1. What is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state or territory government in Australia. This visa allows individuals to live and work in Australia permanently and gives them access to Medicare, the country’s healthcare system.
2. Can I apply for a Skilled Independent Visa without a job offer?
Yes, you can apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) without a job offer. This visa is designed for skilled workers who do not have employer sponsorship or state/territory nomination.To be eligible for the visa, you must meet the points requirement and have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). You will also need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs before you can lodge a visa application.
Having a job offer or employer sponsorship can increase your chances of being invited to apply for the visa, as it gives you additional points on your EOI. However, it is not mandatory to have a job offer for this visa.
3. How can I find a job in Australia?
There are several ways to find a job in Australia:
– Job search websites: Look for job openings on popular websites such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
– Government programs: The Australian government offers various programs and services to help migrants find employment opportunities. You can visit JobSearch or contact your nearest Department of Jobs and Small Business office for more information.
– Networking: Connect with people in your field through professional networks or attend networking events. They may be able to refer you to job openings or provide valuable insights about the industry.
– Recruitment agencies: Register with local recruitment agencies that specialize in placing candidates in your field of work.
– Industry-specific websites: Some industries have their own specific job boards or websites where employers post vacancies. For example, if you are looking for IT jobs, you could check out sites like ITJobs.com.au or Whirlpool Forums.
– Social media: Join professional networks and follow companies or organizations that interest you on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter. They may post about job opportunities on their pages.
It is also important to tailor your resume and cover letter to Australian standards and be prepared for interviews. Familiarize yourself with the job market and industry trends in Australia to increase your chances of finding a job.
3. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a Skilled Independent Visa?
To be eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), individuals must:
1. Meet the minimum points requirement: Applicants must obtain a minimum of 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points system to be eligible for the visa.
2. Have an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL): Applicants must nominate an occupation that is on Australia’s relevant skilled occupation list.
3. Be under 45 years of age: Applicants must not have turned 45 at the time their visa application was submitted.
4. Have a suitable skills assessment: Applicants must have a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation by a relevant assessing authority.
5. Meet English language requirements: The required level of English proficiency varies depending on the occupation and passport country of the applicant.
6. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Before being invited to apply for the visa, applicants must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Meet health and character requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government to be granted a visa.
8. Not have any outstanding debt to the Australian government: Applicants need to settle any outstanding debt to the Australian government or make arrangements to repay before being granted a visa.
4. How do I check if my occupation is on the Skills Occupation List for subclass 189?
You can check if your occupation is on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) for subclass 189 by visiting the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. On this website, you can search for your occupation in the list and check if it is eligible for a subclass 189 visa. You can also consult a migration agent or use an online eligibility assessment tool to determine if your occupation is on the list.5. Is there an age limit for applying for this visa subclass?
Yes, the age limit for applying for this visa subclass is 45 years old.
6. Can I bring my family with me on a Skilled Independent Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family with you on a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa allows you to include your partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives in your application. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements for this visa and have to be included in your application at the time of lodgement. They can also apply for other visas that allow them to join you in Australia, such as a Partner Visa or Dependent Child Visa.
7. Do I need to have a certain level of English proficiency to apply for this visa subclass?
Yes, you will need to meet the English language requirements for this visa subclass. This means demonstrating a certain level of English proficiency by taking an approved English language test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required score may vary depending on your occupation and the level of skill required for it.
8. What are the main documents required for a Subclass 189 application?
The main documents required for a Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) application are:
1. Skill Assessment Report: This report is issued by a relevant assessing authority, confirming that your skills and qualifications are suitable for the nominated occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): An EOI is an online form that you submit through SkillSelect, which shows your interest in applying for the Subclass 189 visa.
3. Complete application form: You will need to complete and submit Form 80 and Form 1221 as well as other forms and declarations as requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
4. Proof of English language proficiency: You may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in English through a recognized English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
5. Identity documents: You will need to provide copies of your passport, national identification card, birth certificate, or any other identity documents as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Work experience documents: You will need to provide evidence of your work experience such as employment contracts, tax records, references from previous employers, or payslips.
7. Education documents: You will need to provide copies of your academic transcripts, degrees or diplomas, and any other relevant educational certificates.
8. Police clearance certificates: You may be required to provide police clearance certificates from each country where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
9. Health examinations: As part of the visa process, you will be asked to undergo a medical examination conducted by a panel doctor approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
10. Proof of funds: You may need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents included in your application while you look for work in Australia.
11. Other supporting documents: Depending on your individual circumstances, additional documents may be requested by the Department of Home Affairs during the application process. These may include marriage certificates, proof of a de facto relationship, or custody documents if you have dependents included in your visa application.
9. Can I apply for permanent residence immediately after getting this visa?
No, you cannot apply for permanent residence immediately after getting this visa. Typically, individuals must live and work in Canada for a certain period of time before they become eligible to apply for permanent residence. This requirement varies depending on the type of visa and immigration program you are applying under. It is important to check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to determine the specific eligibility requirements for permanent residence.
10. Do I need to have previous work experience in order to be eligible for subclass 189?
Yes, work experience is not a requirement for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. However, having previous work experience can increase your points score and improve your chances of being invited to apply for the visa. Work experience can also be used to demonstrate your skills and qualifications in your nominated occupation. It is recommended to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in order to increase your chances of being invited to apply for this visa.
11. How long does it take to process a Subclass 189 application?
The processing time for a Subclass 189 application can vary depending on various factors such as the completeness of the application, skills assessment, and other individual circumstances. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the global processing time for a Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is between 7-11 months. However, this can be longer or shorter based on individual cases. It is important to regularly check the estimated processing times on the Department’s website for updates.
12. Does Australia have any preference towards specific occupations/categories when issuing Subclass 189 visas?
Yes, Australia has a specific list of eligible occupations for the Subclass 189 visa, known as the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list includes occupations that are in high demand in Australia and align with the country’s economic and social needs. There is no particular preference for one occupation over another within this list, but applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications to work in their chosen occupation.
13. Is there an annual cap on how many Subclass 189 visas can be issued each year?
No, there is no annual cap on the number of Subclass 189 visas that can be issued each year. This visa is not subject to quotas or limits, and applicants who meet all eligibility requirements can receive a visa as long as there are no other factors affecting their application.
14. Can I change jobs while holding a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?
Yes, you can change jobs while holding a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa allows you to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis, with no restrictions on your employment. Therefore, you are free to change jobs at any time during your stay in Australia without affecting your visa status. However, it is important to ensure that the new job meets the eligibility criteria of your visa, such as being in an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL). You may also need to update your details with the Department of Home Affairs if there are any changes in your employment.
15. What happens if my occupation is removed from the Skills Occupation List after applying for this visa subclass?
If your occupation is removed from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) after applying for this visa subclass, it means that you no longer meet the eligibility requirements for this visa.
In this situation, your visa application will likely be considered invalid and may not proceed any further. You may be notified by the Department of Home Affairs and given the opportunity to withdraw your application or apply for another visa subclass if eligible.
If you choose to withdraw your application, you may be able to receive a refund of the application fee. However, if you do not withdraw your application and it is deemed invalid, you will not be eligible for a refund and any fees paid will be forfeited.
It is important to regularly check the SOL to ensure that your occupation remains on the list and that it meets any additional requirements or quotas set by the Australian government. In some cases, occupations may also be moved to a different list or have additional requirements placed on them, so it is important to stay informed.
16. Are there any other costs associated with applying for a Subclass 189 visa, besides the application fee?
Yes, there may be additional costs associated with applying for a Subclass 189 visa. These may include the cost of police checks and medical examinations, translation services for documents not in English, and possible professional fees if you choose to use an immigration agent or lawyer to assist with your application. The exact amount will vary depending on your individual circumstances.
17. Will having family members in Australia affect my chances of being granted this visa subclass?
Not necessarily. The immigration authorities will review each visa application on its own merits, regardless of whether the applicant has family members in Australia. Having family members in Australia may provide additional support for your visa application, such as providing a place to stay when you first arrive, but it will not guarantee that you will be granted the visa. Ultimately, your eligibility for this visa subclass will depend on meeting all the relevant criteria set by the immigration authorities. 18. Are there any conditions attached to holding a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?
Yes, there are several conditions attached to holding a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). These conditions include:– adhering to all Australian laws and regulations
– not engaging in any activities that are harmful or disruptive to the Australian community
– keeping contact information up-to-date with the Department of Home Affairs
– complying with all visa conditions, such as participating in Medicare (Australia’s national healthcare system) if eligible
– informing the Department of any changes to employment, address, or passport details within 14 days
– allowing the Department access to your personal information at any time for verification purposes.
It is important to comply with these conditions in order to maintain your legal status in Australia. Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in the cancellation of your visa.
19. Can I include my partner/spouse in my application even if they do not have any skilled qualifications or work experience?
Yes, you can include your partner/spouse in your application even if they do not have any skilled qualifications or work experience. They may be eligible to accompany you as a dependent on your visa if you are applying for a skilled migration visa. However, their inclusion in the application may affect the points score for your application, so it’s important to check the points table and requirements for skilled visas before including them. Additionally, your partner/spouse may also be able to apply for a separate visa based on their individual circumstances and qualifications.
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