Australia Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or nominated by a state or territory government. This visa allows skilled workers to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia, providing them with significant opportunities to contribute to the Australian economy.

The Subclass 189 visa is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, which aims to address skill shortages in various industries across the country. As a skilled independent visa holder, you are free to live, work, and study in Australia without any restrictions.

Key Features of the Subclass 189 Visa:

• Permanent Residency: Once granted, the Subclass 189 visa allows you to live and work permanently in Australia.
• Work and Study Rights: You can work, study, and travel freely within Australia without restrictions.
• Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse, children, or other dependent family members in your visa application.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding your Subclass 189 visa for a specific period (typically 4 years), you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, provided other requirements are met.
• No Nomination or Sponsorship Required: Unlike other visas, you don’t need to be sponsored by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. This visa is ideal for individuals who are eligible on their own merits.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa, you must meet several key requirements, including:

1. Skills Assessment: You must nominate an occupation that is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for that occupation. The skills assessment process evaluates your qualifications and work experience to ensure they meet Australian standards.

2. Age Requirement: You must be under the age of 45 at the time of receiving an invitation to apply. Applicants who are 45 years or older are generally not eligible, although there are some exceptions.

3. English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Typically, this is done by taking an approved language test such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE (Pearson Test of English). A minimum score in these tests is required, though higher scores can earn you more points in the immigration points test.

4. Points Test: You must score at least 65 points on Australia’s points-based system. Points are awarded based on several factors, including:

   • Age
   • English language proficiency
   • Education qualifications
   • Work experience in your nominated occupation
   • Australian study requirement (if applicable)
   • Other factors, such as partner skills and Australian work experience.

5. Health and Character Requirements: You and any family members included in your application must meet health and character requirements. This typically involves undergoing a medical examination and providing police certificates.

6. No Sponsorship or Nomination Required: Unlike other skilled migration visas, the Subclass 189 visa is not tied to employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination. This means that applicants must be able to meet the eligibility criteria independently.

Application Process:

The process for applying for the Subclass 189 visa is as follows:

1. Check Eligibility: Review your occupation to ensure it is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). You must also check your age, English proficiency, and work experience to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This step confirms that your qualifications and work experience meet Australian standards.

3. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. In your EOI, you will provide details about your skills, experience, and qualifications. Your EOI will be ranked based on the points system, and only the highest-ranking candidates will be invited to apply for the visa.

4. Invitation to Apply: If you receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa, you can submit your visa application. The invitation is typically issued based on your EOI ranking and the points you scored in the points test.

5. Visa Application: After receiving an invitation, you must submit your complete visa application within 60 days. This includes submitting supporting documents, such as your skills assessment, English test results, health and character documents, and identification proof.

6. Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the decision. If granted, you will receive your Subclass 189 visa, allowing you to live, work, and study permanently in Australia.

Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa:

• Freedom to Live and Work Anywhere: The Subclass 189 visa offers unparalleled freedom, as it is not tied to any specific employer, state, or territory. You can live and work anywhere in Australia, providing flexibility and choice in where you want to build your life and career.

• No Sponsorship Needed: As an independent visa, you do not need to be sponsored by an employer or nominated by a state or territory. This means you are not restricted to specific job offers or geographic areas.

• Permanent Residency: The Subclass 189 visa provides you with permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to live and work in the country without time restrictions.

• Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse, dependent children, and other eligible family members in your application, allowing them to benefit from permanent residency as well.

• Access to Medicare: As a permanent resident, you and your family members will have access to Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance system, which provides free or subsidized medical treatment.

• Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Australia for a specified period, usually 4 years, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting other criteria such as residency requirements.

Advantages of Choosing the Subclass 189 Visa:

• Flexibility: You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without restrictions, unlike other visa types that may require you to live or work in specific areas.
• Permanent Residency: This visa provides permanent residency status, which gives you the right to stay in Australia indefinitely, work in your field of expertise, and access healthcare and other public services.
• Family Benefits: Your family members can be included in the visa application, giving them the same benefits as you, including the right to live and work in Australia.
• Long-Term Opportunities: As a permanent resident, you’ll have long-term employment opportunities and the potential to transition to Australian citizenship.

Conclusion:

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is an ideal option for skilled workers who wish to move to Australia without needing employer sponsorship or state nomination. It provides permanent residency, work and study rights, and a clear path to Australian citizenship. If you are a skilled worker seeking to contribute to Australia’s economy and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, the Subclass 189 visa could be the perfect solution for you.

If you are considering applying for this visa, Mannat Immigration & Visa Consultants is here to help you with every step of the process, from determining eligibility to submitting your application. Contact us today to get started on your journey to Australian permanent residency!