Australia Skilled Worker Visa 2024 – Apply Now

Subclass 189 of the skilled independent visa program is comprised of two streams for foreign laborers and New Zealand citizens. Possessing the necessary qualifications and being a highly competent individual (for the points-tested stream), you are eligible to apply for this visa.

You may work, study, and reside in Australia indefinitely with this visa, provided you abide by the visa’s requirements and Australian law.

What Is an 189 Visa?

An experienced independent visa (Visa 189) is a work visa that grants indefinite residency in Australia. To qualify for an 189 visa, one must be invited to apply and to be invited, one must meet the visa’s score point requirements.

Additionally, New Zealand citizens who have worked and resided in Australia for several years are eligible to apply for Visa 189.

Skilled Independent Australia -Visa Streams:

There are two main streams within the skilled independent visa category:

• Tested Points Stream. This stream does not require sponsorship or nomination. However, invitations are required to register. You will receive an invitation if you meet the minimum score requirements for a visa 189. Generally speaking, a minimum of 65 points is required to qualify for a points-tested stream visa.
• Stream New Zealand-bound. This stream is open to New Zealand citizens who have resided in Australia for a minimum of five years and possess a valid special visa 444. For the residence period to be considered towards eligibility criteria, it is necessary to have been a resident of Australia since February 19, 2016, or earlier.

Check Also: Australian Work Visa for International Workers 2024

189 Visa Document Checklist:

You need to provide the documents listed here for a Visa 189 application:

• You must present a copy of the pages of your passport containing your personal information.
• A form of identification. Kindly provide a duplicate of your national identity card if you possess one.
• Indication of curiosity. An expression of interest must be submitted to be considered for a points-tested stream visa 189.
• Character records. You may additionally be required to submit Form 80 along with the remaining character documents for the points tested stream.
• Documentation of English language expertise. There is no prerequisite for English proficiency in the New Zealand stream.
• Skill evaluation documents. A competence evaluation may also be mandatory for the acquisition of a points-based stream visa.
• Documents proving your name change.
• Form 956.
• Form 956a.
• For your New Zealand stream visa, you must provide:
  • Residence documents
  • Income documentation
• For your partner or spouse:
  • Their identification papers
  • Characteristic records
  • Marriage solemnization
  • Documents of divorce (when applicable)
  • Documentation of the registered relationship, if relevant
  • Level of functionality of English-language documents
• For your dependent children under 18:
  • Identification documentation
  • Copies of certificates of birth
  • Family journal (instead of the birth certificate) bearing the names of the parents.
  • Consent of parents form 1229
  • Official proclamation
• For your dependent children over 18:
  • Evidence of dependency.
  • 47a Dependency form
  • Evidence of functional English proficiency (exclusively for the stream that assesses points)

Skilled Independent Visa Australia Eligibility Criteria:

You meet the eligibility criteria for the points tested stream if:

• You have received a visa application invitation.
• Your age is less than 45 years old.
• You currently hold a favorable ability evaluation.
• At least 65 points are recorded on your scoreboard.

You meet the eligibility for the New Zealand stream if:

• You possess a subclass 444 special visa.
• Having resided in Australia for a minimum of five years.
• You have accumulated a minimum of the income threshold in earnings.

189 Visa Points:

You are eligible to obtain a skilled independent 189 visa (points stream) if your skills qualify for the specified number of points. For instance, possessing a functional level of English will not earn you as many points as possessing a superior level. To be eligible for an invitation under Visa 189, a minimum of 65 points is required. Here is an approximation of the calculation for points.

Benefits of Australia Skilled Worker Visa:

• PR: Permanent Residency An essential advantage of the Skilled Worker Visa program is the potential to acquire permanent residency status in Australia. This grants visa holders permanent authorization to reside and work in Australia.
• Employment Opportunities: In Australia, holders of skilled worker visas are permitted to work in any industry and for any employer. They are not limited to a particular employer or occupation.
• Obtaining Social Services: Permanent residents in Australia, including those holding Skilled Worker Visas, are granted access to essential social services, including education and healthcare (Medicare). They are eligible to enroll in education and public healthcare services.
• Sponsor Members of the Family: Pupils who possess Skilled Worker Visas are authorized to sponsor family members who satisfy the requirements for family reunions and are deemed eligible for permanent residency in Australia.
• The Way Towards Citizenship: Permanent residents who satisfy the eligibility requirements may apply for Australian citizenship. Citizenship in Australia confers upon an individual the opportunity to vote, in addition to other advantages.
• Travel Adaptability: Holders of skilled worker visas have greater travel flexibility. They are granted unrestricted entry and exit to Australia for the duration of their visa’s validity. Nonetheless, they must ensure that they adhere to the travel conditions outlined in the visa.
• Social Security Benefit Accessibility: In general, permanent inhabitants qualify for social security benefits, provided they satisfy certain criteria. This may consist of assistance with the family, unemployment benefits, and additional support services.
• Skill Identification: The objective of the Skilled Worker Visa program in Australia is to entice individuals who possess particular talents that are highly sought after in the domestic workforce. The aforementioned acknowledgment improves the professional opportunities available to visa holders.
• No sponsorship from an employer: In contrast to certain other visa categories, employer sponsorship is not a prerequisite for the Skilled Worker Visa program. The selection of candidates is predicated upon their credentials, expertise, and aptitudes.
• Points-Based Methodology: Points are utilized to determine the eligibility of petitioners for the Skilled Worker Visa program. Through the allocation of points according to qualifications, work experience, age, and English proficiency, a transparent and meritocratic selection process is maintained.
• Possibilities in the Region: Subclass 491 of the Skilled Worker Visa program, for instance, provides regional migration options. This permits permanent residency opportunities in designated regional areas, where individuals are permitted to reside and work.
• The life quality: Australia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse culture, and high quality of life. Possessors of Skilled Worker Visas are permitted to partake in the aforementioned facets of Australian culture.

189 Visa Application Process:

Follow these steps when you want to apply for a 189 visa:

• Please provide a statement of interest. Before applying for the visa, applicants for the points-based stream are required to submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect.
• Meet the required number of points. After you have submitted your personal information for your EOI, SkillSelect will automatically calculate the number of points you have accumulated based on your qualifications and skills; if you have accumulated a minimum of 65 points, you will be automatically extended an invitation to apply for the visa.
• Obtain an invitation for a visa. After submitting your EOI, you are required to await an invitation before submitting your visa application.
• Apply for the visa. You can proceed with the application submission through ImmiAccount once you have received your invitation. To do so, please log in to your SkillSelect account and navigate to the “Apply for the Visa” page via the link provided. You are exempt from stages one, two, and three for the New Zealand stream; instead, utilize your ImmiAcocunt to submit your visa application.

189 Visa Processing Times:

Here are the processing times for a 189 visa:

Visa stream	Processing Times
Australia visa points tested stream- subclass 189	15-25 months
Australia visa New Zealand stream- subclass 189	14-17 months

What Are the 189 Visa Fees?

The cost of a visa for 189 is AUD4,115. However, for the points-tested stream visa 189, a second installment fee of AUD4,890 is due for each additional applicant who is unable to provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

The English requirement charge is waived for applicants to the New Zealand stream; however, the application fee must be paid in two installments. You pay 20% of the total amount first, and the remaining balance is due before visa issuance.

189 Skill Occupation List:

To qualify for a visa 189-point tested stream, your occupation must be on the list of specialized occupations. This compilation comprises several occupations that qualify for work visas. In addition to the listed occupations, the assessing authority for each occupation is also included. This information is crucial if you are obligated to provide a skill evaluation by the appropriate governing body.

This list additionally contains the ANZSCO code associated with each occupation. The utilization of this code facilitates the classification of occupations according to the requisite skills for employment in each field; the code may be requested during the expression of interest process. You may locate the complete roster here.

More Info

How Long Can I Stay With a Skilled Independent Visa 189?

An 189 visa grants indefinite stay authorization in Australia due to its permanent nature. After several years, you may apply for Australian citizenship if you continue to satisfy the necessary eligibility requirements.

Can I Bring My Family Members With a Visa 189?

Visa 189 allows you to travel to Australia with family members who are members of your immediate family unit. For visa purposes, close family members typically consist of one’s spouse or registered companion, children, and grandchildren.

You are permitted to list either your biological or adopted offspring on your visa. Moreover, they may be the children of you or your partner. You are required to provide proof that your adult offspring over the age of 18 are financially dependent on you and your partner.

Can I Travel With a Skilled Independent Visa 189?

The validity of a skilled autonomous visa is limited to five years. After five years have passed since the visa’s issuance, an application for a resident return visa is required. This visa grants an additional five years of travel authorization, allowing you to continue traveling at your leisure.

You require a resident return visa because you may not be permitted to return to Australia as a permanent resident if you depart after your travel facility expires.

Frequently Asked Questions: