SKILLED INDEPENDENT VISA (SUBCLASS 189)

What is Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited workers with skills that are in demand in Australia. This visa allows individuals to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia without the need for employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination.

Duration of Stay

As this is a permanent Visa, it allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. It includes a travel component that expires five years after the granted date.

You become a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted.

For citizenship purposes, your permanent residency begins on the day:

• The visa is granted if you are in Australia
• You enter Australia on this visa if you are outside Australia

Include Family

You can include family members in your application. You can:

• Add them when you submit your visa application
• Add them after submitting your application but before a decision is made
• Family members included in the visa application must meet health and character requirements.

If your partner or dependent children are not included in this application, please provide a reason (e.g., they already hold Australian citizenship or are permanent residents).

Visa Cost

• The visa costs AUD4,765.00 for the main applicant. (This is an Immigration fee only. ISEMS fees is additional)
• Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.

To estimate your visa costs, use the Visa Pricing Estimator.

You may need to pay an extra charge for any applicant aged 18 or older with less than functional English. This is a second instalment, payable only when requested, and only if the visa is to be granted.

The second instalment charge for family members is AUD 4,885.00.

Please note, the Visa Pricing Estimator does not include the second instalment or other costs. Additional expenses may include health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

How to apply

You can apply for the visa whether you are in or outside Australia at the time of application and decision, but you must not be in immigration clearance.

If you apply while in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A (subclass 010), Bridging B (subclass 020), or Bridging C (subclass 030) visa. Otherwise, your application will not be processed.

Processing Times

To estimate processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This tool provides processing times for recently decided applications. Please note, it serves as a general guide and may not reflect your specific application.

Your applications will be evaluated on individual basis and hence, the processing times can vary due to:

• Submission of a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
• Timely response to requests for additional information
• Time required for necessary checks on provided supporting information
• Duration to obtain additional information from external agencies, particularly related to health, character, and national security requirements
• Availability of positions in the migration program for permanent migration visa applications

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

1. You'll need to have a valid visa status when you submit your application.

This can be:

1. A substantive visa (your main visa type)
2. One of these bridging visas:
   • Bridging Visa A (subclass 010)
   • Bridging Visa B (subclass 020)
   • Bridging Visa C (subclass 030)
3. If you currently hold, or your most recent substantive visa was:
   • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
   • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply:

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Once you submit your EOI (Expression of Interest), your qualifications will be compared to other applicants. If you meet the requirements and rank highly enough, you'll receive an invitation to formally apply for a visa through SkillSelect. (This clarifies the selection process

3. Getting Your Skills Assessed

To ensure your application is valid, you must declare that you have suitable skills assessment while you receive an invitation.
Delegates of the Minister will now accept a suitable skills assessment for your nominated skilled occupation obtained within the 60-day invitation period.
This is a result of the changes from the decision in Thapa v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs [2021] FCCA 686 (Thapa). While the Minister will administer the Migration Regulations 1994 in accordance with the Thapa decision, the Minister reserves the right to argue in court that Thapa was incorrectly decided.
A copy of your skills assessment must be provided with your application.
For medical and legal practitioners, the following can also be accepted as a proof of skills assessment:

• Full, unconditional, or general medical registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Conditional specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, allowing practice in your speciality without further training or supervision
• Admission to practice law in the relevant state or territory

4. Age

You must be under 45 years of age when you are invited to apply. You can still apply if you will be turning 45 after you receive the invite. If you turn 45 after submitting the EOI, but before you receive an invitation, you will not be invited to apply.

5. Score 65 points or above

When you submit your EOI in SkillSelect, you will receive indicative points score based on your claims. If your score is below 65 points, you will not be invited to apply for this visa.

If you are invited to apply, the invitation will specify the number of points you need to score for your visa application (this score may be higher than 65 points, depending on your EOI claims).

When you lodge your application, you must provide evidence supporting your claims.

You can use this calculator to check your score here

6. Level of English Language

To qualify after receiving an invitation, you must have at least Competent English

7. Skills Requirement

Make sure your job title is listed as an eligible occupation for the Points-Tested Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Check list here

8. Health Requirement

It is important to meet the requirement listed here for you and any other family as well.
Family members who are not accompanying you, might also have to meet the health requirement, if requested.

9. Character Requirement

Family member who are applying along with you, and are above 16yrs, must also meet the character requirement. Family members who are not accompanying you, will also have to meet the requirement. Check the list here

10. Repay your debt to the Australian government

If you or anyone from your family including those of who are not applying for visa, owe any money to Australian government, you or they, must pay the debts or arrange for it to be paid back

11. Sign the Australian values statement

If you are above 18yrs, you must have read and understood:

a. Have read or been explained, the Life in Australia booklet
b. Have to confirm you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws, when you sign or accept the Australian Values Statement.

12. Should not have any previously refused or cancelled visa application

Your history will be checked before making a decision on your application. This means you may not be eligible for this visa in case there were any previously refused or cancelled visa application.

You may still apply for a permanent visa in some circumstances, even if you had previously cancelled or an application that was refused. You can see the limitations here

If you are applying for Visa from outside of Australia, you can check here

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete your EOI in SkillSelect, detailing your skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Receive an Invitation to Apply: If your EOI meets the criteria, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
• Prepare and Submit Your Application: Gather the necessary documents and submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs.
• Medical and Character Checks: Undergo health examinations and provide police certificates to meet health and character requirements.
• Visa Decision: Await the decision on your visa application. If granted, you will receive your visa details and be able to live and work in Australia permanently. If your visa is granted, you will receive:
  • Your visa grant number
  • The commencement date of your visa
  • Any applicable visa conditions

Please retain a copy of this decision.

If your visa application is refused:

• The reasons for the visa refusal
• Whether you have the right to seek a review of the decision.

Please note, the application charge will not be refunded if your application is refused.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice for skilled workers seeking to build a future in Australia:

• Permanent Residency: Enjoy the security of permanent residency with the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
• Career Opportunities: Access a wide range of job opportunities across various industries and locations.
• Quality of Life: Benefit from Australia's high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and world-class education.
• Family Inclusion: Bring eligible family members with you and provide them with the same rights and benefits.
• Citizenship Pathway: Begin your journey towards becoming an Australian citizen and enjoying all the privileges it entails.

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is an excellent pathway for skilled workers to secure a bright future in Australia. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have the skills that Australia needs, take the first step by submitting an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect.

For more information and assistance with your application, contact us today. Our team of immigration experts is here to help you navigate the process and achieve your dream of living and working in Australia permanently.

NOTE: The charges outlined above are exclusive of ISEMS fees, which apply separately.