Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
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What is Subclass 189 Visa?
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The Subclass 189 visa allows highly skilled individuals to live and work permanently in Australia without needing sponsorship from an employer, state/territory, or family member. This visa stream is designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by any entity and wish to become permanent residents in Australia.
What is the Eligibility criteria for Subclass 189 Visa?
To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
• Occupation on the Medium and Long Term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL)
• Positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation
• Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation
• Achieve a points test pass mark of at least 65 points
• Age between 18 and 44
• Proficiency in English
• Meeting health and character requirements
What's the application process for Subclass 189 Visa?
The application process involves various stages:
1. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI via SkillSelect, detailing occupation, skills, and qualifications.
3. Invitation and Visa Application: If ranked high enough and positions are available for the occupation, applicants will be invited to apply for the visa within 60 days.
Points System:
The points-based system considers various factors such as English language proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study, specialist education, partner points, and other relevant factors to calculate the applicant's score.
Application Details:
• The visa costs start from AUD 4,640.
• Applicants can apply onshore or offshore, and family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) can be included in the application.
• Visa holders can live and work in Australia indefinitely, enroll in Medicare, access social security payments, and apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Additional Information:
• Validity: Skills assessments and English test results are valid for three years.
• Duration: The visa is permanent and lasts indefinitely once granted.
• Compliance: Applicants and family members must comply with Australian laws and visa conditions.
• Travel: Visa holders can travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa grant date.