The 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), is a type of visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia. It is a permanent residency visa, which means that once it is granted, the visa holder can live and work in Australia indefinitely.

To be eligible for the 189 Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List -Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), scoring at least the minimum points on the Points Test, and having a positive skills assessment in their occupation. Additionally, applicants must be under 45 years of age and have competent English language skills.

Unlike other skilled visas, the 189 Visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member, which makes it a popular option for skilled workers who want to move to Australia independently. However, it is a highly competitive visa, and the number of places available is limited.

To be eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

  1. Age: Applicants must be under the age of 45.
  2. Occupation: Applicants must have an occupation that is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and meet the relevant skills and qualifications requirements for that occupation.
  3. Skills Assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for their occupation.
  4. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements.
  5. Points Test: Applicants must score at least 65 points on the Points Test, which takes into account factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
  6. Health and Character: Applicants must meet the health and character requirements.

SkillSelect is an online system used by the Australian government to manage applications for skilled migration. Applicants interested in applying for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. In their EOI, they provide information about their skills, qualifications, work experience, and other factors that may be relevant to their visa application.

Points for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) are allocated based on a Points Test. The Points Test is a system that assigns points for different factors that are considered relevant to a skilled worker’s ability to contribute to the Australian economy.

The factors that are considered in the Points Test include:

  1. Age: Points are awarded based on the age of the applicant at the time of application. The maximum points are awarded for applicants who are aged between 25 and 32 years.
  2. English Language Proficiency: Points are awarded for the applicant’s level of proficiency in English. The maximum points are awarded for applicants who score “superior” on an English language test.
  3. Skilled Employment: Points are awarded for the applicant’s skilled employment experience in their nominated occupation. The amount of points awarded depends on the number of years of experience and the relevance of the experience to the applicant’s occupation.
  4. Qualifications: Points are awarded for the applicant’s formal qualifications, such as a bachelor’s or higher degree. The amount of points awarded depends on the level and relevance of the qualification.
  5. Australian Study Requirement: Points are awarded for applicants who have completed at least two academic years of study in Australia.
  6. Other Factors: Points may also be awarded for factors such as partner skills, community language skills, and regional study.

Once an applicant has completed their EOI and provided information on these factors, they will receive a Points Test score, which will determine whether they are eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).

Once an EOI has been submitted, the applicant may be invited to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) if they meet the eligibility criteria and have a high enough Points Test score. The invitation to apply is based on the applicant’s ranking in the SkillSelect system, which takes into account factors such as their Points Test score and the demand for their occupation in Australia.

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If you are looking for permanent residency in Australia, FourSquare Migration can help. With years of industry experience, our team is committed to helping individuals secure their right to live and work in Australia. Contact us today!