Subclass 189
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers who have qualifications and experience in occupations Australia needs.
One of the key advantages of the Subclass 189 visa is that it does not require employer sponsorship, State nomination or family sponsorship. If you qualify and receive an invitation, you can obtain Australian permanent residency based on your own skills and experience.
Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa
If granted, the Subclass 189 visa allows you to:
- Live in Australia permanently
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Access Medicare
- Include eligible family members in your application
- Sponsor eligible relatives for certain visas
- Travel freely to and from Australia for five years
- Apply for Australian citizenship in the future if eligible
Travel Rights for Permanent Residents
When your Subclass 189 visa is granted, it generally includes a 5-year travel facility.
During this period, you can leave and re-enter Australia as a permanent resident as many times as you wish.
Your permanent residency does not expire after five years. However, if your travel facility expires and you wish to travel overseas and return to Australia as a permanent resident, you will generally need a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157).
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you generally must:
- Be under 45 years of age when invited to apply
- Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtain a positive skills assessment
- Have at least Competent English
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Score at least 65 points
- Meet health and character requirements
What Is the Skilled Occupation List?
To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, your occupation must generally appear on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The MLTSSL is a list of occupations that the Australian Government identifies as being in ongoing demand across Australia.
Examples of occupations commonly included on the MLTSSL include:
Information Technology
- Software Engineer
- Developer Programmer
- ICT Business Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Cyber Security Specialist
Engineering
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
Healthcare
- Registered Nurse
- Midwife
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
Education
- Secondary School Teacher
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Special Needs Teacher
Trades
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Motor Mechanic
Occupation lists can change, so it is important to confirm whether your occupation is currently eligible before lodging an application.
Skills Assessment
Before applying, you must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
A skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.
Different occupations have different assessing authorities and assessment criteria. Choosing the correct occupation and preparing the right evidence can be critical to the success of your application.
Understanding the Points Test
The Subclass 189 visa operates under a points-based system.
You must score at least 65 points to be eligible for consideration, although higher scores are often required to receive an invitation.
Points may be awarded for:
Age
English language ability
Skilled employment experience
Educational qualifications
Australian study
Partner qualifications
Professional Year programs
Community language qualifications
Regional study
Meeting the minimum 65 points does not guarantee an invitation.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
The first step in the process is submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.
Your EOI contains information about:
- Your occupation
- Skills assessment
- English test results
- Qualifications
- Employment history
- Points claims
The Department of Home Affairs uses this information when issuing invitations to apply for the visa.
Including Family Members
You may be able to include eligible family members in your application, including:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Dependent children
All family members included in the application must satisfy the relevant health and character requirements.
Pathway to Australian Citizenship
The Subclass 189 visa provides permanent residency.
After meeting the relevant residence and citizenship requirements, you may become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
How Think Visa Can Help
Choosing the right occupation and migration strategy is often the most important part of a successful skilled migration application.
With more than 25 years of migration experience, Think Visa assists clients by:
- Assessing whether the Subclass 189 visa is suitable for their circumstances
- Identifying the most appropriate occupation
- Confirming occupation list eligibility
- Advising on skills assessments
- Calculating and verifying points claims
- Developing strategies to improve invitation prospects
- Preparing and lodging Expressions of Interest
- Assisting with English test and partner points strategies
- Including eligible family members
- Exploring alternative skilled, State-sponsored, regional and employer-sponsored pathways where appropriate
Many applicants focus only on reaching 65 points. Our role is to help you maximise your chances of receiving an invitation and avoid costly mistakes throughout the skilled migration process.
Contact Think Visa today to discuss whether the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is the right pathway for you and your family.
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We help you apply correctly the first time and avoid costly mistakes that can delay your future in Australia.