Australia 189 (Skilled Independent) Visa - Eligibility, Requirements, and Application Process

Australia Subclass 189 Visa also called skilled independent visa is the points-based visa and path for individuals to enter Australia on a PR visa without employer, state or territory or family member sponsorship and so on. Read on to know about the 189 visa documents checklist, cost, processing time and application process.

What is Australia subclass189 Visa (Skilled independent visa)?

Australian skilled independent visa is a point-based visa that allows skilled immigrants to live and work in Australia permanently on a PR visa. This visa gives a chance for skilled professionals to apply for a PR visa independently without any sponsorship from an employer, family member, state or territory.

Applicants must get a minimum of 65 points on the Australia assessment test to be eligible for a skilled worker visa.

You must create a profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

If you are selected you will receive an invitation from SkillSelect to submit your application PR visa within 60 days.

If the skilled worker visa is approved, the visa holder and accompanying family members can live, work and study in Australia as permanent residents.

189 visa Processing Time

After receiving an ITA (invitation to apply) from skill select. You need to apply for a skilled worker visa within 60 days. After applying, the Australian department of immigration will process the visa within 8 months.

What are the Requirements for a Skilled Independent Visa?

You must receive an invitation to apply (ITA) by Skillselect to be eligible to apply for this visa.

To receive the ITA, you must:

• Must file an Expression of Interest (EOI) document.

• Must have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in an occupation listed in Australia’s SOL (skilled occupation list).

• Age must be below 45 years

• Proficiency in English 

• No criminal records and good health condition

• Must obtain a minimum eligibility score of 65 points on Australia points assessment.
  
  

Based on the information given by you in the EOI document, your profile will be awarded points on the following parameters.

1. Age 

This visa is for candidates who are aged above 18 and less than 45.

2. English Proficiency Skills

You need to get better scores in tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL etc.

3. Educational/Academic qualifications

Points are given based on your educational level when compared to relevant australian qualification

4. Work Experience

Points are awarded based on relevancy of your work experience  to the Australia skilled occupation list.

Skilled Employment Overseas

OR

Skilled Employment in Australia

5. Partner Skills

• The Australian government can consider your spouse's/partner's skills for rewarding you an additional 5 points if your partner:

• Has competent English language skills,

• Age under 45 years

• Is assessed and found to have skills related to their nominated occupation under SOL,

• planning to accompanying you to the country and

• He/she is not a permanent residence holder or citizen of Australia.

What are the Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa?

Here is a checklist of documents required to apply for the 189 visa:

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa application form

• 2 coloured passport-sized photographs

• Proof of identity (passport, pan card) that shows your nationality and other details.

• English language test score results

• Educational/Academic qualification documents

• Skill assessment report

• Document to prove the skills

• Reference letter from employer(s) if any

• Conduct (Character) certificate from the police

• Medical check certificate (to prove good health condition)

• Australian study requires proof & documents to show proof of study (if applicable)

• Partner's English proficiency test result proofs

• Proof of relationship status - Marriage certificate

• Any other documents as requested during the process

Cost of Australia 189 Visa

What is an Expression of Interest?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is an applicant's request to the department of Australia immigration about their interest to live in the country as a permanent resident. Any candidate planning to apply for the Subclass 189 visa must file an EOI through SkillSelect. There are no fees required for creating and submitting an EOI.

What is the Process to apply for Australia 189 Visa?

Apply for the skilled independent visa in 4 simple steps:

• Step 1: Must validate the occupation you wish to work in, it must be officially assessed by an authorized body as per the occupation. The authorized department can take over three months to decide on the outcome.

• Step 2: After receiving a positive outcome from the assessment authority, you must submit the EOI to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to apply for the visa.

• Step 3: If you have received the ITA (Invitation to Apply), you must pay the visa fee, submit your documents and go through police & medical checks.

• Step 4: After getting the visa approval, you must enter into Australia by the date given to activate your visa.