Guide to the 189 Visa Skilled Independent Visa Subclass
Visa 189, or Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, is a permanent visa granted by the Australian Government for skilled professionals that do not need an employer, family member, or state/territory sponsorship. It operates on a points-based system and enables successful candidates to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently.
If you have qualifications and work experience that could lead to Australian permanent residency, it is important to grasp the Subclass 189 visa process. This guide will assist you with everything from the visa invitation round to eligibility criteria, visa costs and processing times, comparison with other skilled visas like the 190 subclass, and more.
The subclass 189 visa is issued to those who are listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It is a permanent residency visa, which means once granted, you are a permanent resident of Australia.
What Benefits Does the 189 Visa Offer?
Holding a 189 Visa opens up several opportunities for you:
- Maintained permanent residency without any geographical restrictions throughout Australia.
- Capability of working and studying in any occupation or location.
- Entitlement to public social services and health care.
- Eligibility to sponsor specific relatives.
- Opportunity for citizenship after fulfilling residency obligations.
What are the 189 Visa Requirements?
Subclass 189 visa applicants have certain requirements to be fulfilled under different categories:
Category | Requirement |
Occupation | Must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List and pass a positive skills assessment with relevant bodies (Engineers Australia, ACS, etc.). |
Age | 18-45 years old at the time of invitation. |
Points | At least 65 points in the General Skilled Migration, or GSM test. |
Health & Character | Must pass a health assessment and police clearance. |
EOI & Invitation | Apply by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and waiting for the invitation to apply. |
What Is the Visa 189 Invitation Round?
The Department of Home Affairs administers the 189 visa invitation round, which is a system for granting visas.
Tips:
- Issuances of invitations are normally monthly or bimonthly.
- The number of invitations changes based on the occupation ceilings and the planning levels for migration.
- Getting higher points will likely invite you to be more eligible for receiving an invitation during those rounds.
- Maintain your EOI to improve your score with better results on the English proficiency test or additional work experience.
Steps to Apply for a Subclass 189 Visa
- Step 1: Verify your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List
- Step 2: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant body
- Step 3: Sit for an English language test and achieve the required level
- Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) using SkillSelect
- Step 5: Await an invitation during the 189 visa invitation rounds.
- Step 6: Submit your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- Step 7: Complete the medical and police checks and wait for the outcome
What is the Visa 189 Processing Time?
The processing time for the 189 visa has several considerations, including the completion of application materials, the demand for the applicant’s occupation, and the quality of the submitted documents. On average:
- 75 percent of applicants within 6 months
- 90 percent within the 8–9 months
In case you fulfill all requirements and provide necessary documentation in a timely manner, the 189 visa can be processed more quickly.
How Much is the Visa 189 Fee?
As with most other fees, the 189 Visa fee is established by the department of home affairs and changes in accordance with the number and ages of the applicants.
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As with most other fees, the 189 Visa fee is established by the department of home affairs and changes in accordance with the number and ages of the applicants.
Applicant | Cost (AUD) |
Primary Applicant Additional Applicant (18+) | $4,640 $2,320 |
Additional Applicant (<18) | $1,160 |
Health checks, police clearances, and biometrics may also incur additional fees.
Family Inclusion in Visa 189
With your 189 Visa application, you can include the following family members:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Children who are legally your dependents (including stepchildren)
Children over 18 may be included if they are financially dependent, have a recognized disability, or both. All individuals listed must meet the character and health requirements.
Differences between 189 and 190 Visa
Feature | Visa 189 | Visa 190 |
Nomination | No nomination required | Requires state or territory nomination |
Residency Conditions | Can live anywhere in Australia | May require commitment to live in nominating state for 2 years |
Points Bonus | No extra points | Gets 5 additional points for nomination |
Occupation List | Must be on MLTSSL | Can be on STSOL or MLTSSL |
If you prefer unrestricted mobility throughout Australia, then the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 would be more suitable. However, if you are looking to gain additional points, then the 190 visa may prove beneficial due to a state nomination.
Need Help With Your Subclass Visa 189 Application?
Here at CDR Writers, we focus on assisting skilled applicants to create a CDR Report, RPL, and other documents necessary for obtaining a skills assessment, which is the most important first step in succeeding in your 189 Visa application.
Our staff is capable of ensuring that all requirements are met whether you are an engineer going through Engineers Australia or an IT professional through ACS.
Reach out to us now and begin working towards your Australian permanent residency.
FAQs
1. What is a 189 visa in Australia?
Subclass 189 visa is a Skilled Independent visa that enables fully qualified skilled professionals (without an employer or a state sponsorship) to reside and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
2. Which is faster, an 189 or 190 visa?
The 190 visa may be quicker because of the state nomination and priority processing; the 189 visa is dependent on points ranking and invitation rounds, which can take longer.
3. What is CDR for a visa?
A CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) is issued by Engineers Australia to assess an engineering applicant’s qualifications and aids in applying for skilled visas like the 189 visa.
4. What is the score requirement for the 189 visa?
The 189 visa’s minimum score requirement is 65 points in the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.
5. Are 75 points sufficient for the 189 visa?
Certainly, while 75 points is often competitive, the set benchmark differs by profession and market conditions. Having higher points boosts the chances of invitation during the 189 visa invitation rounds.
6. What are the steps for obtaining a 189 visa?
Steps:
- Review the occupation list.
- Achieve a positive skills assessment.
- Complete an English proficiency test.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Receive an invitation.
- Submit the visa application along with the required documents.