Australia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
A strong economy, well-paid jobs, a high standard of living, and a modern lifestyle are just some of the reasons that thousands of people migrate to Australia every year. Australia is also one of those few countries where it is possible to get a permanent resident visa directly.
There are several routes to Permanent Residency in Australia, but the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) Visa is perhaps the most popular.
What are the benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa?
How long is the Subclass 189 Visa valid for?
A strong economy, well-paid jobs, a high standard of living, and a modern lifestyle are just some of the reasons that thousands of people migrate to Australia every year. Australia is also one of those few countries where it is possible to get a permanent resident visa directly.
There are several routes to Permanent Residency in Australia, but the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) Visa is perhaps the most popular.
How long is the Subclass 189 Visa valid for?
The eligibility requirements of the Subclass 189 Visa are as follows:
1. Points
Subclass 189 is a points-tested Visa. You may only be invited to apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, provided you score 65 points.
Points are granted on the basis of various factors such as age, education, work experience, Australian education, Australian work experience, and language proficiency.
2. Meet the eligibility requirements of an eligible occupation.
Even if you score 65 points, not everyone is eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa. To be eligible, your occupation must be listed on the Subclass 189 Skilled Occupation List. You must also prove that you meet the eligibility requirements of the occupation on the SOL.
To prove your eligibility for your nominated occupation, you must obtain a positive Skills Assessment report.
3. Meet the English Language requirement
Even if you score 65 points, not everyone is eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa. To be eligible, your occupation must be listed on the Subclass 189 Skilled Occupation List. You must also prove that you meet the eligibility requirements of the occupation on the SOL.
To prove your eligibility for your nominated occupation, you must obtain a positive Skills Assessment report.
| English test | Minimum required score |
| IELTS | At least 6 on each module |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening:12 | Reading:13 | Writing: 21 | Speaking: 18 |
| PTE (Academic) | At least 50 on each module |
| OET | At least B on each module |
| 4Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 169 in each module |
Even if you score 65 points, not everyone is eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa. To be eligible, your occupation must be listed on the Subclass 189 Skilled Occupation List. You must also prove that you meet the eligibility requirements of the occupation on the SOL.
To prove your eligibility for your nominated occupation, you must obtain a positive Skills Assessment report.
4. You should be under 45
The Subclass 189 Visa allows Visa holders to work with any employer in any industry in Australia. The Skilled Migration Program of Australia aims to fulfil the skill shortage in the country by bringing in qualified, skilled immigrants from abroad.
Australian employers look for working-age employees. Hence, one of the qualifying criteria for the Subclass 189 Visa is for candidates to be under 45 years of age.
5. Meet the health requirement
Australia has excellent health standards. Skilled immigrants and their families coming to Australia on the Subclass 189 Visa are also expected to meet these standards.
Subclass 189 Visa applicants and their families (included in the Visa application) must undergo a health test. A Visa will only be granted if they pass the medical test.
6. Meet the character requirement
Subclass 189 Visa applicants and their family members, aged 16 years or more, have to pass the character test.
To pass a character test, candidates need to prove that they have never been convicted and do not have a criminal record. They must also prove that they have never misrepresented themselves for immigration purposes or fled from immigration detention.
What is the cost of the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Australian Govt. fee for the Subclass 189 Visa is AUD 4,045.
Why choose Niyama Immigrations?
The number of Visa places for the Subclass 189 Visa is much lesser than the number of applicants. The process is not just complex but competitive as well.
Niyama Immigrations helps you beat the competition because we work with Registered Migration Agents accredited by MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority).
Our MARA Agents have extensive knowledge of Australian immigration laws and provide valuable guidance to navigate the complex Subclass 189 Visa process.
At Niyama, we help you prepare a decision-ready visa application to help you secure your Subclass 189 Visa.