Skilled Independent
Visa Stream (subclass 189)

about visa

subclass 189

The Skilled Independent Visa Stream (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa. This visa supports invited workers with desirable skills to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional visa pathways are available for eligible New Zealand citizens and holders of Hong Kong or British National passports.

eligibility requirements

In order to be eligible for the Skilled Independent Visa Stream (Subclass 189) points-tested stream, you must:

  • be under the age of 45
  • be invited to apply by a relevant authority
  • be able to demonstrate evidence of desirable skills
  • work in a field listed on the desired skills list
  • meet English language, health, and character requirements
  • have no outstanding debt to the Australian government
  • have not previously had a visa cancelled or refused.

To be eligible for the New Zealand stream, you must:

  • hold a New Zealand Special Category (Subclass 444) visa
  • have lived in Australia for the past 5 years or more
  • demonstrate skills desirable to the Australian job market

To be eligible for the Hong Kong or British National stream, you must:

  • hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport
  • meet a variety of visa requirements
  • meet a variety of residency requirements.

Application Process

In order to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa Stream (Subclass 189) visa, you will need to provide documentation relating to:

  • your age and identifying details
  • educational qualifications
  • evidence of professional skills
  • proof of English-language proficiency and good health
  • evidence of your visa eligibility.

You may be required to provide additional documents for assessment by the Department of Home Affairs. 

benefits

visa benefits

1

you will be able to stay in Australia permanently.

2

you can live and work in Australia without restriction.

3

you can sponsor eligible relatives for Australian residence.

4

If eligible, you can apply to become an Australian citizen.

Frequently asked questions

Can Solve Migration help with Subclass 189 applications?

Yes! The experienced legal team at Solve Migration is equipped to help with all steps in the application process for Subclass 189 visas.

Can I submit an application for Subclass 189 myself?

If desired, you can submit your own Subclass 189 application. However, you’ll need to have a good understanding of migration law, as a mistake could be worth thousands. If you plan on self-submitting your Subclass 189 application, we recommend getting a professional document check first. If you’d like help submitting your application, contact our professional legal team.

What is the cost to apply for this visa?

For this visa, the standard primary applicant cost is $4,240 AUD. You may also be required to pay other costs associated with health checks, police clearances, biometrics, and other selection criteria.

You’ll only be charged if the Department of Home Affairs grants the visa. Please reach out to us if you need help estimating the complete visa cost for you and your family.

Please note that you will need to enter Australia before the last date specified on your Visa Grant Letter.

How long will processing take?

The typical processing times for the Subclass 189 visa are currently:

  • 25% of applications: 23 months
  • 50% of applications: 25 months
  • 75% of applications: 36 months
  • 90% of applications: 39 months

Your pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Solve Migration, your partner in success.

At Solve Migration, we understand the importance of quality legal support in helping you navigate migration law and visa law concerns. Our team of qualified lawyers is proud to support clients across the country, working in line with the Immigration Act Australia.

Memberships

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Visit

Sydney

Level 5, 55 Miller Street,
Pyrmont NSW
2009

+61 2 9252 0449

Manly

12 Sydney Road,
Manly NSW
2095

+61 2 9252 0449

Perth

Level 8,
251 Adelaide Terrace
Perth WA 6000

+61 8 6182 1888

Melbourne

Level 40,
140 William Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000

+61 2 9252 0449

Gold Coast

2409/5 Lawson Street,
Southport QLD
4215

+61 8 6182 1888

Let’s discuss your visa matter

Request a Call back or Leave an Enquiry

Visit

Sydney

Level 5, 55 Miller Street,
Pyrmont NSW
2009

+61 2 9252 0449

Manly

12 Sydney Road,
Manly NSW
2095

+61 2 9252 0449

Perth

Level 8,
251 Adelaide Terrace
Perth WA 6000

+61 8 6182 1888

Melbourne

Level 40,
140 William Street,
Melbourne VIC 3000

+61 2 9252 0449

Gold Coast

2409/5 Lawson Street,
Southport QLD
4215

+61 8 6182 1888

Enquire Now

We’ll get back to you soon as soon as possible.

BENEFITS

Visa Benefits

01

You will be able to stay in Australia for up to 4 years and 3 months.

02

You can live and work in Australia throughout the visa period.

03

You get the right to bring eligible family members with you to Australia.

04

You can apply for a permanent visa stream if relevant requirements are met.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about our services, processes, and more.

Solve Migration provides a range of immigration services, including visa application assistance, residency and citizenship advice, and expert consultations tailored to individual needs.
You can fill out our online eligibility assessment form on our website. Our team will review your information and provide feedback on your chances of obtaining a visa based on current immigration policies.
Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying to. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. We recommend checking the specific timelines on our website or consulting with our experts for more accurate information.
While it is not mandatory to hire a migration consultant, having professional assistance can significantly improve your chances of a successful application by ensuring that all documentation is correctly prepared and submitted.
If your application is rejected, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team. We can help you understand the reasons for the rejection and discuss possible options for reapplication or appeals.
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Over 20 Years of Immigration Experience for Successful Visa Approvals.