Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (Points-tested) stream
The 189 visa allows highly skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state or territory of Australia, or a family member to live and work permanently in Australia. To apply for this visa under the points-tested stream, you must first obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation and then lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI). If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to apply for the visa.
This stream is designed for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member, or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
To apply under the Skilled Independent (Points-tested) stream, you need to submit an EOI.
New Zealand citizens may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) under the New Zealand stream.
Eligibility
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the 189 occupation list (MLTSSL).
- Skills Assessment: You need a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Expression of Interest: Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply.
- Points Test: You must meet the pass mark of 65 points.
- Age: You must be between 18 and 44 years old.
- English Proficiency: You need to demonstrate competent English.
- Health and Character: Meet the health and character requirements.
Submit an EOI via SkillSelect with details of your nominated occupation, skills, and qualifications. SkillSelect will estimate a points score and rank you against other intending migrants. If you rank high enough and there are available places for your occupation, you will be invited to apply for the visa.
If invited, you have 60 calendar days to submit your visa application.
Occupation
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations. You need a skills assessment that shows you have the skills and qualifications to work in that occupation.
Points Score
You must meet the points score specified in your invitation letter, which will be at least 65 points. This score is based on the information provided in your EOI.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
Everyone who wants to be invited to apply for the visa must submit an EOI. When you submit your EOI, you will be ranked against other applicants. Your EOI will remain in the pool for up to 2 years, and there is no cost to submit an EOI.
Applying from Australia or Overseas
You can submit your EOI whether you are in or outside Australia. You can also apply for the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa from either location. If you apply from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B, or C visa. Applying from within Australia will grant you a bridging visa, allowing you to stay in Australia while your application is processed. However, if your current visa is refused or canceled, you might not be eligible to apply for the 189 visa while in Australia.
Assessing Authorities
Use the assessing authority listed for your nominated occupation in the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.
What You Can Do with a 189 Visa
This is a permanent visa that allows you to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s health-related care scheme.
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
Cost
From AUD 4,640. Additional costs may apply.
Location
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply for the visa and when a decision is made.
Duration
This is a permanent visa, lasting indefinitely. It begins on the date it is granted.
Family
You can include your partner and your or your partner’s child or stepchild in your application. Family members who are granted the visa have the same rights and privileges as you.
Obligations
You and your family members must comply with Australian laws and your visa conditions. You can find your visa conditions in VEVO.
Travel
You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for five years after the visa is granted.
VisaEnvoy Services
At VisaEnvoy, we specialize in managing general skilled visa applications and can assist you with:
- Obtaining your skills assessment.
- Preparing your relative sponsorship application.
- Lodging and monitoring your visa application.
- Correspondence with skills assessing authorities and the Department of Immigration until the visa is granted.
- Managing your bridging visas for yourself and family members.
Please book an immigration consultation if you would like a personalized eligibility assessment for your Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa application.
189 vs. Global Talent Visa Comparison:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Required for both visas.
- Points Tested: Required for Subclass 189, not required for Global Talent.
- Skills Assessment: Required for Subclass 189, not required for Global Talent.
- English Requirement: Competent English for Subclass 189; functional English (or payment of 2nd VAC) for Global Talent.
- Occupation List: MLTSSL for Subclass 189; no specific list for Global Talent.
- Target Sectors: Not required for Subclass 189; required for Global Talent.
- Age Limit: 45 for Subclass 189; 55 (unless exceptional value to Australia) for Global Talent.
- Australian Nominator: Not required for Subclass 189; required for Global Talent.
- Visa Application Charge: $4,045 for Subclass 189; $4,110 for Global Talent.
- Planned Levels: 6,500 for Subclass 189; 15,000 for Global Talent.
Stages of the Visa Application Process:
Stage 1: Initial Eligibility Assessment We start by conducting an initial assessment of your eligibility for the visa. This involves reviewing your qualifications, work experience, English language skills, and other factors to determine whether you meet the relevant requirements. We’ll also assess which MLTSSL occupation(s) you can nominate and whether you’re likely to receive a positive skills assessment.
Stage 2: Skills Assessment If our initial assessment suggests you are eligible, we will prepare your skills assessment application. Each skilled occupation on the MLTSSL has an assessing authority specified by DHA. Only a skills assessment from the relevant authority is accepted by DHA. We’ll guide you on the documents needed to support your application and handle the submission to the appropriate authority.
Stage 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) Once you have a positive skills assessment, we will prepare and lodge your EOI. Although supporting documents aren’t required at this stage, you must be able to prove that the information provided in your EOI is accurate at the time you are invited to apply for the visa. Your EOI will be ranked, and if successful, you will receive an invitation to apply.
Stage 4: Visa Application After being invited by DHA, we will prepare and submit your visa application within the specified time frame, including all necessary documents. If your application is approved, you’ll be granted a permanent visa, whether you are in Australia or overseas at the time.