Skilled PR - Subclass 189 visa Australia
189 Visa Australia
Australia is such a great country! People love it because of its high standard of living and all the awesome job opportunities it offers to skilled individuals. Plus, people worldwide love to move to Australia as they see a bright future there.
However, It’s not easy to get citizenship in Australia but with a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189, one can enjoy the same benefits as any Australian citizen does.
Below you will find everything you need to know about the 189 Subclass Visa.

What is the Australia 189 visa?
A Subclass 189 Visa is a visa that allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. If the qualifications are met, the applicant will be granted Australian citizenship and the opportunity to sponsor family members.
The 189 Subclass Visa works in two ways:
Points Based Eligibility | Criteria of 189 Subclass Visa with more than 65 points. |
Newzealand Citizenship | If you are a New Zealand citizen, working in Australia for more than 5 years, and have a Special Visa 444, you won’t need to go through any score test. |
What makes you eligible?
Subclass 189 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Points Tested Stream |
Newzealand Citizenship Stream |
An invitation letter for the Visa apply |
Special Form 444 |
Age Under 45 Years |
Lived in Australia for 5 years |
Proof of Skill Evaluation |
Proof of Skill Evaluation |
Score 65 points in the tested stream |
No dependency on scores |
Points requirements for Australia subclass 189
1- Age
Age |
Points |
18-25 years |
25 |
25-33 years |
30 |
33-40 years |
25 |
40-45 years |
15 |
2- English Skills
English |
Points |
Competent |
0 |
Proficient |
10 |
Superior |
20 |
3- Education
Qualification |
Points |
Doctorate | 20 |
Bachelor/Master’s Degree | 15 |
Diploma | 10 |
Award or Qualification for Skilled Occupation | 10 |
4- Experience
Skilled Employment Overseas
Experience | Points |
Less Than 3 Years | 0 |
3-4 Years | 5 |
5-7 Years | 10 |
At Least 8 Years | 15 |
Skilled Employment in Australia
Experience | Points |
Less Than 1 Year | 0 |
1-2 Years | 5 |
3-4 Years | 10 |
5-7 Years | 15 |
At Least 8 Years | 20 |
Skilled independent visa subclass 189 Processing Time
Typically, the processing time for 189 Visa Australia is between 15 to 24 months before you receive any notification email or call. However, if you utilize your New Zealand citizenship, have been living in Australia for 5 years, and hold Form 444, you might get results in 14 to 17 months.
189 Subclass Visa Duration
Possession of the Visa will grant you 5-year multiple entry and exit privileges into and out of Australia. After 5 years, you’ll need to renew your Resident Return Visa in order to continue using it.
If you’re granted a Subclass 189 visa, you can work and reside in Australia permanently; however, if you want to travel outside of Australia, you’ll need to renew your Resident Return Visa every 5 years.
Application Process for Subclass 189
- First, you'll need to get your desired profession formally evaluated by a recognized agency. The decision from the evaluating body can take more than three months.
- Second, if the assessment authority approves your application, send the completed Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Third, after getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA), send in your paperwork, pay the visa fee, and submit a medical and police check.
- Fourth, once you receive the letter, you have until the specified date to make your initial entry into Australia in order to activate your visa.
Documents required for the 189 subclass
Below is the list of documents you need for the Visa processing:
- National Identity Card (Submit the B-form if your CNIC is expired)
- Passport-sized photograph ( two pictures of xx size)
- Documents to prove the skills (Any Work Experience Certificate)
- Education Certificates (Degrees and Diplomas)
- English Language Skill (ILets test)
- Relationship Documents (If married)
Cost of Subclass 189
Whether you are applying for your Visa through the point-based stream or the New Zealand citizenship stream, the processing cost is almost the same.
For Primary applicants, the Visa cost is A$4640. |
Applicants over the age of 18 years will have to pay A$2320. |
And applicants below the age of 18 years will have to pay A$1060. |
5 Benefits of skilled independent visa (subclass 189)
Here are some of the most important benefits of the Skilled Visa Subclass 189:
Residency for Life
You will be able to work and study anywhere in Australia without difficulty. Furthermore, once you have been awarded your visa, you will be able to sponsor friends or family members.
There is no sponsorship
This Visa is based on a point system. All you have to do is meet the requirements, which include work, education, character, age, and other factors. This implies you don’t need someone to invite you if this is your first time applying.
Take advantage of Healthcare and Education Services
Another advantage of Subclass 189 is government-subsidized education at the basic, secondary, and higher levels.
Work Independence
You will not be required to work for any specific company after your visa is issued. You can also switch between jobs without affecting your Visa status.
Assistance Programmes
The Subclass 189 Visa will get you access to various Government Welfare Programmes that will assist you in times of need. Once you get permanent residency, you will have the same privileges as Australian citizens.
However, the advantages of Visa Subclass 189 alter over time. You can always contact Expert Opinion for the most recent information.
Reasons of rejection
Some of the common reasons for rejection include:
- Invalid Passport.
- Incomplete Application Form.
- Character Requirement Failure.
- Missing Documents.
- False Information.
- Failure to Answer Additional Requests.
- Lack of Financial Means
- Lack of Health Insurance.
Family Requirements for Subclass 189
When it comes to applying for a Subclass 189 visa, you have the option to include your family members in the application. However, there are certain requirements and limitations that you need to keep in mind.
- Spouse or Partner: You must show marriage certificates or cohabitation proof of your relationship.
- Child under 18: If your child is 18 to 23 and financially dependent on you, they can apply if they are a full-time student and not working.
- Other Dependent Family Members: Subclass 189 visa applications cannot contain parents or siblings.
- Health and Character Criteria: All visa applicants’ family members must meet health and character criteria.
- English language: An English language test like IELTS can help family members over 18 gain more points for English proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Subclass 189 A Permanent Visa?
Yes, Subclass 189 is a Permanent Visa in Australia.
How to get PR in Australia?
To get PR in Australia, you can apply through skilled migration programs like Subclass 189 or family reunion, among other pathways.
Who is eligible to apply for the Subclass 189 visa in Australia?
Eligible applicants for Subclass 189 must-have skills in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, meet the points requirement, and pass health and character checks.
How long is a Skilled Independent visa valid?
The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is valid indefinitely as it provides permanent residency in Australia.
How is visa subclass 189 and subclass 190 different?
Subclass 189 is a skilled independent visa, while Subclass 190 requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory government and has additional eligibility criteria.
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