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Skill Nominated Visa - Subclass 189

Overview

The Subclass 189 is a permanent skilled independent visa category, is structured for skilled workers (who qualify for the points test) who are not sponsored by their family members or employers. The 189 Independent Visa is a permanent visa that allows its holder to stay as a permanent resident in the country.  

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) has numerous advantages, making it most popular visa of all the time after independent skilled visas in Brisbane.  The holder of a 189 Independent Visa can:  

  • Stay in Australia for an indefinite period. 
  • Work or study in the country in their respective area.
  • Enrol for the national healthcare scheme and get the benefits of Medicare.  
  • Facilitates traveling out and returning to the country as many times as the visa holder wants for five years from the date the visa is granted.
  • Sponsor an eligible blood relation for permanent residence or apply for citizenship of the country if eligible.

What are the steps to apply for the 189-visa subclass? 

Step 1: Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest) 

Prior to applying for the visa, you must submit an expression of interest if you’re applying for the points-tested stream. 

 Step 2: Wait for a visa invitation  

If you accumulate at least 65 points and there are places available for your occupation, SkillSelect is likely to invite you to apply for a 189 visa. Please note that the time to assess your EOI will vary depending on the volume of applications.  

Step 3: Receive a visa invitation 

After receiving a visa invitation, you have 60 calendar days to apply for the visa.  

Step 4: Lodge a visa application 

Go to your SkillSelect account and choose the option to “apply for visa”, this will take you to the online application system, ImmiAccount. Login or create a new ImmiAccount, fill out all the information, submit the required documents and pay the application fee.    

 Unsure how to apply for a 189 visa? Contact us at hello@solmigration.com or fill out the enquiry form! Our highly experienced Registered Migration Agent will help you!  

What are the 189 visa requirements? 

There are some minimum requirements for applicants to meet before they can be eligible to apply for a 189 visa. You must: 

General requirements  

Category   Specific requirement  
Occupation   Have a nominated occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and pass the skills assessment for the nominated occupation. 
English requirements   Have competent English (IELTS 6 for each band/PTE 50 for each band or equivalent). 
Age  Be 18-45 years old. If you turn 45 after Australia Government invites you for a 189 visa, you can still apply for this visa. If you turn 45 after you submit your EOI (Expression of Interest) but before you are invited, you will not be able to apply for this visa.  
Score   Have achieved at least 65 points under the Skilled Migration point test system. 
Health requirement   You are required to have a health checkup in a medical center approved by the state/territory government. 
Character requirement   Police check must be completed for all applicants and even for family members who do not accompany you to Australia  

You must also have received an invitation from the relevant authority (189 Visa from the Department of Home Affairs, 190 and 491 Visa from the State/Territory Government) and not have had a visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused. 

Want to know if you are eligible for a 189 visa? Contact our Registered Migration Agent at hello@solmigration.com or fill out the enquiry form for free eligible check.  

How much does it cost to apply for a 189 visa? 

All fees below are displayed with GST included and in Australian dollar 

Visa subclass  Base application charge  Additional applicant charge (18 and over)  Additional applicant charge (under 18) 
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) - Points tested stream   AUD4,640  AUD2,320  AUD1,160 

How to include the family member in the 189 visa application?  

The applicant, as well as the family members named in the application, should hold a valid passport.  

You can include your family members in your primary application. Alternatively, you can add them to your application after you lodge the application but before your visa is granted.  

Partner 

The spouse or de-facto partner of the candidate could be the opposite or same sex. The partner must be 18 years of age or above. However, the candidates must prove their mutual commitment towards the relationship. The candidate and the partner should not live separately on a permanent basis. 

Children 

To include children in the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application form, the children could be the applicant’s own children or stepchildren. However, the children must: 

  • Be under 18 years of age 
  • Be more than 18 years but under 23 years of age and must be dependent on the applicants or their respective partners 
  • Be more than 23 years of age, but dependent on their parents due to some physical or cognitive disability. 
  • Meet the health requirements as set out by the Department of Home Affairs. 

FAQs

What is the processing time for a 189 visa?

The processing time for the 189 visa could vary and was subject to change based on various factors such as application volume, individual circumstances, and updates in immigration policies. However, the low is the estimated processing time:  

  • 25% of applications: 5 Months
  • 50% of applications: 6 Months
  • 75% of applications: 6 Months
  • 90% of applications: 8 Months

If you lack any documentation or miss any information, the time for visa processing will be longer. Want to avoid the delaying in visa outcome? Contact us today!  

What are 189 visa invitation rounds?

The latest invitation round is on 25 May 2023, with 7353 applicants were invited to apply for a 189 visa.  

What is the Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

The 189 visa is a permanent visa based on points tests visa for skilled migrants. 

What are the advantages of a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa facilitates skilled people to immigrate permanently to Australia. Holders of a 189 Visa are entitled to: 

  • Sign up for the Medicare public health care program. 
  • Sponsor qualifying family members for permanent residency. 
  • Work and study anywhere in Australia, 
  • Apply for Australian citizenship (If eligible) 

 

How do I apply for a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

To apply for a 189 visa, it is mandatory to submit an expression of interest (EOI) with 65 Points and obtain an invitation from SkillSelect. Once you receive an invitation to apply for this visa, you have 60 days to submit your application. 

Do I apply in Australia or Overseas?

You may be in Australia or anywhere else when you apply for a Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa. To lodge from within Australia, you would require either a substantive visa or a bridging A, B, or C visa. 

Can you include Family Members on your visa application?

Yes, you can submit a visa application on behalf of qualifying family members. You can even include eligible family members after submitting your visa application if the decision has not yet been decided. All family members must follow Australian standards for morality and physical fitness. 

How long can you stay with a Skilled Independent Visa 189?

The permanent resident status of the skilled independent visa ensures your ability to stay in the country forever. 

Can I travel abroad with a Skilled Independent Visa 189?

The Skilled Independent Visa facilitates a travel provision that allows you five years of unrestricted travel to and from Australia. Using visa category 189, you can sponsor the immigration of your family members to Australia. 

What is the difference between 189 and 190 visa in Australia?

The primary difference between 189 and 190 visa is that while a Skilled Nominated Visa (190) demands that the candidate must be “sponsored” by a state or territory, a Skilled Independent Visa (189) does not. 

Which visa is better 189 or 190?

For the 190 visas, there is an additional requirement. To be eligible for 190 visas, you must be sponsored by an Australian State or Territory. Hence, if you do not have any sponsor, you can opt for a 189 visa. 

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