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The Skilled Independent Visa, which is also called Australia Visa Subclass 189, is a way for skilled professionals from all over the world to start a successful career in Australia. Moreover, the Subclass 189 visa is a category of the General Skilled Migration program, a campaign intended to address the skill shortages in different sectors in Australia. Furthermore, this visa gives you the independence to stay in any part of Australia without any restrictions. It works on a point-based framework, where candidates are assessed by age, language capability, and work experience. Let’s understand this category of visa in more detail.
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Benefits of Obtaining an Australia Visa Subclass 189
Getting a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is a fantastic opportunity. It offers many benefits that can make your life better, setting a strong foundation for a bright future in Australia.
- Live and work anywhere in the country on a PR visa
- Easy access to healthcare and support services
- Opportunity to become an Australian citizen
- Study in Australia
- No need for a state or employer sponsor or nomination
- Bring your family to Australia
Eligibility Requirements for Australia Visa Subclass 189
To successfully apply for an Australia Visa Subclass 189, you first need to evaluate that you are eligible to apply for the visa:
- You must be under 45 years of age.
- You need to demonstrate english language skills through tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
- You need to have your occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List of Australia.
- You need to have a positive skill assessment to evaluate qualifications and work experience.
- You must score at least 65 points. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and qualifications.
- You should meet specific health requirements, including medical examinations. You must be in good health and not be a burden on the Australian healthcare system.
- After submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), you need to have the Invitation to Apply (ITA). Moreover, this invitation indicates that the applicant meets the necessary criteria and can proceed with the application process.
- You should demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Australia.
Point Structure for Subclass 189 Visa
Firstly, you need a very keen understanding of the point structure of subclass 189 skilled independent visa to apply for this visa. This system constitutes an important part of your application and evaluates various aspects of your profile, including your age, English proficiency, educational background, and work experience. Now, we will understand in detail how the points are allocated:Point Allocation Based on Age
| Age Group | Points Allocated |
|---|---|
| 18-25 years | 25 |
| 25-33 years | 30 |
| 33-40 years | 25 |
| 40-45 years | 15 |
Point Allocation Based on English Proficiency
| English Proficiency Level | Points Allocated |
|---|---|
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 10 |
| Superior | 20 |
Point Allocation Based on Educational Qualification
| Educational Qualification | Points Allocated |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | 15 |
| Diploma | 10 |
| Qualification for Skilled Occupation | 5 |
Point Allocation Based on Work Experience
| Work Experience (Years) | Points Allocated (Overseas) | Points Allocated (In Australia) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 | 0 | 5 |
| 3 to 4 | 5 | 10 |
| 5 to 7 | 10 | 15 |
| 8 and above | 15 | 20 |
Additional Points for Partner Skills
| Criteria | Points Allocated |
|---|---|
| Partner age below 45 years | 5 |
| Partner has competent English skills | 5 |
| Partner’s skills assessed as relevant to the nominated occupation | 5 |
| Partner immigrating with you | 5 |
| Partner not a citizen or PR visa holder in Australia | 5 |
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Subclass 189 Visa Application Process
When we think about immigration to Australia, a lot of thoughts come to our mind. We think of it as a complicated and tedious task. However, while most of it is somewhat true, below, we try our best to simplify this complicated process for you.
Step 1: Creating an ImmiAccount
The very first step is to create an ImmiAccount. This is an online portal of the Australian Immigration Services. It’s a pretty user-friendly portal where you can file your visa application, upload necessary documents, and track the status of your application. Additionally, make sure that your details in this portal are always up to date for faster processing time.
Step 2: Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Now it is time for you to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI). However, this is not a visa application. This is a way to tell the government that you are interested in moving to Australia. In this, you need to provide details about your skills, qualifications, work experience, etc.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply
After the EOI is submitted, the waiting begins. Your profile will be visible to Australian states and territories and potential employers who might be interested in the skills you possess. If your profile is a great fit, then you’ll soon be receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Subsequently, once you are invited to apply for the visa, the journey will be much simpler from here.
Step 4: Preparing Supporting Documents
Gathering supporting documents is also very important after receiving the ITA. These documents serve as proof of the claims you have made in your EOI. Make sure all the documents you provide, educational and work-related, are up-to-date and authentic.
Step 5: Filling Your Visa Application Online
Once all the documents are ready, we can now officially file the visa application. For this, we need to log in to the ImmiAccount we created and submit the application. Make sure to include all the details and documents in the application process.
Step 6: Health Examinations and Police Checks
Now, you need to go through all the mandatory health checks and police clearances. This step ensures that you meet health and character requirements set by the Australian government. Moreover, this step ensures that the Australian community is safe when you join in as a permanent resident.
Step 7: Paying the Application Fees
This is where the financial aspect comes into place. In this step, you will be required to pay the visa fee according to the number of family members accompanying you in Australia.
Step 8: Decision and Grant of Visa
After so many hurdles, you have finally arrived at the moment of truth: the decision on your permanent residency visa. If everything goes well, you will finally be granted the subclass 189 visa. Now, you will be able to live in Australia indefinitely with your family members.
Cost to Apply for the Subclass 189 Visa
The Government of Australia has set a transparent fee structure for the people who want to live and work in Australia. You should know the application fee in order to plan your finances in a better way:| Applicant | Application Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary | 4640 |
| Secondary | 2320 |
| Dependent (Below 18) | 1160 |
Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa
Now that you have understood the whole process, we are sure that you know how important a role the documents will play. You need to have all the necessary documents to make sure that the whole process is smooth. Let’s get to the details of the list of documents required for this visa:
Personal Documents
This one will be easy for you. The below list is for the personal documents you need as proof of your identity and background:
- Passport: A valid passport that remains valid for the upcoming future.
- Birth Certificate: A document that verifies your date and place of birth.
- Marriage Certificate: If applicable, to verify your marital status.
- Passport Size Photographs: Recent 2 passport-sized photographs adhering to the specified dimensions.
Educational Documents
Your educational documents play an important role in order to achieve those crucial 65 points. Make sure you have the following:
- Academic Transcripts: Detailed records of your educational achievements.
- Degree Certificates: Official degree certificates from your university or institution.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: If applicable, documents that recognize your previous learning experiences.
Skill Assessment Documents
These documents are essential to prove your expertise in your occupation for a PR visa. These might include:
- Professional Certifications: Certificates that certify your skills and expertise.
- Portfolio: A collection of your work showcasing your skills and achievements.
- References from Previous Employers: Letters or statements by your previous employers who will certify your skills and experiences.
Proof of English Proficiency
As english is the mother tongue of Australia, you need to show english proficiency in order to live and work in Australia. You should also know how many minimum bands you need in order to migrate to Australia. The documentation for this includes:
- IELTS, PTE or TOEFL Scores: Official scores from recognized English proficiency tests.
- Letter from Institution: If you have studied at an institution where the medium of instruction was English, a letter from them can serve as proof of your proficiency.
Employment References
Professional references are very important for a skilled worker. You would need:
- Employment Letters: Official letters from your employers detailing your role and responsibilities.
- Work Portfolio: A collection of your work-related achievements and projects.
Health and Character Documents
The Australian government would want to verify that you are of good character and keeping well healthwise. To prove this, you would need:
- Medical Reports: Detailed reports from recognized medical institutions outlining your health status.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate that attests to your good character, showcasing a clean criminal record.
Proof of Funds
Demonstrating your financial stability is a crucial step in the visa application process. You might need to provide:
- Bank Statements: Recent bank statements that showcase your financial stability.
- Tax Documents: Official documents that detail your tax history and financial transactions.
Other Supporting Documents
In addition to the above, you might need to provide other supporting documents, such as:
- Form 80: A detailed personal particulars form for character assessment.
- Custody Documents: If applicable, documents that detail the custody arrangements for any dependent children.
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Processing Times for Australia Visa Subclass 189
When you know the timeline for any specific task, it becomes easier for you to manage your patience. However, we cannot change the timelines, but we can at least be aware of it. The time to process a subclass 189 visa is as follows:
| Percentage Of Applications | Processing Time |
| 75% of applications | Processed in 7 months |
| 90% of applications | Processed in 9 months |
While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact timeframe, the average processing times for the Subclass 189 Visa tend to range between 6 to 9 months. However, it’s crucial to note that this is a general guideline, and individual experiences may vary.
Factors Affecting Processing Times
The processing time for the Subclass 189 Visa is influenced by a lot of factors and can vary greatly. These can include:
- Volume of Applications: A higher number of applications can potentially lead to extended processing times.
- Document Verification: The time taken to verify the authenticity of your documents can influence the overall processing time.
- Health and Character Assessments: The duration of these assessments can vary, potentially affecting the processing time.
Tracking Your Application
You can regularly check your ImmiAccount to keep a tab on the process. Moreover, you can also subscribe for the updates and notifications inside the portal to be notified. This way, you will be updated regularly with the recent developments in your visa process.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
To facilitate a smooth application process, consider the following tips:
- Document Availability: Ensure all your documents are ready and authentic to avoid any delays.
- Prompt Response: Respond to any requests for additional information promptly to keep the process moving smoothly.
- Seek Guidance: If in doubt, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a reputed immigration consultant like Visas Centric.
The process of getting an Australia visa subclass 189 requires preparation, patience, and anticipation. However, this opens a lot of opportunities for skilled workers like you in this beautiful continent. Furthermore, remember to keep an eye on the visa requirements, eligibility criteria and fluctuating visa costs. Additionally, consult an experienced immigration consultant who specialises in the Australian PR process, like Visas Centric, to get 100% error-free documentation.
The Subclass 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, allows skilled individuals from outside Australia to work and live indefinitely in Australia. You are not required any type of sponsorship by an employer, family member or the state or territory government in this visa. It is a point-tested visa, and applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible.
You can track the status of your visa application through your ImmiAccount. It’s a very user-friendly online portal where you can view updates and notifications regarding your application. It’s essential to keep your details up-to-date in your ImmiAccount to ensure a smooth process.
You need to have your personal identification documents, educational certificates, proof of English proficiency, employment references, and health and character documents. Also, make sure that all the documents are authentic and up to date.
Most of the time, it will take approximately 6 to 9 months for your application to be processed. However, this specified timeline can change depending on the backlog of applications or delays in verifying specific documents.
