189 Visa Australia:
Skilled Independent

Skilled Independent Visa 189 Australia

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:

• Live and work permanently in any part of Australia
• Become a permanent resident and pave the way for citizenship
• Reunite with family
• Contribute to a thriving society

There are two relevant streams under this visa: the Points-tested stream and the Hong Kong stream.

Points Tested Stream

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.

Hong Kong Stream

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.

New Zealand Stream

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.

189 Visa Australia Requirements

While both streams are under the Australia visa 189, each has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.

Points Tested Stream Conditions

Here are the specific requirements for you to be eligible to the visa subclass 198:

• Occupation: Your occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSOL)
• Points test: Get a minimum of 65 points through the points test considering factors like age, education, work experience, English language skills, and qualifications. You may refer to the 189 visa Australia points calculator to your score.
• Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your nominated occupation
• Age: while there’s no upper age limit, being younger generally leads to higher points
• Expression of Interest (EOI): Register your interest and upload supporting documents in SkillSelect
• Invitation to Apply: If your EOI meets the selection criteria, you will be invited to formally apply for the visa.

Hong Kong Stream Eligibility

Here are the specific eligibility requirements for the visa subclass 189 Hong Kong stream:

• Hong Kong or British National (overseas) passport: You must hold one of these passports at the time of application
• Eligible visa: You must hold a valid subclass 457, 482, or 485 for at least four years prior to application
• Continuous residency: You must be a usual resident of Australia for at least four years before applying
• Visa compliance: Maintain a good standing with your current eligible visa’s condition throughout your resident period.

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.

189 Visa in Australia Processing Time and Fees

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:

• 75% of applications: processed within 8 months
• 90% of applications: processed within 11 months

The application fee for both streams is AUD $4,640. There are additional fees that you may need to pay such as additional family members in your application, and charges for the biometric data and the health and character checks.

How Can A Parish Patience Professional Assist With Your Application

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:

Consultation

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.

Eligibility Review

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 is saving you time and from stress.

Application

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.

Ongoing Guidance

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.