Skilled Independent Visa 189 Australia
If your occupation is on ‘Medium and Long-Term Strategic List then you can apply for Skilled Migration under any of the Subclass 189, Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa.
Subclass 189 Visa Australia Overview
Skilled Independent Visa (Class SI) (Subclass 189)
The Subclass 189 Visa is designed for invited skilled workers whose skills are in demand in Australia, allowing them to live and work permanently anywhere within the country. This visa is also available to New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated a commitment and contribution to Australia.
Subclass 189 Skilled Visa Points-Tested Stream
Eligible applicants with skills, qualifications, and experience listed on the Medium and Long Term Skills Shortage List (MLTSSL) may apply for the Subclass 189 Visa under this stream. Points are awarded based on various criteria, which determine eligibility.
Subclass 189 New Zealand Stream
New Zealand citizens who can demonstrate a commitment to Australia may submit a permanent visa application under the 189 New Zealand Stream. Applicants must hold a New Zealand Special Category Subclass 444 Visa and have resided in Australia for a minimum of five years since February 19, 2016.
Subclass 189 Hong Kong Stream
The Subclass 189 Hong Kong Stream Visa permits eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have shown commitment to Australia to live and work in the country permanently.
Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Subsequent Entrant
Spouses, partners, and children may be included in the application before a decision is reached. After the visa is granted, partners must apply for either the Partner Subclass 309 Visa or Partner Subclass 820 Visa, depending on their location at the time of application. Children must apply for either the Child Subclass 101 Visa or Child Subclass 802 Visa based on their location.
Skilled Independent Visa 189 Fees
- Base application charge: A$4,765
- Additional applicant charge for individuals aged 18 and over: A$2,385
- Additional applicant charge for individuals under 18: A$1,195
All fees must be paid at the time of application lodgment.
Skilled Independent Visa 189 Processing Times
- Points-Tested Stream: 75% of applications processed within 18 months; 90% within 29 months.
- New Zealand Citizen Stream: 75% of applications processed within 15 months; 90% within 16 months.
Skilled Independent Visa 189 Requirements
This is a points-tested visa. When submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, you will receive an indicative visa points score based on your claims. A minimum score of 65 points is required to be invited to apply for this visa, with the actual score potentially being higher.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation. If you turn 45 after the invitation is issued, you may still apply; however, turning 45 before being invited may disqualify you.
Subclass 189 Skilled Occupation List
Your nominated occupation must appear on the MLTSSL to be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, which currently includes 212 different occupations.
Skills Assessment
A valid skills assessment must be declared at the time of invitation. A copy of this assessment must accompany your application and must have been obtained within three years prior to the date of your invitation.
Invitation to Apply
You may only apply for this visa if you are invited to do so in the 189 invitation round. To receive an invitation, you must lodge an EOI for the Subclass 189 Visa.
Minimum English Language Requirement
The following English language test scores are accepted:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6 for each component
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores of 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking
- CAE: Minimum score of 169 in each component
- PTE: Minimum score of 50 for each component
- OET: A score of at least B in each test component
Subclass 189 Visa Points Calculator
You can calculate your points for the Subclass 189 Visa EOI using the PR Points calculator.
Subclass 189 New Zealand Stream Requirements
Primary Applicant Criteria
The primary New Zealand applicant must meet the criteria for the grant of the Subclass 189 Visa under the New Zealand Stream.
Residence Requirement
The primary applicant must have been continuously residing in Australia for at least five years immediately before the application date, with residence commencing on or before February 19, 2016.
Determining “Usually Resident” Status
A person’s “usual residence” is determined by their physical living conditions and their intention to make Australia their home. Factors include maintaining a home, property ownership, family ties, and employment within Australia. Specific evidentiary requirements are outlined in the 189 visa checklist.
Income Requirement
For applications submitted before July 1, 2021, the primary applicant must provide Notice of Assessment (NOA) documents for the past four years. For applications made after this date, NOAs for the last three years are required. The taxable income must meet or exceed the minimum specified amount, unless exempt.
Exemptions from Income Requirement
Exemptions apply to applicants holding a Subclass 444 Visa in specific situations, such as having primary care of a child or being unable to meet the income threshold due to circumstances such as parental leave or the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact.
Subclass 189 Hong Kong Stream Requirements
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport at the time of application.
Visa Holding Requirement
Applicants must hold a Subclass 482, 485, or 457 visa for at least four years prior to applying for the Subclass 189 Visa. Multiple visas cannot be combined to meet this requirement.
Residence Requirement
Applicants must have continuously resided in Australia for a minimum of four years before applying.
English Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate functional English or pay the second installment of the visa application charge if required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Compliance with Visa Conditions
Applicants must comply with the conditions attached to their Subclass 457, 482, or 485 visa during their time in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements
You and any accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character standards. The Department of Home Affairs may also require non-accompanying family members to meet some of the 189 visa requirements.
Subclass 189 Visa Conditions
The Subclass 189 Visa may be granted with specific conditions, including:
- Condition 8515: Prohibition on marrying or entering into a de facto relationship before entering Australia. Failure to comply may result in visa cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 189 Visa in Australia?
The Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent visa that enables you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Difference Between 189 and 190 Visa
The key difference is that the Subclass 189 Visa allows holders to live and work anywhere in Australia, while the Subclass 190 Visa restricts holders to living and working in the nominating state or territory for the first two years.
What is the 189 Visa EOI?
The EOI for the 189 Visa is an Expression of Interest to be considered for an invitation to apply for the visa.
What are the fees differences between the 189 and 190 Visa?
There are no differences in fees between the 189 and 190 Visas. Detailed fee information can be found in the respective visa fee schedules.
How to apply for the 189 Visa?
To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must first submit an EOI if you believe you meet the points criteria for your occupation on the 189 occupation list.
Can I apply for the 189 Visa while on a 482 Visa?
Yes, you may apply for the Subclass 189 Visa if you currently hold a Subclass 482 Visa.
Can I apply for the 189 Visa while on a 491 Visa?
Holding a Subclass 491 Visa does not prohibit you from lodging an application for the Subclass 189 Visa if invited to do so in the invitation round.
How to apply for an EOI for the 189 Visa?
The EOI for the Subclass 189 Visa is submitted through SkillSelect. The Department of Home Affairs selects eligible EOIs to send invitations to apply for the visa.
Subclass 189 Visa Invitation Rounds
Invitation rounds for the Subclass 189 Visa occur quarterly, prioritizing occupations on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List to effectively address the immediate impacts of COVID-19.
Occupation Ceilings for Invitation Rounds
An occupation ceiling may apply to invitations for Skilled Independent visas, ensuring a balanced skilled migration program that invites applicants from a variety of occupations.
Recent Invitations Issued
The most recent invitations for the Subclass 189 Visa were issued on December 18, 2023.
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189: 8,300 invitations issued
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491: 79 invitations issued
Most Recent Invitation Cut-off Points
The highest-ranking individuals by points score are invited to apply for the visa. In cases of tied scores, the date of effect (when the score was reached) determines the order of invitation. Earlier dates of effect are prioritized.
- Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189: 65 points as of November 2023
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 491: 65 points as of December 2023