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The Australia visa 189 unlocks permanent residency in the country for skilled professionals without sponsorship. Earn 65 points through age, education, experience, and English skills, get your occupation assessed, and live, work, and study anywhere in Australia. With this visa, you can sponsor your family and eventually become a citizen. Consider consulting an Australian immigration law firm to assist you with your application.
The Australia 189 visa, also known as Skilled Independent visa is your chance to call Australia home permanently. This points-based visa is suited to skilled professionals like you seeking to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia without sponsorship from an employer, family member, or state government.
With this visa, you can:
The skilled 189 visa Australia offers to a competent worker like you provides an opportunity for permanent residency. This enables you to stay in Australia indefinitely with the freedom to work, study, and access Medicare.
Holders of this visa can sponsor relatives, travel to and from Australia for five years, and potentially apply for citizenship. At the time of your application, you can be in or out of Australia. If you will apply while you are in Australia, you must hold either of the following visas to be eligible: subclass 101 Bridging A visa, subclass 020 Bridging B visa, or subclass 030 Bridging C visa.
The subclass 189 Hong Kong stream offers a pathway to PR for skilled workers from Hong Kong who possess qualities that are highly in demand in the Australian market. Once approved, holders of this visa will be allowed to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
The New Zealand stream of visa 189 is designed for eligible New Zealand citizens living in Australia who have shown immense contribution and commitment to the country. This allows them to live and work permanently in Australia. This visa, however, has been permanently closed for new applications as of 1 July 2023.
Talk to one of our Visa Experts Now.
While both streams are under the Australia visa 189, each has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.
Here are the specific requirements for you to be eligible to the visa subclass 198:
Here are the specific eligibility requirements for the visa subclass 189 Hong Kong stream:
Both streams require the usual visa requirements such as complying with the health and character standards, meeting the English language proficiency level, having no outstanding debt to the Australian government, and having no other visa previously cancelled or refused.
While the 189 visa processing time in 2023 Australia varies, there is no fixed standard timeframe for individual applications. This depends on individual circumstances and current processing demands.
Here is the approximate processing times provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs:
From 1 July 2025, the visa application charge is AUD $4,910 for the main applicant (increased from $4,765). Additional applicants: $2,455 (over 18 years), $1,230** (under 18 years).
Applying for the Australia visa subclass 189 can be a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of our Parish Patience lawyers, you can be sure that your application is complete and accurate, and that you meet all of the requirements. Here are more of what we can offer:
Ready to pursue your subclass 189 visa? Get personalised advice from our Australian immigration consultants! Tell us about your situation and any questions you have – our experts are here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Our Australian immigration agent will dive deep into your qualifications, experience, and even your English skills to see if you hit the mark. They will ensure that your application saves you time and from stress.
Once all your documents are complete, our Parish Patience lawyer will make sure that everything is shipshape before submission. They will handle any communication with the authorities and will answer all your visa-related anxieties.
After your application is lodged, your immigration lawyer will keep you on the loop about the processing time. If things take a turn, they will continue to provide you with comprehensive legal guidance before you settle for your permanent residency.
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Our customers are always happy to share their thoughts with us.
Here is what some of them have said!
The team at parish Patience Immigration Lawyers were incredibly helpful throughout the application process. Their assistance made our lives so much less stressful and their expertise cleared up any confusion we had. They remained engaged with us the whole time and quickly responded to any questions with thoughtful, detailed answers. Special thanks to Usman Ali and Shan . We highly recommend the team at Parish patience immigration lawyer for anyone considering help regarding any kind of visa .
Highly recommended lawyers! Extremely professional and reliable service, with outstanding outcomes. A special thanks to Mr Thong and Marlene, for helping us with our difficult case. Not only did they ensure that everything was ready to go, but their professionalism came in favor when we were granted our visa within just under 6 months!
Thong and Marlene helped my partner gain permanent residency in Australia. We did the application ourselves but it turned out lots of information we needed to provide was missing. Thong and Marlene picked our case up and helped amend it. I really appreciate their help and guidance and look forward to contacting them again in the future. I am pleased by their efforts and professionalism.
Successfully handled my case. He had been prompt, caring and very professional in dealing with my case. I am glad to have received very strong support, guidance and service from them. I would highly recommend Parish patience immigration lawyers. I wish the best for their future prospects.
I’m really thankful for the guidance and assistance I’ve received regarding my Partner visa from Shan and his assistance Asha at Parish Patience. They handled my matter professionally and there were clear instructions from the beginning till end. I got my partner visa 820 granted in less than 7 months, thanks to their knowledge and expertise. I wish them all the best and highly recommend Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers for any sort of immigration matters.
Our immigration gurus at Parish Patience will crack the code for your Australian dream. We personalise your application, maximise your points, and handle all paperworks – all while keeping you informed and stress-free. Schedule your consultation today and let’s start planning your visa 189 journey.
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Yes, you can apply for the 189 visa while in Australia, as long as you hold a substantive visa or Bridging A, B, or C visa.
The minimum points required for the Australia 189 visa is 65. However, achieving a higher score increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
The key difference between the 189 and 190 visa Australia lies in the sponsorship.
• 189 visa (Skilled independent): No sponsorship required
• 190 visa (Skilled nominated): Requires nomination from a state or territory government
To apply for the 189 visa in Australia, these are the key steps:
• Check your eligibility
• Skills assessment
• Expression of Interest (for Points-tested stream)
• Invitation to Apply (for Points-tested stream)
• Lodge formal application
• Medical and character checks
• Compliance of other requirements as needed
• Decision
Both streams of the subclass 189 visa has an application fee of AUD $4,910. There may be additional fees depending on your circumstance such as additional family members and documentary requirement charges.
