AUSTRALIA

Do I Apply from Overseas or in Australia?

You can either be overseas or in Australia when you submit your application for a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa. You must have a Bridging C, B, or A Visa or Substantive Visa to file your application from within Australia. After you apply from within Australia, you will be offered the Bridging Visa that allows you to stay in Australia while your visa application gets processed.

What Are the Benefits of the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa?

The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa offers all the benefits of Australia PR Visa to you including your accompanying family members:

• Stay and work in Australia for an indefinite period.

• Opportunity for studying in Australia.

• Enroll in state-run Healthcare scheme of Australia – Medicare.

• Opportunity to apply for Citizenship of Australia.

• Sponsor relatives for Australia PR Visa.

• Travel from and to Australia any number of times.

How Can I Apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa?

Stage 1: Verify if your occupation is on the SOL – Skilled Occupation List

The Subclass 189 Visa is available only for individuals who can fill a position on the SOL.

Stage 2: Ensure you fulfill all the eligibility requirements

To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must fulfill several requirements and the most essential of these are:

• Be below 45 years of age.

• Have minimum skills in English.

• Fulfill the character and health requirements.

• Agree to sign the Statement of Australian Values.

Stage 3: Complete an Assessment for Skills

You must complete an assessment for skills and score the required points to qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa. The score must be as per the specification on your letter of invitation (stage 5).

Stage 4: Submit an EOI – Expression of Interest through Australia Skill Select

In the next stage, you are required to submit an EOI through Skill Select. The Australian Skill Select program will have several queries regarding your skills, background, and applicable employment history. Your EOI will be visible to authorities in Australia and to employers as well who might be seeking candidates for hiring having skill-sets similar to that of yours. You will be invited to apply for Subclass 189 Visa if your EOI fulfills the Visa requirements and you obtain a sponsor or nomination.

Stage 5: Obtain a government nomination or identify a sponsor

The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa requires you to receive a nomination from a Territory or State Government or Sponsorship from a family member or employer in Australia. After you obtain the appropriate sponsor, you will receive the ITA for the Visa from them.

You can find an employer through the Skill Select program if you do not have a qualified relative or employer for the sponsorship. This program connects qualified skilled workers with employers seeking skilled overseas workers. You can also receive the nomination from a Territory or State Government through Skill Select.

Stage 6: Get your sponsor to complete essential paperwork

After you get a sponsor, you must ask them to nominate you for the Subclass 189 Visa. Often, you can apply for this Visa at the same time your sponsor files their nomination application. Employers can submit the nomination application online through DHA.

Stage 7: Apply for the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa

Once you identify an employer and receive the nomination, you can apply online for the Subclass 189 Visa with the DHA.

Stage 8: Await for the verdict

The DHA can take several months to declare its verdict on your Subclass 189 Visa application.

Stage 9: Obtain your visa and begin working in Australia

You will receive your Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa once the DHA approves your application. You can then begin to work in Australia.