189 Visa

Skilled Independent Visa

Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189 does not require you to have any state or territory sponsor you. It is the most in demand visa in Australia.

It is in the General Skilled Migration Stream together with:

Skilled (State Nominated) - Subclass 190

Skilled Regional Nominated – Subclass 491

This is a permanent visa that does not require you to have an employer to sponsor your visa.

The Application Process

Here’s a simplified process for Skilled Independent Visa. In case of questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Check Your Eligibility

Before you submit Expression of Interest (EOI) make sure you hold a positive skill assessment and are eligible for The Skilled Migration Program by taking the Points Test.

Submit an EOI

To apply for Skilled Independent or Skilled Nominated visa, you are required to submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

Receive an Invitation to Apply

Provided that you meet the requirement you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Apply for Visa

After receiving an invitation to apply for the visa from the DIBP, you will have 60 days to lodge a visa application. Without an invitation you are not eligible to apply.

E

Check requirements

E

Submit your EOI

E

Receive Invitation to Apply

E

Apply for Visa

What are the requirements for the 189 visa?

Before applying for the visa it is important to ensure you meet the requirements for the visa. This includes:

You hold a Positive Skill Assessment for an occupation on the MLTSSL

You are currently aged between 18 – 45 years old

Submit an Expression of Interest

You have Competent English or higher (6 minimum in IELTS or holder of approved passports)

You meet health and character requirements

You meet the pass mark in the skilled migration points test – currently 65. (Please note, just meeting the pass mark does not guarantee you will be invited to apply for the visa).

Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)

Like any General Skilled Migration visa, the 189 visa is a points-tested. This means that you will need to submit an EOI and total at least 65 points. On the EOI you will receive points for things like:

  • Your Age
  • Your Education Qualifications
  • English Level
  • Work Experience
  • Relationship Status
  • Regional Nomination
  • + Many more,

Please note, just obtaining 65 points does not guarantee you will be invited the apply for the visa. The higher the points, the better the chance you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

Receive Invitation to Apply

Every month immigration issues invites to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa. The number of invitations issued varies month to month. Immigration will usually invite the applicants with the highest points total.

Please note, just obtaining 65 points does not guarantee you will be invited the apply for the visa. The higher the points, the better the chance you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Currently applicants receiving an invitation are obtaining at least 85 points or more.

If you cannot reach the required points, you may want to consider the State Nominated – Subclass 190 or Skilled Work Regional – Subclass 491

Apply for Visa

Once you have received an invitation to apply for the visa, you will then be able to lodge the visa application through your (or your migration agents) immigration portal. You have 60 days to lodge the visa from receiving the invitation.
When lodging the application you will need to provide documentation supporting your work experience, education and personal documentation.
Please note if you do not receive an invitation to apply for the visa from the Department of Home Affairs, you cannot lodge the visa.

Visa Application Fee

$4,045 AUD
*Plus credit card payment fee if paying by credit card
**The price is correct as of the 28 Apr 2020, and is subject to change. For further information on current visa fees refer to the Home Affairs Website

Note: Visa applicants can apply both in Australia and overseas. However in order to apply from within Australia, visa applicants must be on a substantive or appropriate bridging visa.

Our Success Stories

Jose is a client of Pathway to Aus who we assisted transition from the Student visa to Graduate Work visa to General Skilled Migration (Subclass 189).

He studied Masters of Engineering for 2 years at Griffith University on The Gold Coast and now works as a Project Engineer.

Jose from Venezuela - Testimonial or Pathway to Aus

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

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Contact details

Give us a call

Australia: 0755 265 900
Argentina: (11) 7368 - 8134
Philippines: 63 968 363 5296
United Kingdom: 02039 483 865

Send an email

info@pathwaytoaus.com

Gold Coast Office

2242 Gold Coast Highway,
Mermaid Beach, QLD, 4218

UK Office

5 Merchant Square
London, W2 1AY, United Kingdom
(By Appointment Only)

189 Visa for Australia | Requirements, Processing time & Cost was last modified: December 12th, 2022 by PTA