Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa that allows workers with skills to live and work permanently in Australia. It is a points-based system and does not require any sponsorship by Australian state/territory governments or relatives in Australia.
Two streams for this Visa
- Points-tested stream.
- New Zealand stream for NZ citizen.
How to successfully apply for a skilled independent visa?
How to successfully apply for this visa?
In order to successfully apply for this visa, you will need to meet following key requirements:
- Be aged between 18 and 44 inclusive
- Your occupation must be on the Medium to Long Term Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply
- Have positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
- Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points or more
- Meet competent English requirement (i.e. IELTS score of 6 or PTE score of 50 in each of the four components of the test OR an equivalent score in any other official English tests such as Cambridge Advanced English, Occupational English Test and TOEFL)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not have had a visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused since your last substantive visa you held, if you are in Australia.
It is important to know that you must file your visa application within 60 days from the day you are invited to apply, otherwise the invitation lapses. Thus, you must prepare your supporting documents for filing the visa at the earliest.
To apply for this visa, you can either be onshore or offshore. If you are filing from within Australia, you must hold a valid visa. We can assist you in preparing your application in a timely manner to ensure you legally remain in Australia while your application is processing.
How to score higher points in the migration points test?
You must be able to meet the minimum points test mark of 65 at the time you are invited to apply for this visa. However, it is important to be aware that obtaining a pass mark of ‘65’ does not guarantee an invitation to apply for a visa. When you submit your EOI, you will be ranked against other applicants and the invitation to apply for the visa is often granted to the highest ranked clients by points score in a particular invitation round. The higher your points are, the better your chances are of securing an invitation for the 189 visa.
Currently, there are various ways to increase the score, of which includes:
- Obtaining a higher score for English language requirement
- Meeting the Australian Study Requirement
- Study in regional Australia
- Being accredited in a community language
- Your partner meets the age, English and/or skill criteria
- You are single
- Completion of Professional Year in Australia, and
- Australian work experience may also help in increasing the overall score.
Advantages of Subclass 189 visa.
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Enrol in Medicare
- Provides eligibility to apply for citizenship
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
