This permanent residency visa operates through a competitive points-based system rewarding factors including age, English language proficiency, educational qualifications, skilled employment experience, and other relevant attributes. Successful applicants gain unrestricted rights to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely, with pathways to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
1 Application Process and Requirements
The 189 visa application follows a structured multi-stage process ensuring qualified candidates progress through assessment and selection systematically.
Skills Assessment: Applicants must first obtain positive skills assessment for their nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority. This assessment verifies your qualifications, skills, and experience meet Australian standards for your chosen occupation listed on the skilled occupation list.
Expression of Interest (EOI): Following successful skills assessment, candidates submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, Australia's online system managing skilled migration expressions. The EOI provides detailed information about your skills, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and other factors contributing to your points score.
Invitation to Apply: The Department of Home Affairs regularly issues invitations to highest-ranking EOI candidates based on points scores and occupation demand. Invitation rounds occur periodically, with invitation numbers varying based on migration program planning levels and occupation priorities. Upon receiving invitation, applicants have limited timeframe to lodge formal visa applications with complete supporting documentation.
Points Calculation: The points test assesses multiple factors including age (maximum points for 25-32 years), English language ability (higher proficiency earns more points), skilled employment experience in Australia and overseas, educational qualifications, Australian study, partner skills, and other specialized criteria. Minimum 65 points required for eligibility, though competitive scores typically exceed this threshold significantly.
2 Key Benefits and Rights
Permanent Residency Status: Visa holders receive permanent Australian residency with indefinite stay rights, providing long-term security and stability without visa renewal requirements.
Work and Study Freedom: Complete freedom to work in any occupation and study at any institution anywhere in Australia without restrictions or limitations.
Medicare Access: Enrollment in Australia's public healthcare system (Medicare) providing comprehensive medical coverage for you and eligible family members.
Family Inclusion: Include eligible family members (partners and dependent children) in your application, allowing families to migrate together and settle permanently in Australia.
Travel Flexibility: Five-year travel facility enabling multiple entries to Australia. After five years, Resident Return visas maintain permanent residency while facilitating international travel.
Citizenship Pathway: Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements, typically four years of permanent residence with at least one year as permanent resident immediately preceding application.
Social Security Access: Potential access to certain social security payments and benefits after meeting qualifying residence periods.
3 Occupation Lists and Strategic Planning
Only occupations listed on the skilled occupation list qualify for 189 visa applications. This list reflects Australia's current and emerging skills needs across diverse industries and professions. Occupation demand fluctuates based on economic conditions and labor market analysis, influencing invitation frequencies and points thresholds for different occupations.
Strategic planning proves essential for maximizing points scores and invitation prospects. Consider factors including timing of skills assessments, English language test scheduling, gaining additional work experience, pursuing further qualifications, and partner skills contributions. Professional migration advice helps optimize application strategies and timing based on current trends and program priorities.
Your Success Partner
AI Global provides comprehensive support for Skilled Independent visa applicants throughout the EOI and application process. From initial eligibility assessment and skills assessment coordination through to EOI preparation, points optimization, and visa lodgement, our experienced team ensures you receive expert guidance maximizing your permanent residency prospects.
Contact us today to explore your options for the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 and begin your journey toward permanent residency in Australia based on your professional qualifications and skills.