189 visa – sought-after by skilled workers to live and work in Australia!
Australia is a popular destination for skilled professionals looking to build a future in a stable and prosperous country. The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most sought-after visas for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. Unlike other skilled migration visas, the 189 visa does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member, making it an attractive option for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
What is the 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa granted to skilled workers who meet Australia’s skill and qualification requirements. It operates under a points-based system, meaning applicants must score a minimum number of points to be invited to apply.
This visa allows individuals to:
- Live and work permanently in Australia
- Study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
- Travel in and out of Australia freely for five years
- Apply for Australian citizenship if they meet the residency requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 189 visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Australian government. These include:
- Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List: Applicants must have a job role that appears on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL). This list is updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs to match Australia’s workforce needs.
- Skills Assessment: A formal skills assessment must be conducted by a relevant assessing authority to ensure that the applicant’s qualifications and experience match the Australian standards for their occupation.
- Points-Based System: Applicants must score at least 65 points in Australia’s General Skilled Migration points test. Points are awarded based on:
- Age (maximum points for ages 25–32)
- Work experience in Australia or overseas
- Educational qualifications
- English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent)
- Specialist education qualifications
- Australian study experience
- Partner skills (if applicable)
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 45 years old at the time of applying for the visa.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate competent or proficient English by taking an approved English test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET. Higher scores can earn additional points.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system. Based on their EOI ranking, they may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa.
Application Process
The 189 visa application process involves several key steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, including having an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and obtaining a positive skills assessment.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants must submit an EOI via SkillSelect, where they provide details about their skills, work experience, and qualifications. The system ranks applicants based on their points score.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If the applicant’s score is competitive, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Australian government. Invitations are issued in rounds, typically every month.
Step 4: Lodge the Visa Application
Once an ITA is received, the applicant has 60 days to submit a complete visa application, including all necessary documents such as:
- Skills assessment report
- English language test results
- Work experience evidence
- Educational certificates
- Health and character clearance documents
Step 5: Health and Character Checks
Applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 189 Visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia without employer or state sponsorship. With proper planning, fulfilling the requirements, and submitting a well-prepared application, skilled workers can achieve their goal of starting a new life in Australia.
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