If you’re not an Australian citizen and want to live and work in Australia, you’ll need to obtain a visa before immigrating to the country. Fortunately, many visa types allow you to do this, including the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189.
This visa applies to skilled workers who want to come to Australia and apply their skills to the labor market here. Whether you’re considering applying for this visa or just want more information, this article provides an overview of everything you need to know about the Skilled Independent Visa 189.
How does the skilled independent visa 189 work?
To qualify for subclass 189, you must be a skilled worker sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia. For example, a skilled worker who obtains an invitation from their parent, brother, or sister in Australia would be eligible for skilled independent subclass 189.
To apply for an independent visa on behalf of a dependent family member, you must show that they meet all health and character requirements. The dependent family member can travel with you to Australia once their visa has been granted.
The Application Process to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa 189
The process for applying for a subclass 189 visa is similar to that of other permanent residence visas:
- You need to lodge an expression of interest
- Undergo a skills assessment and apply for your visa.
There are some differences, however: you must be under 50 years old and receive a qualifying score on your points test. You can submit an application if you meet these criteria and additional eligibility requirements (such as having three years’ work experience or appropriate English language proficiency).
Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Independent Visa 189
- Applicants must be nominated by state or territory government authorities and pay a nomination fee.
- They must also meet a range of criteria, including having at least two years of relevant work experience and under 45 years old.
- Having a competent level of English language skills.
- Be nominated by a state or territory government agency or organization if they have an agreement with your potential employer.
- You must be able to pay for your living expenses while looking for work in Australia.
- You must not have any criminal convictions or other issues that would make it unsafe to enter or stay in Australia.
If they pass these requirements, they will apply for permanent residency in Australia. Sometimes, applicants may need to undergo an Australian skills assessment before receiving their visa. Subclass 189 is not open to everyone; certain circumstances exclude people from applying.
For example, if you have previously been refused immigration in Australia, you cannot reapply using skilled independent 189.
Skilled Independent Visa 189 Processing Time
Applications take 12-18 months to process. There is no way of expediting your application, so please be patient as it may take up to two years for a decision (sometimes longer). Applicants can stay in Australia for up to 18 months while waiting for a decision. Alternatively, you can reapply if a decision is not made within 3 years from the lodgement date.
What are the chances of getting approved for visa 189?
Getting approved for a visa skilled independent subclass 189 depends on several factors. The first, and probably most important, is whether you’re eligible in the first place. If you are an overseas student who has completed a degree, there’s a good chance your application will succeed. If not, it could be more difficult.
Your age is also relevant. If you’re over 45 years old, you may have difficulty getting approval unless you prove that there aren’t any younger people with similar skills available.
On top of that, Australia has set strict limits on how many visas can be granted each year, so if demand exceeds supply (which it often does), your chances decrease significantly.
What does the Skilled Independent Visa 189 Cost?
The cost for a Skilled Independent visa cost depends on many factors such as your personal details, your skills, and how long you have been working in Australia. There are two types of skilled independent visas: 188 and 189.
It is important to note that you can only apply for one type of skilled independent visa; if you apply for one type and later decide you wish to change it, you will need a new one, which will require more time, money, and paperwork.
What happens if the application gets declined?
If your skilled visa subclass application gets declined, you’ll have to wait 3 months before reapplying. You’ll be required to return home and remain outside Australia for those three months.
For example, if you apply for a skilled independent subclass 189 visa on 1 January but are unsuccessful, your re-entry visa won’t start until 3 April. In addition, if your application gets declined, it will affect future applications.
This is why it’s important to work with a Registered Migration Agent Australia who can help you avoid making mistakes in your application. Know more about skilled nominated visa 190 with us.
FAQ Related to Skilled Independent Visa 189
The Skilled Independent Visa 189 is one of the most popular visa options for those looking to move to Australia permanently. It is a permanent residence visa for people with the skills and qualifications to fill positions in demand in the Australian labor market.
Under this visa, you can live; work and study anywhere in Australia, access certain social security benefits and participate in the Australian healthcare system.
To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa 189, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Department of Home Affairs Skill Select system. You will then be invited to apply for the visa if you meet the relevant criteria and score highly on the points-based assessment. It is important to note that while the Skilled Independent Visa 189 allows you to live and work in Australia, it does not guarantee you permanent residence or immediate access to citizenship.
The processing time for a new visa application depends on each applicant’s circumstances. Generally, it takes around eight months for a skilled independent visa application to be processed.
To be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa 189, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be younger than 45 years old.
- You must have competent English language ability.
- You must have obtained positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupations List.
- You must have at least three years of recent skilled work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field.
If you’re approved for a subclass 189 visa, it can take between 8 and 9 months to obtain your permanent residency. The length of time depends on many factors, but especially whether or not you can meet all of your points. To qualify for an independent visa 189, applicants must demonstrate they have scored at least 65 points in a pool of 100 total points.
Applicants are required to be under 45 years of age. They have an educational background, so they will likely be well-qualified in a skill listed on Australia’s Consolidated Skills List (CSL). Ideally, they will have used these skills within their most recent employment and should also have a good standard of English language ability.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is for people who want a flexible path to permanent residency in Australia. The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent residence visa for highly skilled people with business, management, education, or humanities skills. The subclass 189 visa allows skilled workers to permanently live and work in Australia.
Yes. You may not know a few things about this visa, so make sure you ask your migration agent about them before making a decision. First of all, please note that after 18 months on an SIV 189 visa, if you want to apply for another type of permanent residency visa (such as a subclass 888), it’s not enough to just have ‘intent’ anymore.
The application process for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or longer, depending on the individual case. Generally, you should expect the process to last at least 12 months. To ensure that your application is processed as quickly and smoothly as possible, it is important to provide all relevant documentation and answer all questions truthfully and accurately.
The total cost for an individual application for Skilled Independent Visa 189 is AUD 4,045. This includes the base visa application charge (currently AUD 3,670) and the mandatory Medicals and Character Checks. If you include additional family members, each person must pay an additional charge of AUD 1,045. It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, so check the Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date information on fees and charges.
If granted a Skilled Independent Visa 189, you can bring your family members to Australia. Your family can apply for their visa, and the application process is similar to yours.
Applicants must meet certain conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs to be eligible for this visa. These conditions include:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must hold a valid passport.
- You must meet the minimum point’s threshold for Skilled Independent Visa 189.
- You must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).