Skilled Independent visa
(subclass 189)

This visa lets invited workers with skills we need live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
.

Stay

Permanently

Cost

From AUD4,045

Processing times

75% of applications: 13 months

90% of applications: 13 months

With this visa, you can

  • work and study anywhere in Australia
  • sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
  • if eligible, become an Australian citizen
 

You must

  • have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
  • have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • be invited to apply for this visa
  • satisfy the points test

Process

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Key Provisions

1. Grant of Permanent Residency

This visa grants the successful applicant permanent resident status in Australia, allowing them to reside in the country indefinitely.

2. Work and Study Rights

The visa holder is entitled to unrestricted work and study opportunities throughout Australia.

3. Healthcare

Holders are eligible to enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system.

4. Family Sponsorship

The visa allows sponsorship of eligible family members for permanent residency in Australia. Sponsorship can occur during the initial application or after lodgement but before a decision is made. Family members must satisfy health and character requirements.

5. Travel

The visa includes a travel component valid for five years from the grant date. This allows the holder to freely enter and leave Australia during this period. After five years, a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) is necessary for re-entry as a permanent resident.

6. Australian Citizenship

Eligible permanent residents may apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the prescribed requirements.

7. Waiting Period for Benefits

Please note: Newly arrived permanent residents may experience a waiting period before accessing certain Australian government benefits and payments.

8. Visa Validity

This is a permanent visa with no expiry for residency purposes. However, the travel component associated with the visa expires five years after the grant date.

9. Permanent Residency Start Date

  • For individuals already in Australia when the visa is granted, permanent residency commences on the grant date.
  • For those outside Australia, permanent residency starts upon entry using this visa.

10. Family Applications

Family members can be included in the initial application or added later, as long as it occurs before a visa decision is made. Family members must meet health and character requirements. Reasons for excluding a partner or dependent children from the application must be provided (e.g., existing Australian citizenship or permanent residency).

11. Visa Costs

  • The primary applicant incurs a visa application fee of AUD$4,045.
  • Additional charges apply for each included family member.
  • The Visa Pricing Estimator tool can be utilized to determine the total visa cost.
  • Applicants over 18 years old with English language proficiency below “functional” may face a second installment charge for mandatory English language testing. This fee is only payable upon request and successful visa application.
  • The second installment charge for family members is AUD$4,885.
  • The Visa Pricing Estimator does not include second installment charges or other potential costs such as health checks, police certificates, and biometric data collection.

12. Application Location

Visa applications can be submitted from within or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance. Applicants within Australia must hold a substantive visa or a Bridging A, B, or C visa for their application to be processed.

13. Processing Timeframes

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, with processing times influenced by various factors, including:

  • Completeness of the application and supporting documentation
  • Response time to requests for additional information
  • Verification time for submitted documents
  • External agency response times, particularly regarding health, character, and national security checks
  • Availability of places within the permanent migration program (applicable to permanent visa applications)

14. Post-Grant Travel

Visa holders can travel freely in and out of Australia for five years from the grant date. After this period, a Resident Return Visa is necessary for re-entry as a permanent resident.

15. Digital Visa

Visas are digitally linked to the applicant’s passport. No physical visa label will be issued.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Invitation and Eligibility Criteria

1. Invitation to Apply

  • An invitation from the Australian Government is a prerequisite for applying for this visa.

2. Skills Assessment

  • A positive skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority, demonstrating your competency in your nominated occupation, is mandatory.

3. Age Requirement

  • Applicants must be within the designated age range at the time of receiving an invitation (information not provided in this excerpt).

4. Points Test Score

  • A minimum score of 65 points on the Skilled Migration Points Test is required.

5. English Language Proficiency

  • Applicants must possess “competent English” language skills as determined at the time of invitation.

6. Skilled Occupation

  • The applicant’s occupation must be listed on the official Skilled Occupation List (SOL) relevant to the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) Point-Tested stream.

7. Health Requirements

  • All applicants and accompanying family members must satisfy the Department of Home Affairs’ health requirements. This may also apply to non-accompanying family members upon request.

8. Character Requirements

  • The applicant and all family members aged 16 and over (applying or not) must meet the character requirements.

9. Financial Obligations

  • All visa applicants and their family members (including those not applying) must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have a documented repayment plan in place.

10. Australian Values Statement

  • Applicants aged 18 or over must:
    • Familiarize themselves with the “Life in Australia” booklet (reading or having it explained).
    • Sign or accept the Australian Values Statement, demonstrating their commitment to respecting Australian values and adhering to its laws.

11. Previous Visa History

  • A history of visa cancellations or application refusals within Australia may impact eligibility. Further investigation into the specific circumstances may be necessary.

Before you Apply

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect to let us know you want to apply for this visa

Gather your documents

You will need to provide documents to support the claims you make in your EOI and show you meet the other eligibility criteria

Apply for the visa

When you have your invitation you can apply online. You can be in or outside Australia. You have 60 days from the date of your invitation to apply for the visa.

After you apply

We will let you know when we have received your application. If you are granted a bridging visa you will receive notification of your visa grant

Visa outcome

You can be in or outside Australia when we decide your visa application but not in immigration clearance. We will let you know our decision in writing.

If we grant your visa, we will tell you:

  • your visa grant number
  • the date your visa starts
  • your visa conditions, if applicable

Keep a copy of the decision.

If we refuse your visa, we will tell you:

  • why we refused the visa
  • whether you have a right to a review of the decision

We will not refund the application charge if we refuse your application.

 
 

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Arrival, Residence, and Travel Requirements

1. Entering Australia

  • If granted the visa outside Australia, entry must occur before the specified date outlined in the visa grant letter.

2. Pre-Departure Document Check

  • Ensure you possess:
    • A valid visa for entry into Australia
    • A valid passport or alternative travel document

3. Incoming Passenger Card

  • All arriving individuals must complete the Incoming Passenger Card provided onboard your aircraft.

4. Expedited Airport Clearance

  • SmartGate, an automated system utilizing facial recognition technology and ePassports, may be available for faster airport departure.

5. Rights and Obligations as a Permanent Resident

  • Permanent residency under this visa grants you the right to:
    • Reside in Australia indefinitely
    • Work and study freely
    • Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
    • Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
    • Travel freely in and out of Australia for five years

– Responsibility to Obey Australian Laws

As a permanent resident, you and your family members are required to comply with all Australian laws.

6. Visa Validity and Travel

  • This is a permanent visa for indefinite residency in Australia.
  • However, the travel component associated with the visa expires five years after the grant date. A Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) is necessary for re-entry after this period. You can utilize VEVO to determine your five-year travel component expiry date.

7. Important Information for New Zealand Passport Holders

  • If an immigration officer processes your entry at the border, explicitly inform them of your Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) and your desire to avoid a Special Category visa (Subclass 444). Accepting a Subclass 444 visa can cancel your permanent visa, impacting your future Australian citizenship eligibility.

8. Verifying Visa Status

  • VEVO allows you to confirm your visa status and associated conditions.

9. Employment Rights

  • Australian workplace laws safeguard your rights and entitlements as an employee.

10. Family Sponsorship

  • As a permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency in Australia. Explore visa options through the designated channels.

11. Path to Australian Citizenship

  • After meeting specific criteria and residing in Australia for a designated period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

– Permanent Residency Start Date (Citizenship Purposes)

For citizenship purposes, your permanent residency commences on: – The visa grant date, if you were in Australia at the time. – The date of your entry into Australia using this visa, if you were outside Australia at the time of the grant.

12. Leaving Australia

– Pre-Departure Document Check

Before departing Australia, ensure you have: – A valid passport or alternative travel document for exit and re-entry. – A valid visa that permits re-entry into Australia (check the travel component validity using VEVO).

– Resources for Expired or Expiring Visas

Refer to the relevant resources for guidance if your visa has expired or is nearing expiry.

13. Expedited Airport Departure

  • SmartGate, utilizing facial recognition technology and ePassports, may be available for faster airport departure upon leaving Australia.

14. Proof of Entry and Exit Records

    • To obtain proof of your entry and exit from Australia, complete Form 1359 – Request for international movement records.