The Subclass 189 Visa (Skilled Independent Visa) is a Permanent Residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Employer, State or Territory, or Family Member. This visa allows individuals to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. Unlike the Subclass 190 Visa, it does not require state or territory nomination, making it an independent pathway for skilled migration.

Key Features:

1. Permanent Residency: It is a permanent residency visa, allowing visa holders to live, work, and study indefinitely.

2. No Sponsorship Required: Unlike other visas, the Subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship by an employer or nomination by a state/territory government.

3. Points-Tested Visa: It is a points-based visa, and applicants must meet a minimum threshold of 65 points, with points awarded for:

   • Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply. Points are awarded as per the age.

   • English Proficiency: You must demonstrate at least competent English (IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent in all bands). You get points for proficient and superior English.

   • Work Experience: Points are awarded for skilled work experience in your nominated occupation.

   • Educational Qualifications: Points for your highest level of education (e.g., bachelor's degree, master's degree, etc.).

   • Other Factors: Additional points may be awarded for partner skills, Australian study, or a professional year in Australia and community language.

4. Occupation Eligibility: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You also need to have your skills assessed by a relevant skills assessment authority.

5. Family Inclusion: You can include family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) in your visa application.

6. Pathway to Citizenship: After fulfilling the residency and other requirements, visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

Streams Under Subclass 189:

1. Points-Tested Stream: For skilled workers who meet the points test requirements and whose occupations are on the MLTSSL.

2. New Zealand Stream: For New Zealand citizens who have been living and working in Australia for a period and meet specific criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Point-Tested Stream subclass 189:

To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet eligibility requirement for:

1. Skills Assessment

2. Visa

Our Visa Eligibility Assessment Service can help you in working out your suitability for Skill Assessment and Visa.

Application Process:

1. Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation

2. Expression of Interest (EOI): After obtaining the skill assessment if eligible then submit an EOI through Skill Select. Your EOI will include information about your skills, work experience, and qualifications.

3. Invitation to Apply: If your EOI is competitive enough, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa from the Department of Home Affairs.

4. Visa Application: Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application online, along with all required documents (e.g., skills assessment, proof of English proficiency, police checks, etc.).

5. Wait for Visa Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application, and you will be notified of the outcome.

Benefits:

1. Work and Study: Full rights to work and study in Australia.

2. Permanent Residency: Live in Australia indefinitely.

3. Travel: Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.

4. Citizenship Pathway: You may apply for Australian citizenship once you meet residency and other criteria.

Subclass 189

This gem gives you permanent residency without needing state or employer sponsorship. Independence and Flexibility!.