Skilled Visa Australia Subclass 189 Visa
The Skylark team has a combined 57+ years of experience helping people apply for the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, and proudly maintains a 100% success rate for 189 Visas since 2015.
From our Melbourne | Australia HQ, we have helped customers from over 106 countries and counting.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Australian Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa.
No obligations.
What is a Subclass 189 Skilled Visa?
The 189 Visa, officially called the "Skilled Independent Visa (Sublcass 189) (Points-Tested Stream)", is a visa for skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia permanently.
It is a points-based visa that requires applicants to be eligible or be award points based on various criteria, including age, English proficiency, work experience, and education (see other requirements).
The 189 Skilled Visa is a highly competitive visa type where you're competing with others in your occupation group with your points score to receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Here at Skylark Migration, we can help guide you with getting a realistic points claim and getting the 189 visa.
What is the 189 Visa application process?
Why should you apply for the 189 Skilled Visa over other Australian skilled visas?
The 189 Visa is one of the most popular and sought-after visa options for skilled workers who wish to migrate to Australia.
The benefits of 189 Visas include:
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No state/territory government nomination or employer sponsorship required:
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No regional restrictions (you don't need to live in a regional area)
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No need to submit separate State/Territory application and wait for their invitation
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No need to meet specific State/Territory requirements
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Freedom to move to a different state/territory at anytime
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One-step to Permanent Residency
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Access to Medicare immediately upon applying for the visa
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Able to travel in and out of Australia without restriction for 5 years upon grant
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Priority processing
However, for these reasons, the 189 Visa is also the most competitive of skilled visas. It has a shorter occupation list compared to the 190 Visa and 491 Visa, and you're also competing with others for invitations based on points.
Having said this, right now (2023) is still the best time for migrants to consider the 189 visa. The points cutoff for invitations have been the lowest for 5 years and with the labour shortage in Australia, it is highly prioritised by the Australian government.
What is the processing time for a 189 Skilled Visa?
Here are the average processing times for 189 Skilled Independent Visa according to the Department of Home Affairs (eff. Jan 2023):
25% of applications processed in: 82 Days
50% of applications: 83 Days
75% of applications: 3 Months
90% of applications: 3 Months
This is an approximate processing time and it can be longer in some cases, particularly if the application is incomplete or requires further assessment.
Since 2015, we’ve been able to help many secure their Australian permanent residency via the 189 Visa, stress-free. Hear it from our customers directly:
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What are the 189 Skilled Visa Requirements in Australia?
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Right occupation: Applicants must have a nominated occupation that is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
See our Ultimate Guide to Immigration Occupation Lists for exactly which occupations are eligible for the 189 visa.
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Positive skills assessment: Applicants must have their skills assessed by a relevant assessing authority, which determines whether their skills and qualifications meet the standards required for their nominated occupation.
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Minimum points score: Applicants must score a minimum of 65 points on the Points Test, which takes into account factors such as: Age, English language proficiency, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.
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Maximum age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
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Minimum English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have at least Competent English at the time of invitation, which means a minimum of:
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IELTS: 6 in each band
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PTE Academic: 50 in each component
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TOEFL iBT: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
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Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, which include undergoing a medical examination and providing a police certificate from each country they have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
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Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect online system, which allows the Australian government to assess their eligibility for the Skilled Visa 189.
Have questions about your eligibility or application? Don't worry, we are here to help!
Our 189 Visa Application Process
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1. 1:1 consultation with a skilled visa expert to assess your situation and answer any questions
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2. Pay a small deposit. Our agents will do a eligibility assessment before you make any commitment.
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3. Once we get back your signed agreement and payment, it's time to get started!
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4. We'll send you a customised, comprehensive 189 Visa document checklist for the strongest application
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5. As you collect your documents, we'll be here to provide advice and recommendations
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6. Our experts will complete your application (we don't make you fill the forms!)
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7. We'll make sure your application is strong before we submit to Immigration
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8. We'll keep you updated and follow up with Immigration until you get your visa!
Consultations are 100% redeemable with future services!
(terms & conditions apply, see booking link for more)
Why Choose Us as Your Australian Skilled Visa Agent?
Former-Department of Immigration
With a former Immigration officer on our team, we have unique insight into what a strong application looks like and red flags you should avoid.
100%
189 Visa Success Rate
Yes, every single Subclass 189 Skilled Visa application of ours since 2015 has been successfully granted.
100% Money-back guarantee
...Which is why we are confident enough to offer you 100% Money Back Guarantee - We get your visa, or you get your money back*
Competitive, all-inclusive fees
We are transparent with our pricing and are fiercely against charging exorbitant fees.
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100s of 5-star reviews
Nothing beats hearing it from our customers. See what our customers have said 👇