Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) | Free Guide

This is a permanent subcategory of visa that allows invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. This subclass of skilled visa has two streams:

• Points-tested stream
• New Zealand stream

Obligations for the 189 visa applicant

To avail of this category of visa, there are certain requirements that you will need to fulfil according to the stream.

	Points tested stream	New Zealand stream
Stay Duration	Permanent	Permanent
Visa Cost	Starts from AUD 4,045	Starts from AUD 4,045 for the main applicant. The application can be paid in two installments- 20% at the time of the lodging and 80% as a second installment before we can grant the visa
Things you must/ need to have	You must Be invited to apply Be under 45 years to be invited Satisfy the points test Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list	You must Hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) Visa Have lived in Australia for at least the last 5 years Have started living here on or before 19 February 2016 (In most cases)  Have a taxable income at or above a specific income threshold for each of the required income years prior to lodging an application
Activities in Australia you can undertake	You can Stay in Australia permanently Work and study anywhere in Australia, without any restriction Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence If eligible, become an Australian citizen Enrol in Medicare Travel to from Australia for 5 years

FAQs of Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

Points tested stream

New Zealand stream

1. What is the minimum age to apply for this visa? You must be aged under 45 at the time you apply for this subclass of visa 2. Do I need to satisfy the points test? Yes, at the time of submitting your expression of interest or EOI in SkillSelect you will be given an indicative points score based on the claims you have made. If you do not obtain a score of 65 points you will not be invited to apply for this visa. 3. Is it necessary to have a suitable skills assessment to avail of this visa? Yes, to avail of this visa you have a suitable skills assessment at the time of invitation.

1. What previous visa do I need to possess to avail of this visa? To get your visa application processed, you must hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa. As for your family members in Australia, one must hold one of the following visa types when they lodge their application. a substantive visa subclass 010 Bridging A visa subclass 020 Bridging B visa subclass 030 Bridging C visa 2. Do I need to have any minimum income requirement? To apply for this visa, your taxable must be at or above a specific income threshold for each of the required income years prior to lodging an application. Refer to legislative instrument for income thresholds and exemptions. 3. Is it necessary to previously live in Australia to apply for this visa? Yes, you must have lived in Australia for a continuous period of at least the last 5 years, before the date of your application.

For more information on Subclass 189 skilled visa and other immigration law, please consult a registered migration agent at Australian Visa Lawyers.