Australia's reputation as a land of opportunity for skilled professionals is well-deserved. Many choose to immigrate there to enjoy a high quality of life, abundant job prospects, and access to excellent services. The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a popular pathway to permanent residency for these individuals.
One of the major advantages of the Subclass 189 visa is that it doesn't require sponsorship from an Australian employer, state, or territory. However, applicants must first be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply. To be considered for an invitation, you'll need to have a completed skills assessment that verifies your qualifications in your chosen field.
This visa offers three streams: Points-Tested, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Each stream has its own specific requirements, making the Subclass 189 a versatile option for a wide range of skilled migrants.
Is the Skilled Independent Visa the right path for you in your Australian immigration journey? Let's explore the requirements and eligibility criteria in more detail.
Each skilled independent visa stream has its own specific requirements, in addition to the criteria applicable to all streams. Regardless of the stream for which you are applying, you must:
The Department of Home Affairs meticulously assesses each visa application on a case-by-case basis. Processing times can vary depending on several factors:
For the Points-Tested Stream, while half of applications are processed within 25 months, others may take up to 35 months. Be prepared for potential processing delays when planning your immigration journey.
No matter the type of visa you are applying for, you have to pay a minimum of $4,640. If another family member applies with you, there will be an additional fee. Also, if any eligible relatives apply for the same visa simultaneously as you do, there will be a separate payment requirement. Additionally, applicants aged 18 and above without proficient English may need to pay an extra charge. Other expenses like health checks, biometrics, and police certificates might also be necessary. For detailed information about the total cost of the visa application process, feel free to consult our migration team.
Australian immigration law defines who can be included on your visa application as part of your "Family Unit." Here's a breakdown of who qualifies:
It's important to note that you can include these family members in your application until a decision is made. However, if you choose not to include them, you'll need to provide an explanation to the Department of Home Affairs. A common reason for exclusion is that they already have permanent residency or Australian citizenship.
Yes, it enables the applicant to reside in Australia permanently. Additionally, the visa includes a travel feature that permits the applicant to travel abroad and return an unlimited number of times within five years. This time, obtaining a Resident Return visa is necessary for re-entry to Australia as a permanent resident.
The Department of Home Affairs holds invitation rounds for the subclass 189 visa quarterly, with the upcoming round scheduled for the final quarter of this year.
Under the Points-Tested Stream, a minimum of 65 points is required for the 189 Visa. However, having higher points increases your chances of obtaining a visa. Unlike this stream, the other streams do not require point testing and instead focus on the applicant's residency in Australia for a specific number of years.
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