What is the 189 visa?

There are two streams under the Subclass 189 program: 

The points tested stream, skilled workers whose occupations are listed on the Department’s Skilled Occupation List may be invited to apply for the Subclass 189 visa. The applicant needs to obtain a skills assessment, lodge an expression of interest (EOI) to apply and be invited by the Department to apply independently without the support of an Australian employer. 

The New Zealand stream allows eligible New Zealand citizens to apply for and if approved live and work in Australia permanently.

skilled worker woman office

What are the 189 visa benefits?

  • Work, live and study in Australia permanently and without restriction.
  • Eligible to enrol in Medicare 
  • The opportunity to apply for citizenship once eligible 
  • Travel without restriction 
  • Sponsor relatives for permanent residence.

What are the 189 visa requirements?

For the Points-tested stream, you must: 

  • Have a relevant occupation that is listed on the Skilled Occupation List for the 189 visa
  • Have obtained a positive skills assessment
  • Meet the minimum points mark for your occupation to be eligible to lodge an EOI
  • Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
  • Meet all the health and character requirements 
  • Have competent English

For the New Zealand stream, you must: 

  • Be a holder of a Subclass 444 visa and hold a valid NZ passport
  • Evidence you were a resident in Australia on or before a specific date 
  • Meet the minimum annual salary requirement for at least four financial years before lodge the application 
  • Meet all the health and character requirements 

What is the 189 visa process?

Points-tested stream:

You will need to lodge an EOI in on the Department’s online system. You will then have 60 days to apply for the visa once invited. 

You may be either in Australia or offshore while lodging the EOI and applying 

New Zealand stream: 

You must hold a Subclass 444 visa and be in Australia at the time of application. 

What is the 189 visa processing time?

  • Points-tested stream- 3 – 11 months 
  • New Zealand Stream-  11 – 15 months 

How much does the 189 visa cost?

Points-tested stream:

From AUD4,045.00.

New Zealand stream: 

From AUD4,045.00.

How Can I Apply for a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?

  1. Assess your eligibility with Best Immigration Lawyers to ensure you meet the visa requirements 
  2. Gather your documents for the EOI and visa application using our comprehensive and tailored checklist of documents 
  3. Logde an EOI through the support of Best Immigration Lawyers 
  4. If invited, lodge your Application and ensure post-lodgement requirements are arranged such as completion of medical examinations
  5. Wait for a decision 

Why choose Best Immigration for your 189 visa?

Australia’s immigration laws are complex and everchanging. It can be challenging to discern the appropriate pathways to get the best possible outcome. Our immigration lawyers and Registered Migration Agents have significant amounts of training, expertise, and experience working with this type of visa. We will be able to streamline the process for you to ensure applications are submitted to the Department as decision-ready. You reach our immigration specialists by booking a meeting online or calling us on 0292830888.

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