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Graduate Visa Migration

Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189

Are you a skilled international professional with expertise in high-demand Australian industries? If so, do you aim to obtain permanent residency in Australia?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) enables you to live and work in Australia—a nation celebrated for its robust economy and outstanding quality of life. By securing this visa, you can contribute your skills to Australia’s growth. Therefore, apply today and advance toward your permanent residency journey!🚀

Why Choose the Skilled Independent Visa?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a point-based visa designed to select skilled professionals needed across various Australian states. This visa enables qualified workers to live and work in Australia independently, without requiring family sponsorship or a nomination from a state or territory government. It offers the freedom to build a future in Australia while contributing to its growing economy.

Key Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

🟢 Live, work, or study in Australia indefinitely.
💳 Enroll in Medicare, Australia's health care system.
🌟 Qualify for Australian citizenship.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency.
✈️ Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the visa grant date.

Things to Do Before Applying for the Visa

📝Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Achieve at least 65 points to receive an invitation from the immigration department.

Points in EOI are awarded based on the following factors:

🔢 Age
🎓 Education Qualification (Diploma / Degree / PhD)
🗣️ Level of English
💼 Work Experience
❤️ Single/Partner Skills
🌐 NAATI Accreditation
📆 Professional Year

Note:
🎓 If you have completed a degree, diploma, or trade qualification at an Australian educational institution, you may be eligible for an additional 5 points in your EOI.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this visa, you must: 🔞 Be under 45 years of age (the visa age limit).
🛠️ Nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
🇬🇧 Be proficient in at least competent English.
✅ Have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority.
🎯 Achieve the score specified in your visa application.
💉 Meet the health and character requirements.

Health & Character Requirements

🩺 You and your family members must:

✅ Apply for the visa within 12 months of undergoing medical examinations.
✅ Submit police certificates from each country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (after turning 16).

Evidence of English Language Ability

📝 You must achieve the minimum scores in any of the following tests:

✅ Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 50 in each of the four components.
✅ International English Language Testing System (IELTS): At least 6 in each of the four components.
🎯 Or Equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, OET, or CAE.

Debts to the Australian Government

💳 Ensure you are free from any outstanding debts to the Australian Government before the visa is granted.

Eligible Family Members

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When applying for the visa, you can include the following family members:

✅ Your partner or spouse.
✅ Your or your partner’s child/stepchild.

Need Help with the Visa Process?

🤝 Overwhelmed with the visa requirements or have concerns regarding the Expression of Interest?
Don’t worry—our MARA professionals are here to assist you in getting everything in place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who do not require employer, family, or state sponsorship to live and work in Australia.

The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the Subclass 189 visa:
- Occupation: Must be on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive assessment from the relevant authority.
- Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points, considering factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
- Invitation: Receive an invitation to apply after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Age: Be between 18 and 44 years old at the time of invitation.
- English Proficiency: Demonstrate competent English skills through recognized tests.
- Health and Character: Meet specified health and character requirements.
Meeting these criteria allows skilled workers to live and work permanently in Australia without employer, family, or state sponsorship.

To calculate your points for the Subclass 189 visa application, you need to consider various factors like your age, English language proficiency, skilled work experience, education, and other criteria. The points-based system helps determine your eligibility for the visa. You can easily calculate your points score using the official Australian government Points Calculator available online.

No, a job offer is not required to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). This visa is intended for skilled workers who possess the necessary qualifications and experience in an occupation listed on the skilled occupation list and can meet the required points threshold.

The accepted English language proficiency tests for the Subclass 189 visa application include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Occupational English Test (OET), Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.

The Subclass 189 visa is unique because it allows skilled workers to move to Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer or a state/territory government. Unlike other skilled migration visas, which require such sponsorship, the Subclass 189 visa is for individuals who meet the necessary qualifications and points requirements on their own.

Recent changes to Australia's Subclass 189 visa application process include the temporary closure of the New Zealand stream to new applications between December 10, 2022, and July 1, 2023. This pause allowed the government to streamline processing for existing applications. During this period, certain criteria, such as residence duration, income thresholds, and health requirements, were removed for on-hand applicants. The New Zealand stream reopened to new applications on July 1, 2023, with revised criteria.
VISAENVOY

Additionally, on April 22, 2023, the Australian government announced that Special Category Visa holders residing in Australia for four years could directly apply for Australian citizenship starting July 1, 2023, without first obtaining permanent residency.
WIKIPEDIA

For the most current information on the Subclass 189 visa application process, it's advisable to visit the official Australian government website or consult with a registered migration agent.

DISCLAIMER: ⚖️ The information provided here is for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend checking for updated information with the Department of Home Affairs at Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Independent Visa.