Australia’s 189 visa, also known as the Skilled Independent visa, is a coveted pathway for skilled workers seeking to establish a new life Down Under. Offering permanent residency to individuals with in-demand skills, this visa opens the doors to a wealth of opportunities in one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse countries. In this blog, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the Australia 189 visa, including its eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and more.

Understanding the Australia 189 Visa: 

The Australia 189 visa is designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state, or a family member. It falls under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and is points-tested, meaning applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria: 

To be eligible for the Australia 189 visa, applicants must:

1. Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
2. Obtain a suitable skills assessment for their nominated occupation.
3. Score a minimum of 65 points on the points test.
4. Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
5. Meet the English language proficiency requirements.
6. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.

Application Process: 

The application process for the Australia 189 visa involves several steps:

1. Skill Assessment: Applicants must first obtain a positive skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Once the skill assessment is obtained, applicants need to submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating their interest in applying for the 189 visa.
3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected from the SkillSelect pool, applicants will receive an ITA from the Department of Home Affairs.
4. Visa Application: Upon receiving the ITA, applicants have 60 days to lodge their visa application, providing all necessary documents and evidence to support their claims.

Benefits of the Australia 189 Visa:

Securing the Australia 189 visa offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Permanent Residency: Holders of the 189 visa are granted permanent residency status in Australia, allowing them to live, work, and study indefinitely.
2. Work and Study Rights: Visa holders have the freedom to work and study in any field or occupation of their choice.
3. Access to Healthcare: Permanent residents are eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
4. Sponsorship Eligibility: After obtaining citizenship, visa holders can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
5. Pathway to Citizenship: The 189 visa provides a pathway to Australian citizenship for those who meet the residency and other requirements.

The Australia 189 visa presents a golden opportunity for skilled workers around the world to make Australia their home. With its generous benefits and pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, this visa offers a bright and promising future for those seeking to build a life in one of the world’s most desirable destinations. If you’re considering applying for the Australia 189 visa, be sure to consult with an immigration expert to navigate the process successfully and embark on your journey to a new beginning in Australia.

Ready to begin your journey to Australia on the 189 visa? Dream Harbour Global is here to help. Our experienced immigration consultants can provide you with a free assessment and personalized consultation to kickstart your application process. Simply submit the form below with your details, and one of our experts will be in touch with you shortly.