Skilled Independent Visa

189 Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent (189) Visa aims to attract skilled migrants with qualifications and professional experience in occupations that are critical to the Australian job market and economy. The Australian government has created a points-based system to rank potential visa applicants. Candidates are ranked based on their points, and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for a Skilled Independent 189 Visa each time the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) runs an invitation round. A Skilled Independent Visa (189) provides the applicant and their family unit with Permanent Residency rights from the moment the visa is granted and does not require any form of business sponsorship.

There is also a special 189 Visa option for New Zealand passport holders, providing greater opportunities for work for New Zealand citizens.

Given the complexity and unique criteria for the 189 Visa, working with an immigration expert, like Immigration Gurus, is essential. Our team will not only guide you through the process and explain the requirements, but we’ll also ensure your skilled independent visa is accurately and thoroughly completed to ensure a swift approval process.

To learn more about the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), get in touch with Immigration Gurus today.

Why choose Immigration Gurus for your 189 Visa

  • We prepare your whole 189 Visa application — Let us manage your 189 Visa application. From preparing health and character references to liaising with the DHA, our team does everything in their power to get your application over the line.
  • Quality, expert advice on 189 Visa regulations — From short stay visas to achieving permanent resident status, Immigration Gurus has you covered. Our expertise is unmatched, and we tailor our recommendations to your individual circumstances.
  • Hundreds of successful 189 Visa applicants — We’re proud of the work we do, and our lengthy track record is a testament to our dedication and commitment. You can trust us to manage your Visa Subclass 189 application.
  • High success rate — We encourage you to ask about our success rate. Our team of migration specialists appreciates the value our work brings to individuals and their families.
  • Network of 189 eligible employers — With over 100 employers at your disposal, we’re certain we can dedicate the time and effort your Visa 189 application deserves.

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Overview of the 189 Visa

With the Skilled Independent Visa, you can:

  • Work and study in Australia
  • Access Australia’s medical health care services
  • Sponsor your eligible family members to come and live with you in Australia permanently
  • Travel to and from Australia for five years (after five years, apply for Resident Return Visa (RRV))
  • Eventually apply for Australian citizenship if you are eligible

Speak to a 189 Visa specialist at Immigration Gurus today to explore your migration options.

What is the eligibility for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

In order to be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
  • Have a suitable skills assessment for your occupation
  • Be under 45 years of age
  • Be invited to apply for the visa
  • Satisfy the points test
  • Have competent English skills
  • Meet the health and character requirements

Rest assured, our migration team will guide you through the eligibility process, informing you of your obligations to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Partner with Immigration Gurus for your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

With a qualified and passionate team backing your Visa Subclass 189 application, Immigration Gurus simplifies your migration to Australia. We have processed hundreds of Visa 189 applications, and we are ready to prepare and submit yours next.

To learn more about our migration services or the other types of work visas we process, get in touch with us today.

189 Skilled Independent Visa - Steps

Meet all the eligibility requirements

Obtain a Skills Assessment

You must obtain a suitable Skills Assessment for your occupation. To do this you will need to submit your qualifications and evidence of professional experience with an authorised skills assessing authority. Your skills assessment will need to be obtained less than 3 years before the date of your invitation.

Submit an Expression of Interest through Skill Select

Once you are certain that you meet the eligibility criteria and that you hold at least 65 points, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Skill Select. Once submitted your EOI will be seen by the Australian authorities as well as available to Australian employers seeking someone with your qualifications. Your EOI will remain valid for selection up to 2 years.

If your EOI is selected by the DHA you will be issued with an invitation to apply for your Skilled Independent (189) visa application. The invitation will be based on the information contained in your EOI, so it is critical that this is correct at the time that the invitation is issued. You will have 60 days to lodge your 189 Visa application form the date that your invitation is issued by Skills Select.

Apply for the Skilled Independent Work Visa (subclass 189)

Within 60 days of receiving your invitation form Skills Select you will need to submit your 189 Visa Application with the DHA. It can take many months for the DHA to consider and grant your visa application. In 2021 the average processing time for a 189 Visa application was 24 months.

On the day your visa is granted, you will automatically become a Permanent Resident of Australia. This permanent visa will allow you to live and work in Australia for an unspecified time. If eligible, you will be able to apply for Australian citizenship.

Find the right Visa pathway for you

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FAQs

What is the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a type of permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member or state or territory government. This skilled independent visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia under a permanent resident status. It is points-tested and part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, designed to attract highly qualified professionals to Australia.

Who is eligible to apply for the Visa Subclass 189?

To qualify for the Visa Subclass 189, you must have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List, have a suitable skills assessment and score at least 65 points on the points test. You must also be under 45 years of age and meet English language, health and character requirements. Applicants are first required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the 189 Visa in Australia?

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for the 189 Visa. The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 is suitable for skilled migrants who do not have sponsorship. It is based on your skills, qualifications and experience rather than current employment in Australia.

Can I include my family members in my 189 Visa application?

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your 189 Visa application. This includes your de facto partner or spouse, dependent children and other dependent relatives under certain conditions. If granted, your family members will also receive permanent residency and enjoy the same rights and entitlements in Australia as the primary applicant.

How long does the 189 Visa process take?

The processing times for the Skilled Independent Visa subclass 189 can vary depending on how complex your case is and the completeness of your application. On average, it takes between six and 12 months from the date of invitation to receive a decision. Submitting a complete and accurate application, along with a valid skills assessment and supporting documents, can help avoid delays.

What are the benefits of the 189 Skilled Independent Visa?

The 189 Skilled Independent Visa delivers several benefits for migrants, including permanent Australian residency, the capacity to live and work in Australia, access to Medicare and other forms of healthcare and the opportunity to qualify for Australian citizenship in the future. It also allows you to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency and provides access to education and social services.

What our clients say

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! I was very satisfied with your work, you provided accurate advice and got me on the right student pathway. Now I am working full time in Australia and it is all thanks to you! When I need help for a visa again, I will come to the Immigration Gurus.”

ShunsukeJapan

“The Immigration Gurus are reliable, effective and helped us to get our partner visa. They closely followed our case which made us feel they were very professional and made us feel relieved. They always updated our case situation and progress. If someone is looking for a good quality immigration consultation service, we have no doubt to recommend the Immigration Gurus to them. We are very happy that we chose them.”

ZoeHong Kong

“The Immigration Gurus were fantastic in helping me obtain the right visa. The team were very organised and professional during the application process and made sure that I was given the best chance of success. Their expert advice gave me confidence from the lodgement date until my visa was granted. I would highly recommend the Immigration Gurus to anyone looking for top quality immigration advice.”

JuliaUSA

“The Immigration Gurus made the journey to permanent residency a breeze. Because I work and live in a remote area of Australia, I haven’t had the chance to meet the Guru team in person yet. However, the support and effort they provided during my immigration application was much appreciated. I highly recommend their services.”

GurpreetIndia

“The Immigration Gurus were always kind, fast and precise in answering our questions... they helped my partner and I in obtaining a student visa. Ask for their help and you will not regret it!”

ElisaItaly

“The Immigration Gurus made me feel comfortable asking questions and when the government changed the rules during my application, they bent over backwards to help me and my partner get our submission in. I appreciate everything the Gurus did, thanks for helping us get our de-facto partnership visa!”

RachelUSA

“Thank you so much to the Immigration Guru team, you are all such genuine, professional and approachable individuals. We had a great feeling about Nat and his team and we weren't disappointed, they guided us all the way. I will definitely be recommending you to everyone!”

EmiliaUK

“Thank you Immigration Gurus for making the whole visa process so simple. Everything was explained thoroughly, meaning all we really had to was tick the right boxes and wait for the visa to be approved! We would be happy to recommend the Gurus to anyone in the future! Big thumbs up!”

MandyUK

“The Immigration Gurus are great! They helped me not only for my visa, but also for every other issues as well. Thank you for your help, I will see you for my next visa!”

AllesandroItaly

“I can't express my gratitude in words, you handled my case with great professionalism. Due to a bad turn of events my visa was cancelled and I faced loosing all that I had here in Australia, you assured me from the start and were able to turn around the decision. I am now a citizen of Australia and am working toward building my own business and starting my family. Thank you very much!”

KuldeepIndia

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