How can you successfully apply for a subclass 189 visa?

What is a subclass 189 visa?

Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189 allows skilled international workers to permanently live and work in Australia. This visa subclass primarily assesses applicants based on their skills using a points system, without requiring any nomination or sponsorship.

Please note, the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa (New Zealand stream) permanently closed to new applications on 1 July 2023. For further assistance, contact VEM.

The benefits of a subclass 189 visa

As part of Australian migration policies, subclass 189 visa holders enjoy the following benefits:

• Residency: To live permanently in Australia.
• Health care: Access to Medicare – an Australia’s universal health insurance scheme.
• Study and work: To work and study anywhere in Australia.
• Multiple entries: Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want in 5 years. After 5 years, you need to apply for a Resident Return visa (RRV).
• Family members:
  • Allow your eligible family members to apply for the visa together with you. They must be your spouse/partner or your child/ step child (under 23 years old)
  • Can sponsor eligible family members while holding the visa.
• Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.

If you are not clear about the benefits of the subclass 189 visa, contact VEM for further details.

The requirements of a Subclass 189 visa Australia

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) does not require applicants to be nominated by an Australian State or Territory Government like subclass 491 or subclass 190 visa.

You can apply for the Australia 189 visa if you meet the following requirements:

• Points test: At least 65
• Invitation for visa application: Submit an EOI (Expression of interest) to receive an invitation for visa application.
• Age limit: Under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• Occupations: Must be on the suitable skilled occupation list​.
• Skills assessment: Must pass the skills assessment.
• English language: The English test must be conducted up to 3 years prior to receiving the invitation. Eligible certificates must be as follows:
  • IELTS: At least score 6.0 in each of 4 parts.
  • TOEFL iBT: At least 12 points in listening, 13 points in reading, 21 points in writing, and 18 points in speaking.
  • PTE Academic: At least 50 points for each part.
  • OET: At least grade B on each skill.
  • C1 Cambridge: At least 169 points for each skill.
• Others:
  • Meet the police check, health, and character requirements.
  • Lodge your application and receive your visa in or outside Australia.

Contact our registered migration consultant (MARN: 1577877) to find out whether you meet visa 189 requirements and be advised further.

Basic difference between subclass 491, 189, and 190 visa

The basic differences between Subclass 491, Subclass 189, and Subclass 190 visas focus on visa validity and Australian state or territory government nomination:

For more details regarding differences in points, occupations, and other criteria among these subclass visas, please visit VEM’s website and refer to the relevant information provided. Alternatively, you can contact VEM’s office for further assistance.

In addition to the above General Skilled visas, you might consider Employer Sponsored Visas like the subclass 482 visa or subclass 186 visa. These visas don’t require a points test but instead depend on the applicant’s eligibility and the employer’s ability to provide sponsorship.

The cost of a Subclass 189 visa

The subclass 189 visa fee varies depending on the applicant:

Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

In addition to application charges, you need to pay other fees for health examination, biometrics collections, etc.

Processing times of a subclass 189 visa

According to the latest update of the DHA, Subclass 189 visa application will be processed in the following time:

• 50% of applications are processed within 4 months
• 90% of applications are processed within 17 months

Your application should be in a “decision-ready” state to expedite the visa approval process as quickly as possible. VEM can assist you in preparing the strongest possible application.

Step-by-step of a Subclass 189 visa application

The process of applying for this Skilled visa includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Check whether you meet the Subclass 189 visa requirements.
• Step 2: Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest).
• Step 3: Receive invitation to apply for the visa.
• Step 4: Prepare and lodge Subclass 189 visa application.
• Step 5: Provide additional documents (if required).
• Step 6: Receive the Subclass 189 visa.

Required documents for a subclass 189 visa

After receiving an invitation, you must apply for a Subclass 189 visa within the specified time with the following documents:

• Identity documents:
  • 2 ID card photos
  • Certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Certified copy of your passport
  • Certified copy of your identification
  • Curriculum vitae.
• Proofs of your eligibility:
  • Invitation from Australia.
  • English certificate.
  • Points test for Skilled Independent visa 189.
• Documents for additional applicant:
  • Certified copy of your marriage certificate.
  • Proofs of divorce (if needed).
  • Proofs of the relationship with the sponsor.

You can prepare and apply for the Subclass 189 visa independently. However, for those seeking to save time, effort, and ensure thorough preparation, consulting an Australian migration agent for assistance is highly recommended.

We trust you now have a clear understanding of the Subclass 189 visa. For increased chances of visa approval, reach out to VEM for further guidance and assistance!

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

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