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    Australia Australia — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)
    Australia

    Australia — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

    Points-based immigration (by invitation).

    About visa

    The Australian Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa is a permanent residence visa for highly skilled workers who do not need to be sponsored by an employer or family member to live and work in Australia. This visa allows skilled individuals with skills in demand in the Australian labour market to immigrate to the country through a points-based system.

    To apply for this visa, an applicant must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the Australian Government. The main requirements include age (less than 45 years), nomination of the occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupations List, skills assessment by the relevant authority, proof of English language proficiency and a minimum score of 65 on the rating system. This visa gives full rights to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, as well as including family members in the application.

    Unlike the Australian Work Visa Sponsorship (SID/482) , the Subclass 189 visa does not require the sponsorship of an Australian employer, giving applicants greater freedom in their choice of employment. It is also different from the Partner Visa (820/801) , which is based on family ties rather than individual skills. If your intention is only to stay in Australia for a short period before travelling to another country, then a Transit Visa (Subclass 771) would be appropriate.

    The process for this visa is somewhat similar to Canada’s Express Entry immigration system, as both use a points-based system to select skilled migrants. However, unlike Japanese work visas , which often require a specific employer, the 189 visa is based on independent qualifications. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient points, an incorrect professional assessment, failure to meet health or character requirements, or incomplete documentation. Our services at GetVisa can help you navigate this complex process and maximize the strength of your application.

    Varies (invitational + discussion)

    Required Documents

    📄Basic Documents

    💰Financial Documents

    🛡️Civil and Security Documents

    🏥Medical and Technical Requirements

    📋Other Documents

    Application Process

    1

    Profession nomination and skills assessment

    First, select an occupation from Australia's Skilled Occupation List. Then, obtain a positive Skills Assessment from the relevant Australian assessment body.
    2

    English language test

    Take an English language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE Academic) and achieve the minimum required score. This is required to participate in the scoring test.
    3

    Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

    Complete and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system. At this stage, you will indicate your qualifications, experience and scores.
    4

    Invitation to Apply

    If your EOI is competitive and meets the minimum points, the Australian Department of Immigration will send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for a visa.
    5

    Tracking

    Monitor the status and respond quickly to additional requests.
    6

    Health and character check

    Undergo a health check with an Australian government-approved doctor and obtain police clearances from all relevant countries. You may also be required to provide biometric data.
    7

    Visa decision

    Once the Australian Immigration Department has reviewed your application and all required documents, a decision will be made. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa and will be able to immigrate to Australia .

    Important Tips & Advice

    Monitor changes in immigration law: Australian immigration policies change frequently. Stay informed about the latest changes, especially in the occupation lists and points requirements.
    Professional Development: Continuously develop your professional skills and experience. This will not only increase your scores, but also strengthen your profile in the Australian job market.
    Have one consistent history across forms and documents.
    Maximize points: Try to accumulate as many points as possible based on age, education, work experience and English language skills. Additional points can be obtained through government sponsorship or by working in a regional area (although the 189 visa is independent, generally a higher score increases your chances).
    Detailed documentation: Prepare all required documents with meticulous accuracy. Any missing or incorrect documents will slow down the process or result in rejection. Like the UK visa, Australia places great emphasis on completeness of documentation.
    Health and character requirements: Make sure you meet Australia's strict health and character requirements. Any problems in these areas may be grounds for rejection.
    Submitting your application on time: Once you receive an invitation, submit your application on time so that you don't miss the deadlines. This shows your seriousness and organization.

    Processing Fees

    Basic application fee

    This is the basic fee for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for family members (e.g., AUD 2,320 per family member over 18 years of age, AUD 1,160 per family member under 18 years of age).

    4,640 AUD

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I include my family members in my Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa application?

    Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children on your application. They must also meet health and character requirements and, where applicable, English language requirements.

    What are the most common reasons for rejection?

    Common reasons for rejection include insufficient scores, failure to pass the skills assessment, failure to meet health or character requirements, incomplete or incorrect documentation, or failure to submit an application within the prescribed deadline after receiving an invitation.

    What is the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa?

    This is a permanent residence visa for highly skilled workers in Australia who do not require sponsorship. It allows individuals with skills that are relevant to the Australian economy to live and work in the country indefinitely. The Australian government invites candidates based on a points-based system.

    How many points do I need for a Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa?

    To qualify for this visa, you must score at least 65 points on Australia's points-based test. However, a higher score is often required to receive an invitation, as invitations are issued to the most competitive candidates. This system is different from some US immigration programs, where a lottery or family ties play a larger role.

    Australia Visa Types

    Explore other visa options that might suit your needs

    Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
    Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)
    Australia — Sponsored Work Visa (SID/482)
    Australia — Partner Visa (820/801)
    Australia Transit Visa (Subclass 771)

    Apply for Australia — Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

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