yckotAustralia PR Visa Subclass 189 is one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for skilled professionals who want to live and work permanently in Australia. With its points-based selection system, transparent eligibility criteria, and direct route to permanent residency, the Subclass 189 visa attracts thousands of applicants from around the world each year. If you are considering making Australia your new home, understanding the points calculator, required documents, and associated costs is essential for a successful application. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, helping you maximize your chances of approval and plan your move with confidence.
What Is the Australia PR Visa Subclass 189?
The Australia PR Visa Subclass 189, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or family member. This visa allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, and it provides a pathway to Australian citizenship. The Subclass 189 visa is highly competitive, as it is designed to attract individuals with skills that are in demand in the Australian labor market.
Why Choose the Subclass 189 Visa?
The Subclass 189 visa offers several advantages over other Australian immigration options. First, it does not require sponsorship or nomination, giving you the freedom to settle in any part of Australia. Second, it grants you and your family members full permanent residency rights, including access to healthcare, education, and social security benefits. Third, the points-based system rewards applicants for their skills, qualifications, and work experience, making the process fair and transparent.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189 Visa
To apply for the Australia PR Visa Subclass 189, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These include:
- Having an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Obtaining a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Scoring at least sixty five points on the points calculator
- Being under forty five years of age at the time of invitation
- Demonstrating competent English language proficiency
- Meeting health and character requirements
Let us explore each of these criteria in detail.
Australia PR Visa Subclass 189 Points Calculator
The points calculator is the cornerstone of the Subclass 189 visa application process. Your eligibility is determined by the total points you score based on factors such as age, English language ability, skilled employment, educational qualifications, and other criteria. The minimum required score is sixty five points, but higher scores increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
1. Age
- Eighteen to twenty four years: twenty five points
- Twenty five to thirty two years: thirty points
- Thirty three to thirty nine years: twenty five points
- Forty to forty four years: fifteen points
2. English Language Proficiency
- Competent English: zero points
- Proficient English: ten points
- Superior English: twenty points
3. Skilled Employment Experience
In Australia:
- One to three years: five points
- Three to five years: ten points
- Five to eight years: fifteen points
- Eight to ten years: twenty points
Outside Australia:
- Three to five years: five points
- Five to eight years: ten points
- Eight to ten years: fifteen points
4. Educational Qualifications
- Doctorate from an Australian or recognized overseas institution: twenty points
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree: fifteen points
- Diploma or trade qualification: ten points
5. Australian Study Requirement
- At least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution: five points
6. Specialist Education Qualification
- Master’s degree by research or doctorate in a relevant field: ten points
7. Other Factors
- Credentialed community language: five points
- Study in regional Australia: five points
- Partner skills: up to ten points
- Professional year in Australia: five points
How to Calculate Your Points
Add up your points from each category to determine your total score. If you meet or exceed sixty five points, you are eligible to submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. However, keep in mind that higher scores are often required due to competition and invitation trends.
Required Documents for Subclass 189 Visa Application
Preparing the correct documents is crucial for a smooth and successful Subclass 189 visa application. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence to support every claim you make in your Expression of Interest and visa application.
1. Passport
A valid passport is required for all applicants, including dependents.
2. Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Each occupation has a designated authority, and the assessment process may include qualification checks, work experience verification, and English language testing.
3. English Language Test Results
Provide results from an approved English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The test must be taken within three years before your application.
4. Educational Certificates
Submit copies of your degree certificates, transcripts, and any trade qualifications. If your documents are not in English, provide certified translations.
5. Employment References
Include detailed reference letters from previous employers, outlining your job title, duties, duration of employment, and hours worked per week. Pay slips, tax records, and employment contracts may also be required.
6. Partner and Dependent Documents
If you are including your spouse or children, provide marriage certificates, birth certificates, and evidence of your relationship.
7. Health and Character Documents
You and your family members must undergo medical examinations by approved panel physicians. Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for twelve months or more in the past ten years are also required.
8. Additional Documents
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide evidence of professional year completion, community language credentials, or regional study.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 189 Visa
Understanding the application process can help you avoid delays and increase your chances of success.
Step 1: Check Your Occupation and Skills Assessment
Confirm that your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list and apply for a skills assessment from the designated authority.
Step 2: Take an English Language Test
Book and complete an approved English language test. Ensure your results meet the minimum requirements for competent, proficient, or superior English.
Step 3: Calculate Your Points
Use the points calculator to determine your total score. Aim for a score higher than sixty five to improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Create a profile on SkillSelect and submit your Expression of Interest. Provide accurate information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 189 visa. Invitations are issued based on your points score and occupation demand.
Step 6: Lodge Your Visa Application
Submit your visa application online within sixty days of receiving your invitation. Upload all required documents and pay the application fee.
Step 7: Complete Health and Character Checks
Attend medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates as instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 8: Wait for a Decision
Visa processing times vary, but most applications are processed within six to eight months. You can track your application status online.
Step 9: Receive Your Visa Grant
Once approved, you will receive your Subclass 189 visa grant letter. You can then make plans to move to Australia and begin your new life as a permanent resident.
Costs Associated with Subclass 189 Visa
Understanding the costs involved in the Subclass 189 visa process is important for budgeting and planning.
1. Skills Assessment Fee
Each assessing authority charges a fee for skills assessment, which can range from three hundred to one thousand Australian dollars, depending on the occupation.
2. English Language Test Fee
The cost of an English language test such as IELTS or PTE Academic is typically between two hundred and fifty and three hundred Australian dollars.
3. Visa Application Fee
The main applicant must pay a visa application fee, which is currently around four thousand two hundred forty Australian dollars. Additional fees apply for each dependent family member included in the application.
4. Medical Examination and Police Clearance Fees
Medical exams and police certificates may cost several hundred dollars per person, depending on your country of residence.
5. Other Costs
Additional expenses may include document translation, courier charges, and professional advice if you use a migration agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family in my Subclass 189 visa application?
Yes, you can include your spouse or partner and dependent children. They will receive the same permanent residency rights as you.
Is there an age limit for the Subclass 189 visa?
You must be under forty five years old at the time you receive your invitation to apply.
How long does the Subclass 189 visa process take?
Processing times vary, but most applications are finalized within six to eight months after submission.
Can I apply for Australian citizenship after receiving the Subclass 189 visa?
Yes, after meeting residency and other requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Subclass 189 visa?
No, the Subclass 189 visa does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer.
Conclusion
Australia PR Visa Subclass 189 is a powerful pathway for skilled professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia. By understanding the points calculator, preparing the required documents, and budgeting for the associated costs, you can navigate the application process with confidence. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can maximize your chances of success and take the first step toward a new life in Australia.
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