Australia Visa – Work – Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Points Tested Stream

1. What is the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?


The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who do not have an employer sponsor. It is part of Australia’s General Skilled Migration program and allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia without restrictions. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the points test requirements and have a nominated occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Applicants must also be under the age of 45, have competent English language skills, and meet health and character requirements.

2. Am I eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?


To be eligible to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply.

2. Occupation: You must have a nominated occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list.

3. Skills assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority.

4. English proficiency: You must meet the English language requirement by scoring at least competent level on an approved English language test.

5. Points test: You must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, based on factors such as your age, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria.

6. Expression of Interest (EOI): You must submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.

7. Health and character requirements: You and all accompanying family members must meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government.

8. No outstanding debts: You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian government or have arranged to repay them before lodging your application.

9. No previous visa cancellations or refusals: If you have had a previous visa cancelled or refused while in Australia, you may not be eligible for this visa unless there are compelling circumstances.

3. How do I check my points score for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?


Your points score for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) can be checked by completing a points test on the Department of Home Affairs website. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Hover over the “Visas and Citizenship” tab and select “Visa Finder” from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the “Find visa options for your circumstances” button.
4. Select “Skilled visas” under the “Skilled and Work Visas” category.
5. Scroll down and click on the “Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)” option.
6. Read through the general eligibility requirements and click on the “Eligibility” tab at the top of the page.
7. Complete the points test by clicking on the “Complete Points Test” button under the “Check Eligibility” section.
8. You will be prompted to create an ImmiAccount or login if you already have one.
9. Once logged in, you will need to enter personal information such as your age, education, work experience, English proficiency, etc.
10. After completing all sections of the points test, your total points score will be calculated and displayed on screen.

To be eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), you must score at least 65 points on this test. If you meet this requirement, you may then proceed with submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). Please note that this is only a self-assessment tool and does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.

You can also refer to your SkillSelect account to check your current EOI ranking and if any invitations have been issued to you based on your total points score.

4. What is the minimum point requirement for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?

The minimum point requirement for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is 65 points.

5. What are the visa fees for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?

The visa fees for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) vary depending on the applicant’s age and level of skill. The base application fee for the main applicant is AUD $4,045. There may also be additional costs for any family members included in the application.

Applicants aged 18 and over with less than functional English skills will need to pay an additional fee of AUD $4,890 for the second installment of the visa.

For applicants under 18 or those over 18 with functional English skills, the second installment fee is AUD $1,215.

There are also additional fees for any dependent children included in the application.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and should be confirmed at the time of lodging your application. More information on current visa fees can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

6. How long is the processing time for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?


The processing time for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) varies depending on individual circumstances, but the Department of Home Affairs estimates an average processing time of 6-8 months. However, this can significantly vary based on factors such as the completeness of the application, submission of required documents, and current visa processing priorities. It is recommended to check the current processing times on the Department’s website for accurate information.

7. Can my family members be included in my application for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?


No, unfortunately, immediate family members cannot be included in a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) application. This visa is designed for skilled individuals who do not have any family members living in Australia and want to live and work there permanently. If you wish to bring your family members with you to Australia, you may want to consider applying for a different type of visa that allows for dependent family members to be included.

8. Do I need to have a job offer to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?

No, you do not need to have a job offer to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa is designed for skilled workers who have the necessary qualifications and experience in an occupation on the skilled occupation list. Applicants must also meet the points test requirement and be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs. Having a job offer may increase your chances of receiving an invitation, but it is not required.

9. Can I change jobs after receiving my Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?

Yes, you are able to change jobs after receiving your Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). This visa grants you permanent residency in Australia and there are no conditions attached to your employment. You have the freedom to work in any occupation, for any employer and in any geographic location within Australia.

However, if you have signed a contract or agreement with your employer outlining a minimum period of employment, it is recommended that you fulfill those commitments before changing jobs. Additionally, certain professions may have regulatory bodies that require specific authorizations or approvals before practicing, so it is important to research these requirements before making a job change.

If you do decide to change jobs, you must update your details with the Department of Home Affairs within 14 days of the change through the ‘Update Us’ form on their website. This will ensure that your visa records are accurate and up-to-date.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)?

There is no age limit for applying for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). However, applicants must meet the minimum points requirement of 65 points on the Points Test to be eligible. Points can be earned based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications. Older applicants may receive fewer points in certain categories, such as age and work experience, compared to younger applicants.

11. Can I apply for permanent residency through a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189. if I am already in Australia on another visa?

No, you cannot apply for permanent residency through a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) if you are already in Australia on another visa. You must be outside of Australia when you submit your application for the Subclass 189 visa. However, if you are in Australia and hold an eligible visa, you may be able to apply for a Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489) or a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), which can lead to permanent residency. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent to determine the best pathway for your individual circumstances.

12. Do I need to have English language proficiency to apply for a Skilled independent visa in Australia?


Yes, English language proficiency is a requirement for the Skilled independent visa (subclass 189) in Australia. Applicants are required to prove their English language skills by taking an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.

The minimum score required varies depending on the test and occupation you are applying for. Generally, at least a competent level of English (equivalent to a score of 6 in each of the four components – speaking, listening, reading and writing) is required.

However, exemptions may apply if you are a citizen of certain countries or have completed full-time education in English. It is recommended that you check the specific requirements for your occupation and country of origin before applying for the visa.

13. How can I prove my work experience when applying for a skilled independent visa?


There are a few ways to prove your work experience when applying for a skilled independent visa:

1. Employment references: Provide letters of reference from your previous employers that include details such as your job title, responsibilities, duration of employment, and any special achievements or skills.

2. Payslips: Submit copies of payslips or income tax statements to demonstrate your employment and salary during the relevant period.

3. Employment contracts: Provide copies of current and previous employment contracts that show details such as job title, salary, and duration of the contract.

4. Bank statements: Provide bank statements that show regular deposits from your employer as proof of income from your work experience.

5. Certification or qualification documents: If you have completed any courses or certifications related to your work experience, provide copies of these documents as evidence.

6. LinkedIn profile: A well-maintained LinkedIn profile can also serve as evidence of your work experience. Make sure to keep it updated with relevant work history and skills.

Note that each country may have specific requirements for proving work experience, so be sure to check the visa guidelines for the country you are applying to for more information.

14. Is it necessary to undergo medical examinations and provide evidence of good health when applying?


It depends on the specific requirements of the country or organization to which you are applying. Some countries may require a medical examination as part of their immigration process, while some organizations may require their employees to undergo medical examinations as part of their employment contract. It is best to check the specific requirements for your application to determine if a medical examination is necessary.

15. Will having family ties in Australia increase my chances of getting approved for the visa?


Having family ties in Australia may improve your chances of getting approved for a visa, as it shows a strong social connection to the country. However, ultimately the decision is based on the individual’s eligibility and meeting all criteria for the specific visa they are applying for. It is important to provide evidence of these family ties in your application to support your claim.

16. Can I include my partner, who is not yet married, as an accompanying member in an application?


Yes, you can include your partner in your application as an accompanying member. However, please note that they may have to meet certain eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents to be able to obtain a visa. You should consult the specific requirements for the visa you are applying for to determine if your partner is eligible to accompany you.

17. Are there any additional documents required if applying with dependents?


When applying with dependents, the following additional documents may be required:

1. Birth certificates of all dependent children: This is to prove the relationship between you and your dependents.

2. Marriage certificate: If your spouse is also immigrating with you, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate to prove your legal relationship.

3. Proof of financial support for dependents: You will need to show that you have enough financial resources to support your dependents in addition to yourself.

4. Letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s): If you are traveling with minor children and their other parent(s) are not accompanying them, you may need a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s).

5. Adoption or custody documents: If any of your dependents were adopted or have been granted custody by someone other than their biological parents, you will need to provide legal documentation as proof.

6. Medical exams for each dependent: If any of your dependents are above a certain age (this varies by country), they may be required to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process.

7. Police clearance certificate for each dependent over 18 years old: This document shows that the dependent does not have any criminal record and may be required for applicants over a certain age.

It is important to check with the specific immigration office or consulate where you are submitting your application for a complete list of required documents when applying with dependents. Requirements may vary depending on the country and type of visa or residency being applied for.

18.Can I include step-children or adopted children in the application?


Yes, you can include step-children or adopted children in the application. However, there may be different requirements and documentation needed depending on the country you are applying to migrate to. It is important to check with the immigration authorities of that country for specific guidelines and procedures.

19.Can this visa lead to citizenship in Australia?


The Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) does not automatically lead to citizenship. However, if you meet certain eligibility requirements and have lived in Australia for a certain amount of time, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship through other visa pathways.

20.What happens if my occupation is not on the list of eligible skilled occupations?


If your occupation is not on the list of eligible skilled occupations, you will not be able to apply for a skilled migration visa. You may need to explore other visa options, such as employer-sponsored or family-sponsored visas, or consider applying for a temporary work visa while working towards meeting the eligibility requirements for a skilled migration visa in the future. It’s important to regularly check the list of eligible skilled occupations as it is subject to change.