Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa Application
The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa that enables an applicant to secure permanent residency in Australia on their own individual merits.
Unlike the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa, there is no nomination required by a state or a family member.
It is a points-tested visa meaning that you must score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to receive an invitation by the Department of Home Affairs.
However, due to the competitive nature of this visa subclass, scoring 65 points will not guarantee you an invitation by the Department.
How We Can Help
To be able to apply for a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa you must lodge an Expression of Interest through the Department’s SkillSelect system and wait for an invitation before being able to apply for the visa.
At Ethos Migration Lawyers, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide premium immigration services to applicants looking to secure their Permanent Residency in Australia. We have assisted thousands of clients with their Permanent Residency visa application with great success.
By practising solely in Australian Immigration Law, we are able to provide a focused and specific solution to our client’s needs. We ensure that all requirements are met prior to proceeding with an application of any sort, and ensure the highest possible chances of success are available to our clients.
Submitting An Expression Of Interest (EOI) Through SkillSelect
To be able to apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs and be invited through SkillSelect.
The Department will automatically invite the highest scoring applicants in their pool of candidates and you if you are invited, you will have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
What are the visa criteria for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa?
To be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa you must:
- Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited by the Department
- Achieve at least 65 points on the points test
- Be at least 18 years and old and not older than 44 years old
- Achieve a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant occupation list
- Possess at least Competent English or higher
- Meet the health and character requirements
What is the process to apply for a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa?
- You must obtain a skills assessment in your relevant occupation and complete your English language test
- You must then lodge an Expression of Interest with the Department of Home Affairs through SkillSelect
- You must wait to receive an invitation via SkillSelect
- Apply for your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation via SkillSelect
Next Steps?
Ethos Migration Lawyers are well placed to assist you with all stages of applying for Permanent Residency via the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa which include but are not limited to:
- Undertaking a thorough assessment of your matter to maximise your potential points score
- Assisting with the Skills Assessment process and obtaining a positive skills assessment
- Preparing your Expression of Interest, receiving your invitation and lodging your visa application
- Including any dependant applicants as part of your application
- Managing the issuance of your bridging visas
- Getting you the visa grant!
Skilled Independent Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Workers or New Zealand citizens who hold skills Australia needs can apply for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa.
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is points tested meaning that you must score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to receive an invitation by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa does not need a nomination by a State/Territory of Australia or eligible family member.
Additional dependant applicants can be included in your application. These are known as ‘members of the family unit’ and are generally limited to your partner/spouse and children.
The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is a permanent visa in Australia. This means you will hold the same rights as a permanent resident of Australia. This visa will allow you to live in Australia permanently for as long as you wish with full work rights.
The Department of Home Affairs fee for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa is currently $4,045.00.
Unlike the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa, the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa does not require the applicant to have a nomination from a State or Territory government or eligible family member.