Ready to embark on a journey that is not just about visas but about unlocking the door to your Aussie dreams? The Skilled Independent Visa is like the golden ticket to the Land Down Under, where kangaroos roam freely, and career opportunities are as abundant as sunshine! Join us on this blog rollercoaster as we explore the ins and outs of snagging this visa and turning your Australian dreams into reality.
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows skilled workers to live, settle, and work permanently anywhere in Australia. The Subclass 189 Visa has three streams: Points-Tested Stream, New Zealand Stream, and Hong Kong Stream. Typically, when talking about Subclass 189, they refer to the Points-Tested Stream.
What is the Subclass 189 (Points-Tested Stream) Visa?
The Points-Tested Stream of the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa is for workers with specific skills required in Australia to live and work permanently there. These individuals can submit their EOI (Expression of Interest) and wait for an invitation to apply for their visa. Individuals do not need to be sponsored by any family member, or employer, or nominated by a State or Territory government.
Applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on their points test. If the Subclass 189 Visa is granted to an individual, they receive a number of benefits.
What are the Benefits of Subclass 189?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) has several rights for its holders. They include:
● Live, settle, and work anywhere in Australia.
● Study and train in the country.
● Stay in Australia permanently.
● Enrol in Medicare and get access to healthcare and health benefits.
● Travel to and from the country for five years.
● Become an Australian citizen if eligible.
● Sponsor relatives to come to Australia.
What is the Eligibility for Subclass 189?
An individual can apply for the Skilled Independent Visa if eligible. The eligibility requirements include:
● Having Relevant Skills and Occupation: To be eligible to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, the individual must have the relevant skills and occupation required in Australia. To determine if a person’s occupation and skills are in demand in the Australian community, one can check the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List).
● The Required Level of English: Individuals are expected to have competent English levels to live and work in Australia efficiently. To prove that an individual has competent English, they must:
o Be a valid passport holder from the following countries:
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
Canada
The United Kingdom
The United States of Australia
OR
o Provide a valid English language test result from:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
OET (Occupational English Test)
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
● Meeting Health and Character Requirements: Individuals must meet the health and character requirements before applying for the Skilled Independent Visa. Check the health requirements and character requirements on the home affairs website.
● Being Within a Certain Age Bracket: Individuals interested in applying for the Subclass 189 Visa can apply if they are under 45 years of age.
● Get Invitation to Apply: After individuals submit their EOI, they will be ranked against other applicants and may be invited to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa.
● Score the Minimum Points Required: The Skilled Independent Visa is points-tested. When a person submits their EOI in SkillSelect, they will be given points based on their claims. A person must score 65 points or more to be invited to apply.
● Have a Suitable Skills Assessment: Individuals must declare that they have a suitable skills assessment at the time of their invitation.
Can an Applicant Include Family Under the Subclass 189 Visa?
Individuals can include family members under Subclass 189, provided they are members of the family unit. It means the family member must be:
● The primary applicant’s spouse or de facto partner
● The child or partner’s child who is unmarried, engaged, or in any relationship, under 18 years of age; or between 18-23 years and dependent on the primary applicant or their partner; or above 23 years but dependent on the primary applicant or their partner.
Family members may apply for a visa before or after filing but before a decision is reached. Family members applying for a visa must also fulfil the appropriate character and health conditions.
How to Apply for Subclass 189?
Here is the list of steps to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa:
Step 1: Start the Visa Process by submitting an EOI
Step 2: Gather your documents
Step 3: Receive Invitation to Apply
Step 4: Visa Lodgement
For more information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs – Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
And there you have it, future Aussie adventurers! The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is not just a visa; it is your passport to endless possibilities. Whether you are chasing career dreams or just the Aussie way of life, this visa is your golden ticket Down Under!
