Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 189
The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 permanent Visa enabling the holder to live and work anywhere in Australia.
Overview
The visa has two streams:
- Points tested stream: A points tested stream for skilled workers who have the required minimum points and have been invited to apply for a visa
- New Zealand stream: A skilled stream for Eligible New Zealand Citizens who meet minimum taxable income requirements
About this Visa
Points tested stream
To apply for this visa you must meet a minimum score on a points test. The visa is granted based on the holder being skilled in a specific occupation. Once granted however, the visa holder does not need to have employment in this occupation. You can live and work anywhere in Australia in which ever occupation you desire.
We can assist you by accurately assessing your points score. Once we confirm you meet the points test, we will then help you obtain a skills assessment in your chosen occupation.
3 Step Process
Applying for a Subclass 189 in the Points Tested stream is a 3 step process:
- Expression of Interest
Once you have had your points calculated and your skills assessed, you can lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
The lodgement of your Expression of Interest is not a visa application. Once you submit your EOI, you will need to wait for an invitation to be sent. - Invitation to apply
Having a points score of 65 or more does not guarantee an invitation. In most cases, you will require higher points in order for the applicant to be invited. As an example, some occupations require a points score of 90 or 95.
We make sure you have realistic expectations on the likelihood of being invited to apply for this visa when we lodge your EOI. If you are applying from onshore, it is important to have realistic expectations regarding your prospects. You may need to consider alternative temporary options to remain onshore while you wait for an invitation. - Visa application
You must lodge your application within 60 days of receiving an invitation. It is important to have all required documentation prepared so you can lodge your application as soon as possible after receiving an invitation.
You must demonstrate you have the points set out in the expression of interest, show evidence of your skills assessment, meet the eligibility requirements for the visa and undergo health and character checks.
New Zealand Stream
This visa subclass is for holders of a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa. Applicants applying under this stream do not need to satisfy the Points Test but you must demonstrate your commitment and contribution to Australia.
To do this, your taxable income as shown on your Notice of Assessment, issued by the Australian Taxation Office, must be at or above the minimum income threshold listed for each of the 4 completed financial years before you apply for this visa.
The department will not accept amounts below the threshold unless you show evidence that you are eligible for an exemption.
Points Tested stream - You may be eligible for this stream if:
List of Services
New Zealand stream - You may be eligible for this stream if:
List of Services
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You hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visaList Item 1
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You have usually resided in Australia for at least the last 5 yearsList Item 2
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You have started living here on or before 19 February 2016List Item 3
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You meet taxable income at or above the specific income threshold for each of the four completed income years prior to lodging an applicationList Item 4
General visa eligibility:
We Are Here To Help
Whether you are applying under the Points Tested stream and need your points score accurately assessed, or under the New Zealand stream, We Are One assess your individual circumstances.
We work with you from assessing eligibility right through to application lodgement and finalisation. We ensure all stakeholders are kept informed every step of the way, and remain your dedicated representative until the Department make a decision on your visa.
