Australia Office
Suite 1, 1 Tramway Arcade
Rockdale
NSW 2216 Australia
Tel: +61-2-7257 7924
Email: info@sbsconsultant.com.au
Nepal Office
New Plaza
Putalisadak
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977-01-4525382
Email: ktm@sbsconsultant.com.au
GSM – Subclass 189
Introduction
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is for invited workers with skills Australia needs, allowing them to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. This points-tested permanent visa is designed for skilled professionals who don’t require employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family support.
The 189 visa is a permanent application allowing applicants to remain indefinitely in Australia with full work rights and does not require sponsorship by a State/Territory Government or a relative in Australia. This visa represents one of the most coveted pathways to Australian permanent residency, offering complete freedom to live and work anywhere in the country.
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Criteria
- Age requirements:You must be less than 45 years of age when the invitation to apply is issued. Only applicants between 18 and 44 years old at the time of receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA) qualify for this visa.
Points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation:
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
- Nationality requirements: This visa is open to all nationalities. There are no specific citizenship restrictions for most applicants in the points-tested stream.
- Health and character requirements: All applicants and their family members must meet Australia's health and character standards. This includes medical examinations and police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Specific Requirements
- Occupation and Skills Assessment: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This assessment validates that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
- Points Test Requirements: You must score at least 65 points on the points test. However, while 65 is the minimum, competitive occupations often require 80 or more points to receive an invitation. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, educational qualifications, and work experience.
- English Language Requirements: You must have at least a "Competent English" level, which can be demonstrated through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL. Achieving this level is mandatory, but it awards zero points. Higher scores are needed to claim points: "Proficient English" provides 10 points, and "Superior English" provides 20 points.
- Invitation Requirement: You must receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Skill Select system.
Critical Update: As of June 2023, there is no minimum income threshold requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs. However, ATO notices of assessment remain mandatory to demonstrate financial standing and tax compliance.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
1
Preparation Phase
Complete your skills assessment, achieve the required English test scores, and gather all supporting documents to demonstrate you meet the 65-point minimum.
2
EOI Submission
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and await an Invitation to Apply.
3
Visa Application
Once you receive the ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete visa application.
4
Assessment
Wait for a case officer to be assigned and respond to any requests for additional information.
5
Decision Notification:
Receive a visa grant or refusal notification.
Key Tips
Best Time to Apply
There is no specific “best time” to apply. Submitting your EOI as soon as you meet all requirements maximises your chances, as invitation rounds are conducted periodically based on occupation demand and points scores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an EOI without having all supporting documents ready.
- Underestimating the English score needed to be competitive.
- Claiming points you cannot substantiate with evidence.
- Missing the 60-day deadline after receiving an invitation.
Required Documents
Essential Documentation
- Passport and Identity: Current passport, birth certificate, and identity documents for all applicants.
- Educational Certificates: Certified copies of all qualifications and academic transcripts.
- Skills Assessment: A positive assessment letter from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- English Test Results: Valid results from a recognised test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET).
- Work Experience Evidence: Employment references, contracts, and payslips for all claimed work experience.
- Health Examinations: Medical certificates from approved panel physicians.
- Police Clearances: Certificates from all countries where you've lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Additional Documents (Visa-Specific)
- Character Statutory Declaration (Form 80).
- Additional Personal Particulars (Form 1221).
- Evidence of professional memberships or registrations, if applicable.
- Partner skills evidence if claiming points for a partner's qualifications and English ability.
Processing Time & Costs
Application Fee Structure
Main applicant
AUD $4,045
Additional applicant (18+ yrs)
AUD $2,025
Child applicant (under 18 yrs)
AUD $1,015
Processing timeframes: The processing time for a Subclass 189 Visa is approximately 8 to 9 months for most applications after a complete submission. A case officer may contact you for more information around 5.5 months into the process, which can put your application on hold until the requested documents are provided. If no contact is made by a case officer, a decision may be received sooner.
Additional Costs
- Skills assessment fees: AUD 500–1,500 (varies by authority).
- English language tests: AUD 350–400 per attempt.
- Health examinations: AUD 300–500 per person.
- Police clearances: Varies by country (AUD 50–200 per certificate).
- Document translations and certifications: AUD 100–300.
Conclusion
The Subclass 189 visa offers the freedom to build your future anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. It provides access to Medicare, full work rights, and a pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Your next step is to assess your eligibility and calculate your estimated points. Given the competitive nature of this visa, professional guidance can help improve your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum points score required for Subclass 189?
The minimum points score is 65, but competitive scores often need to be 80 or higher, depending on the occupation.
How long do I have to submit my application after receiving an invitation?
You have exactly 60 days from the date of invitation to submit your complete application with all supporting documents.
Can I include family members in my application?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application, provided they also meet health and character requirements.
Do I need employer sponsorship for this visa?
No, the 189 visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, State/Territory Government, or relative in Australia; it is completely independent.
What work and study rights does this visa provide?
This visa allows you to stay, work, and study in Australia indefinitely with full work and study rights anywhere in the country.