealand Stream. This visa allows invited individuals to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, access Medicare, and travel in and out of the country for five years. It also provides a pathway to Australian citizenship and the ability to include eligible family members.
What does subclass 189 visa has to offer?
The visa is offered for two different streams, namely the Points-Tested Stream and the New Zealand Stream. These streams allow invited candidates to work and study anywhere in Australia. With this visa, you can enrol for Australia’s public health care scheme. You are also offered a travel component, wherein you can travel in and out of Australia for five years after the visa is granted.
Eligibility criteria for obtaining the Subclass 189 Visa
Here's the information about Subclass 189 Visa eligibility in two short paragraphs, as requested:
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The Points-Tested Stream of the Subclass 189 visa requires applicants to be under 45, have a skilled occupation with a positive skills assessment, score at least 65 points, and demonstrate competent English. You must also meet health and character requirements and be invited to apply.
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For the New Zealand Stream, eligible New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa holders must have resided in Australia for a continuous period of at least five years, commencing on or before February 19, 2016, and meet specific taxable income and health/character criteria.
- The Subclass 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers without sponsorship. It allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
How to Apply:
Here’s what you need to know to apply for a subclass 189 visa.
- Check your occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Get a skills assessment from the relevant authority.
- Calculate your points (minimum 65).
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Lodge your visa application with required documents.
- Get your visa grant and start your new life in Australia!
Travel Facility:
Includes a 5-year travel allowance. After that, apply for a Resident Return Visa (155/157) to re-enter as a permanent resident.