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.

If you are seeking assistance in this visa category, Discuss your Case with us today.

 2 streams for this Visa
  1. Points-tested stream.
  2. New Zealand stream for NZ citizen.

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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. We can assist you in preparing your visa application and required documents, Contact Us.

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.

To know more, visit our FAQs page.

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.

Find out more. Read our blog/ watch video here.

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Advantages of Subclass 189 visa.

  • Stay in Australia permanently
  • Enrol in Medicare
  • Provides eligibility to apply for citizenship
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
  • Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.

Fill our Contact Us form today to check your eligibility for this visa and we will get back to you shortly.

Subclass 189 - Skilled Independent Visa - Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a skilled independent subclass 189 visa?

The subclass 189 visa in Australia is a skilled independent permanent residence visa for Australia. It allows you to live and work permanently in the country. 

To be eligible for the skilled independent visa (subclass 189), you must meet certain criteria, including points test requirements and age limits. You must also have an occupation that is on the Australian skilled occupation list. 

If you are granted a subclass 189 skilled independent visa, you will be able to work and live in any part of Australia. You will also have access to free or subsidised health care through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

You will also be able to enrol in Australia's public education system and access certain social security payments. 

Finally, you may be eligible for Australian citizenship if you meet the relevant requirements.

How many points are needed for the 189 invitation?

The points needed for the 189 invitation are 65 points. You will need to have at least 60 points in order to be eligible for the points-tested streams.

The points are awarded based on factors such as your age, English proficiency, work experience, and education. 

If you have a partner, they will also be factored into your points total. In addition, you must have at least 10 points for each of the four categories in order to be eligible for the 189 invitation.

There are a total of 100 points available, so you will need to make sure that you meet the minimum requirements in each category in order to receive an invitation.

Should I work with a migration agent in Australia? 

Migration Centre of Australia is a team of registered migration agents who provide migration agent services to help you move to Australia.

We pride ourselves on our high level of customer service, and we are committed to helping you achieve your dream of moving to Australia. 

If you are considering migrating with a 189 visa to Australia, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your options. 

We can provide you with the migration advice you need to make an informed decision about whether or not migration is right for you.