Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass189)
The Skilled Independent – 189 Visa is a point-tested visa that allows skilled workers to stay in Australia as permanent residents without a sponsor, as long as they are invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs.
Processing Times: Vary (9 to 19 months, approx.)
189 Visa requirements
For Skilled Independent – 189 Visa, you must:
- have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
- have a suitable skills assessment
- score at least 65 visa points
- meet the English language requirement
- be under 45 years of age
- be invited to apply
The 189 Visa offers two streams:
Points-tested stream – Subject to the 189 Visa invitation process
New Zealand stream – For New Zealand citizens holding a 444 Visa (Not subject to invitation)
Most of the general 189 Visa requirements are the same, regardless of the stream.
189 Visa Invitation
The 189 Visa invitation to apply can be obtained by submitting an Expression of Interest that demonstrates the applicant meets all the requirements and scores enough points to be eligible.
This process is subject to the 189 Visa invitation round dates of the Department of Home Affairs.
Borderless Migration guides you through the checklist of the 189 Visa invitation process, making sure you gather and submit all the documentation in time for the invitation round dates.
Contact us or visit our Sydney office.
