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Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

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Welcome to Maria Consulting Group: Your Gateway to the Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189

At Maria Consulting Group, we specialize in guiding skilled professionals through the process of securing a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). This visa is an excellent opportunity for skilled workers who wish to live and work permanently in Australia, offering the freedom to work anywhere across the country and the potential path to Australian citizenship.

What Subclass 189 Visa Offers

The Subclass 189 Visa is available through two distinct streams:

  • Points-Tested Stream
  • New Zealand Stream

Both streams allow you to:

  • Work and study anywhere in Australia.
  • Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s comprehensive public health care scheme.
  • Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.
  • Eligibility Criteria
  • Points-Tested Stream Requirements:
  • Age under 45 years.
  • Nominate an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List.
  • Have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation.
  • Score at least 65 points in the points test.
  • Demonstrate competent English.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • No prior visa cancellations or application refusals.

New Zealand Stream Requirements:

  • Hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa.
  • Have been resident in Australia for at least five years on or before 19 February 2016.
  • Application Process for Subclass 189 Visa
  • Verify Occupation: Check that your profession is on the Skilled Occupation List.
  • Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive assessment from the relevant authority.
  • Expression of Interest: Submit an EOI via Skill Select and wait for an invitation to apply.
  • Application Submission: Once invited, apply online and provide necessary documentation.
  • Approval: After processing, if approved, you are free to migrate to Australia permanently.

The Points-Tested Stream of the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) uses a points-based system designed to select applicants who have the skills and attributes needed to succeed in Australia’s labor market. Applicants are awarded points for various criteria, and those with the highest points are invited to apply for the visa. Understanding how points are allocated can help you optimize your application. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points-tested system:

Points Breakdown:

Age (Maximum 30 points)

  • 18 to 24 years: 25 points
  • 25 to 32 years: 30 points
  • 33 to 39 years: 25 points
  • 40 to 44 years: 15 points

English Language Proficiency (Maximum 20 points)

  • Competent English: 0 points
  • Proficient English: 10 points
  • Superior English: 20 points

Skilled Employment Experience (Maximum 20 points for overseas experience, 20 for Australian experience, total cap at 20 points)

  • At least 3 but less than 5 years (in the past 10 years): 5 points (Overseas), 5 points (Australia)
  • At least 5 but less than 8 years (in the past 10 years): 10 points (Overseas), 10 points (Australia)
  • At least 8 years (in the past 10 years): 15 points (Overseas), 15 points (Australia)

Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

  • Doctorate from an Australian or overseas institution: 20 points.
  • At least a Bachelor’s degree, including a Bachelor’s degree with Honors or Masters, from an Australian or overseas institution: 15 points
  • Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia: 10 points.
  • Attained a qualification or award recognized by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation: 10 points.

Australian Study Requirement (5 points)

  • At least two academic years of full-time study in Australia.

Specialist Education Qualification (5 points)

  • A Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least two academic years in a relevant field.

Other Factors

  • Credentialed community language qualifications: 5 points
  • Study in regional Australia: 5 points
  • Partner skills qualifications: 10 points
  • Professional year in Australia: 5 points

Strategy for Maximizing Points:

  • Improve English: Achieving a superior English score can significantly boost your points.
  • Gain More Work Experience: Both Australian and overseas work experiences count, though the former is often more highly valued.
  • Higher Education: Pursuing further education, especially in Australia, can provide a significant point increase.
  • Regional Studies: If you have the opportunity to study in a regional area, this can also add to your points.

Submission Process:

  • Verify Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic criteria for the visa.
  • Calculate Your Points: Use tools or seek professional advice to assess your potential points total.
  • Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit your EOI through SkillSelect and include all your points claims.
  • Wait for Invitation: If your points score is competitive, you will receive an invitation to apply.
  • Apply for Visa: Once invited, you must compile further documentation and formally apply for the visa.

Navigating the points-tested system can be complex, but understanding how to optimize your score can significantly enhance your chances of success. At Maria Consulting Group, we specialize in helping applicants understand these nuances and strategically plan their application to maximize their potential for a successful visa outcome.