If you choose an occupation listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List, then you may become eligible to apply for Subclass 189 visa. With this visa, you can live and work anywhere in Australia.
What is 189 Visa in Australia?
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is for invited skilled workers who have chosen occupation on “Medium and Long-Term Strategic List”. If they chose a skill that is in-demand in Australia, then they can live and work in Australia indefinitely. Alongside, New Zealand citizens who have shown duty and contributed to Australia can apply for this visa.
The subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa has 3 streams.
- Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Points Tested Stream
- Skilled Independent Visa 189- New Zealand Stream (Discontinued from 1st July 2023)
- Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Hong Kong Stream
Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Points-tested stream (Permanent Visa)
Subclass 189 is a point-based permanent visa. Due to that, the applicants are selected by evaluating the skilled migrant’s age, experience, and profile score. Upon getting the visa, the skilled migrant gets permanent residency in Australia along with the family members of the applicant.
Subsequent Entrant on Skilled Independent visa
If the applicant has a partner/spouse or kids, then they can also be mentioned in the application before the declaration of a decision. After the grant of the visa, the partner or spouse will need to submit either “Partner Subclass 309 Visa” or “Partner Subclass 820 Visa”, depending on the location of the applicant, inside or outside Australia. If there are kids, then they need to submit either “Child Subclass 101 Visa” or “Child Subclass 802 Visa”, again depending on the location of the applicant.
Fees for Subclass 189
Minimum application charge- AUD 4,765
Additional charge for an applicant above 18 years of age- AUD 2,385
Additional charge for an applicant below 18 years of age- AUD 1,195
189 Visa Processing time 2024
Processing time for subclass 189 visa points test stream 2024
50% applications- 12 months
90% applications- 12 months
Processing time for subclass 189 New Zealand Citizen stream 2024
50% applications- 16 months
90% applications- 25 months
Advantages of Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa
Some of the benefits this visa allows to the visa holder and his family are:
- Reside and work in Australia permanently.
- Pursue full-time education in Australia at any grade of learning, school, graduate, post-graduate, or vocational education at domestic scholar rates.
- Grants access to health care facilities.
- Get granted social security payments/ benefits.
- Become eligible to apply for Australian permanent citizen after residing in Australia for a specific time.
- Get the ability to provide sponsorship to a family member for Australian permanent or temporary residency.
Requirements of Skilled Independent 189 Visa in Australia
International individuals who get an invite from the concerned organization can appeal for this visa. The candidate must fulfill the below requirements:
- Meet the points needed for subclass 189
Since this is a points-tested visa, the applicant must bag a minimum of 65 points based on his/her profile. The deciding factors for determining the points are age, qualification, experience, English proficiency etc. Although, 65 points are the minimum points for eligibility, you normally require more points according to occupation, invitation rounds etc.
- Age requirements for subclass 189
The applicant must be below the age of 45 years when he/she is given the invitation to apply for the visa. You’re still applicable to apply if you turn 45 after receiving an invitation to apply. However, if you attain the age of 45 after the submission of your EOI, then you will not receive an invitation to apply.
- Skilled Occupation List
Your chosen occupation must be on the “Medium and Long Term Shortage Skills List”. There are 212 distinct occupations to choose from on the 189 visa occupation list, which makes it a lot of options to select from.
Oracle Immigration Consultants Tip: It is always wise to choose from the occupations which have been in high demand in the past five years and our team will help you make the right decision.
- Skills assessment for 189 Visa
For a valid application, you need to state about possessing an appropriate skills assessment at the time of invitation. You will have to attach its copy along with your application, provided that it has been acquired within 3 years before your invitation. Some skill assessments depending upon the skill assessment body can be 2 years.
- Invitation to apply
After you submit an EOI for this visa, you’ll be positioned in comparison to other intending applicants. If you qualify, you’ll receive an invitation to apply.
- English language requirements for Visa 189
You must provide evidence of your English Language proficiency by obtaining an appropriate score in a prescribed English Test
Frequently Asked Questions 189 Visa
What are the PTE requirements for 189 Visa?
At least 50 in each of the 4 components.
What are the IELTS requirements for 189 Visa?
IELTS score (a minimum of 6 in each of the 4 sections).
What are the TOEFL iBT requirements for Visa 189?
At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking.
What are the OET requirements for Subclass 189 Visa?
At least B for each of the 4 components.
What are the Cambridge C1 Advanced Test requirements for subclass 189 Visa?
Minimum 169 in each of the 4 components.
Does 189 Visa require state nomination?
No, subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa doe not require any state nomination and only an EOI needs to be lodged to get an invitation.
Do you get extra points for NAATI for 189 visa?
Yes, you can get extra 5 points if you clear NAATI exam. Your NAATI exam is valid for 5 years.
Do I get extra points for studying in a regional area for 189 visa?
Yes, if you study in an institution in a prescribed regional area, you get extra points.
Do, you get extra points for 189 visa, if you study in Australia?
Yes, you get 5 points for full time 2 years Australian study. On top of it you can get 5 more points for studying in a regional area.
Do I get extra points for scoring more in IELTS, PTE and other English tests?
Yes, for proficient English, you get 10 extra points. For superior English you get 20 extra points.
What is Proficient English for extra 10 points for Visa 189?
The following scores represent proficient English.
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 7 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 65 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 185 in each of the 4 test components |
What is Superior English for extra 20 points for subclass 189 visa?
The following scores represent superior English.
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 8 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 79 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least A for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 200 in each of the 4 test components |
Do I get extra points for Australian employment experience for Visa 189?
Yes, you get extra points if you have at least 1 year relevant experience in your nominated occupation. The following table explains the points you will get for number of years of experience.
| Number of years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | 0 |
| At least 1 but less than 3 years | 5 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 10 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 15 |
| At least 8 years | 20 |
Do I get extra points for overseas employment experience for Visa 189?
Yes, you can get extra points if you have at least 3 years of relevant experience in your nominated occupation. The following table explains the points you will get for number of years of overseas experience.
| Number of years | Points |
|---|---|
| Less than 3 years | 0 |
| At least 3 but less than 5 years | 5 |
| At least 5 but less than 8 years | 10 |
| At least 8 years | 15 |
Do you get points for your age for subclass 189 visa?
Yes, you get points for your age. Applicants n the bracket of 25 to 33 years old get maximum 30 points. The following table shows the points you will get for your age for subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| at least 18 but less than 25 years | 25 |
| at least 25 but less than 33 years | 30 |
| at least 33 but less than 40 years | 25 |
| at least 40 but less than 45 years | 15 |
How many points do you get for your qualification for Visa 189?
The following table depicts the qualifications and associated points for Subclass 189 Visa.
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| A Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or a Doctorate from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 20 |
| At least a Bachelor degree from an Australian educational institution or at least a Bachelor qualification, from another educational institution, that is of a recognised standard. | 15 |
| A diploma or trade qualification from an Australian educational institution. | 10 |
| Attained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation | 10 |
Apart from the table above, you can score 10 extra points for studying the postgraduate degree by research (doctorate or masters) which must be awarded from an Australian education institution after at least 2 academic years of study in the following science, technology, engineering, mathematics or specified information and communication technology (ICT) fields:
Natural and physical sciences
- biological sciences
- chemical sciences
- earth sciences
- mathematical sciences
- natural and physical sciences
- other natural and physical sciences
- physics and astronomy
Information technology
- computer science
- information systems
- information technology
- other information technology
Engineering and related technologies
- aerospace engineering and technology
- civil engineering
- electrical and electronic engineering and technology
- engineering and related technologies
- geomatics engineering
- manufacturing engineering and technology
- maritime engineering and technology
- mechanical and industrial engineering and technology
- other engineering and related technologies
- process and resources engineering.
Can I get extra points for my partner skills for 189 Skilled Independent Visa?
You can get 5 extra points if your partner has competent English which has been discussed above.
You can score 5 more points if your partner has a skill assessment in an occupation from the Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List.
I am single. Do I get extra points for subclass 189 visa?
For applicants who are single, they get 10 extra points.
Do you get extra points for completing Professional Year for 189 visa?
Yes, you get extra 5 points for completing an approved professional year in your nominated occupation or closely related occupation. This must have been completed in at least 12 months and must have been completed in the 4 years before receiving invitation to apply for 189 visa. The professional year can be completed from one of the following organisations.
Australian computer society
CPA Australia
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Institute of Public Accountants
Engineers Australia.
SOURCE: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189/points-table
