Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent resident visa for invited skilled workers, eligible New Zealand citizens, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders. This visa allows individuals to live, work, and study permanently anywhere in Australia.
Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Permanent residency in Australia.
- The ability to work and study anywhere in Australia.
- Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship (if eligible).
- Ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
Visa Subclass
- Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)
- Post-Higher Education Work stream
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream
- Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Regional visa (Subclass 887)
- Distinguished Talent visa (Subclass 124)
- National Innovation visa (Subclass 858)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Key Eligibility Requirements
1. Points-Tested Stream
This stream is for skilled workers who meet the points-based eligibility criteria.
To qualify, you must:
- Be under 45 years of age.
- Have a skilled occupation listed on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skilled List (MLTSSL).
- Demonstrate Competent English proficiency.
- Hold a positive skills assessment from the relevant skills assessing authority.
- Meet the minimum score on the Points Test at the time of receiving an invitation.
- Receive an invitation to apply by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and competing on a points-based system.
- Satisfy Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
- Meet health and character requirements.
2. Hong Kong Stream
This stream is designed for eligible Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
To qualify, you must:
- Apply on or after 5 March 2022.
- Hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport.
- Hold an eligible visa, such as:
- Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa
- Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa
- Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa
- Have held the eligible visa for at least 4 years.
- Have been a usual resident in Australia for at least 4 continuous years immediately before applying.
- Satisfy Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Visa Highlights
- You can apply from inside or outside Australia.
- This visa allows you to work, study, and live in Australia.
- There are two visa streams:
- Points-tested stream
- Hong Kong stream
- This is a permanent visa, allowing you to stay in Australia indefinitely.
How We Can Help
At AK Migration & Visa Services, we provide expert guidance for individuals looking to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). Our services include:
- Assessing your eligibility and points score.
- Helping with skills assessment and documentation preparation.
- Providing guidance on submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Ensuring compliance with visa conditions to avoid unnecessary delays.
Contact us today to explore your visa options and take the next step toward your future in Australia!
Disclaimer: This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Due to frequent changes in migration law, the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. For the latest updates, please refer to the official Australian Government website.