Australia Subclass 189: Your Pathway to Permanent Residency

AAustralia’s Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a popular visa option for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, offering flexibility and a chance to build a future in the country. Importantly, the Subclass 189 visa is points-based, which means applicants are evaluated based on their skills, qualifications, work experience, and other factors. Consequently, the higher your score, the better your chances of being invited to apply.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of the Subclass 189 visa, including eligibility criteria, the step-by-step application process, and estimated processing times.

Eligibility for Subclass 189 Visa

To apply for a Subclass 189 visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria:

Occupation: First and foremost, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list contains occupations that are in high demand in Australia.

Skills Assessment: Additionally, you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. This assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.

Points Test: You need to score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as:

• Age (Maximum points for applicants aged 25-32)
• English proficiency (High proficiency in English earns more points)
• Skilled employment (Both in Australia and overseas)
• Educational qualifications
• Australian study or work experience
• Partner skills

Invitation to Apply: Furthermore, you must receive an invitation to apply for the visa through the SkillSelect system. To do this, you’ll need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Age: Note that you must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply.

English Language: Also, you must prove that you have competent English by achieving a minimum score in approved English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

Application Process for Subclass 189

Here’s a breakdown of the process to apply for the Subclass 189 visa:

1. Step 1: Check Eligibility and Submit an EOI

The first step is to confirm that your occupation is on the MLTSSL and that you meet the points test requirements. Once you’re ready, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system. In the EOI, you will provide information about your skills, qualifications, and experience. Subsequently, the EOI will be ranked based on your points.

2. Step 2: Receive an Invitation to Apply

After lodging your EOI, you will enter the pool of candidates waiting for an invitation. Invitations are issued to the highest-ranking applicants. Keep in mind that the number of invitations issued and the cutoff points for each occupation vary from month to month.

3. Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Following receipt of an invitation, you will need to gather several key documents, including:

• Passport and identification documents
• Skills assessment results
• English language test results
• Employment references and proof of work experience
• Educational certificates

4. Step 4: Submit Your Visa Application

Once you’ve been invited to apply, you can submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure that the application includes all required documents to support your claims made in the EOI.

5. Step 5: Health and Character Checks

Moreover, as part of the visa application, you’ll need to undergo a medical examination and submit a police clearance certificate to prove that you meet the health and character requirements. These checks are mandatory for all applicants and their dependents.

6. Step 6: Receive Your Visa Decision

After completing all steps, you’ll receive a decision on your visa application. If granted, you’ll be given the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), allowing you to live and work in Australia permanently.

Processing Time for Subclass 189 Visa

The processing time for the Subclass 189 visa can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as the completeness of your application and the demand for specific occupations. However, based on current estimates from the Department of Home Affairs, the processing time is typically:

• 75% of applications: 18 months
• 90% of applications: 23 months

Factors that may influence the processing time include:

• Delays in completing health or character checks.
• Additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
• High demand for certain occupations.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa

Permanent Residency: The Subclass 189 visa grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

Healthcare and Social Services: You can access Australia’s Medicare system, which provides subsidized healthcare services. Additionally, you may be eligible for social security payments after a certain period.

Sponsorship Rights: As a permanent resident, you can sponsor eligible family members for various Australian visas.

Citizenship Pathway: After meeting residency requirements, Subclass 189 visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.

Freedom to Study and Work: You can choose to study in Australian institutions or work in any occupation of your choice without restrictions.

Conclusion

Australia’s Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers a flexible and rewarding pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. With no requirement for employer or state sponsorship, this visa provides the opportunity to settle in Australia based purely on your qualifications, skills, and experience. Although the processing time can be long, the benefits of permanent residency, including healthcare, education, and citizenship opportunities, make it well worth the wait.

If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, now is the time to begin your journey towards securing a Subclass 189 visa and start building your future in Australia.