189 visa australia

Registered Australia Immigration Consultant


Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is also known as the 189 visa Australia. It is a permanent visa for skilled workers who want permanent residency in Australia but are not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state or territory government. It allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia as a permanent resident. This visa is point-tested and is designed to attract highly skilled individuals whose occupations are listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
The subclass 189 visa is ideal for professionals who want to move to Australia independently. It gives the holder full work rights, access to Medicare, and a path to Australian citizenship. If you’re searching for a subclass 189 visa option, this is one of the most flexible and popular routes for skilled migrants.

There are two streams for this visa:

  1. Points-tested Stream: For skilled workers who are not sponsored.

  2. New Zealand Stream: For eligible New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia.

Applying for the Skilled – Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

skilled independent visa australia

General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas are designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently. These visas allow individuals with some specific qualifications and work experience to contribute to the Australian economy.

Check if Your Occupation Is on the MLTSSL: Your occupation must be listed to be eligible.

Complete a Skills Assessment: You need a positive assessment from a relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

Take an English Test: You must show competent English skills through an accepted test like IELTS or PTE.

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Lodge your EOI via SkillSelect and provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and language skills.

Receive an Invitation to Apply: Only candidates with high enough points will receive an invitation.

Australian Government Visa Fees

If you’re planning to apply for the subclass 189 visa, which is also known as the 189 Australia visa or AUS 189 visa, it’s important to understand the costs involved. The Australian government charges a visa application fee for the 189 visa, and it usually depends on who is included in your application. The fee for the primary applicant is AUD $4,640*. If you are including a family member over 18 years of age, then their fee is AUD $2,320*. For a child under 18 years, the cost is AUD $1,160*.
In addition to the visa fee, you may need to pay an extra amount for services such as your skills assessment, English language test, medical examinations, and police clearance certificates.
These additional amounts can change depending on your occupation and location.
Visa fees are updated regularly by the Department of Home Affairs. To avoid surprises, for further information, check the official website or speak to a registered migration agent like GIEC Global UK for the latest fee details. Being sensible of the full cost ensures that you can budget properly for your 189 visa application.

Visa Go Australia Processing Service

Assess your eligibility and points.

Guide you through the SkillSelect EOI process.

Ensure all documents are prepared correctly.

Help you obtain a skills assessment.

Submit your visa application on your behalf.

Communicate with immigration authorities during processing.

How Long You Can Stay

Stay in Australia indefinitely.

Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date the visa is granted.

Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the eligibility criteria.

Include Your Family

Your partner (married or de facto).

Your or your partner’s dependent children.

Other dependent relatives (under certain conditions).

189 Visa Eligibility

Be invited to apply after submitting an EOI.

Have a job on the MLTSSL.

Score at least 65 points on the points test.

Be under 45 years of age.

Have competent English skills.

Meet health and character requirements.

Key Points Criteria Include

Age

English Language Proficiency

Skilled Employment (inside and outside Australia)

Educational Qualifications

Australian Study Requirement

Credentialed Community Language

Partner Skills          

Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is a mandatory step in the 189 visa process. You need to make sure that your qualifications and work experience match the standards required in Australia.
For the skilled independent subclass 189 visa, this assessment ensures that your skills meet Australian industry standards.
It’s an essential part of showing you qualify under the skilled independent visa Australia requirements.
Each occupation has a designated assessing body, such as Engineers Australia for engineers, ACS for IT professionals, and ANMAC for nurses. You must complete the skills assessment before submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).

The assessment process may take multiple weeks to a few months, depending on the authority. Fees change based on your occupation and the assessing body.
To get a positive outcome for your skilled 189 visa in Australia, you need to make sure that your documents are complete, correct, and meet all guidelines. GIEC Global UK can guide you in preparing the necessary paperwork and submitting it accurately to improve your chances of success.

Skilled Migrant Visa application fee

The application fee varies depending on the visa subclass and number of applicants. Below is a general estimate:

  • Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640

  • Secondary Applicant (over 18): AUD $2,320

  • Child (under 18): AUD $1,160

    Additional costs may include:

    • English tests

    • Skills assessments

    • Medical exams

    • Police certificates

    These fees can change, so it’s important to check the latest costs or consult with GIEC GLOBAL UK  Migration.

Australian Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Basic Requirements

If you’re considering applying for the Australian skilled independent visa subclass 189, it’s important to understand the basic requirements. This visa is ideal for individuals who want to migrate to Australia permanently without needing sponsorship. Meeting these basic requirements is essential to proceed with the visa application. The Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Australia gives skilled workers a pathway to live, work, and eventually become citizens of Australia. GIEC Global UK can help you understand these criteria and guide you through every step of the process.

The basic eligibility criteria for the subclass 189 include:

  • You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.

  • You must have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

  • You must complete a successful skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

  • You must score at least 65 points on the points test.

  • You must have competent English (e.g., IELTS score of 6 in each band or equivalent).

  • You must meet the required health and character standards.

  • You must receive an invitation to apply after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSele

Contact Us


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Office Telephone : +44 (742) 4234034

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frequently asked questions

You can learn more from our asked questions

The 189 visa Australia, also called the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), is a permanent resident visa for skilled workers. You don’t need a job offer, state nomination, or family sponsor to apply. It lets you live, work, and stay anywhere in Australia permanently.

You can apply if your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and you’re under 45, have competent English, pass a skills assessment and score at least 65 points on the points test.

You must have at least 65 points in order to apply for the skilled independent visa subclass 189. Your invitation chances increase with your good score or if you show your all documents including your age, education, English proficiency, work experience

Yes, the 189 visa include your partner or spouse and children. They will also get permanent residency if your visa get approved. Your family must fulfill the health and character certificates also.

The processing time for the skilled independent visa Australia usually takes between 6 to 12 months* after you receive an invitation letter then you can submit or lodge your application. The processing time can be change depending on your documents, accuracy and case complexity.

No, you do not need a job offer letter to apply for the Subclass 189 visa Australia. This visa is for skilled workers who qualify based on their skills, qualifications and points, they do not required any sponsorship from a company or state.

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Note:  Contact the nearest GIEC Global branch by searching “australia immigration agent near me” for the most recent and updated information.