Are you eager to move to Australia and make it your permanent home? The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers skilled workers the opportunity to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing employer or family sponsorship. The 189 visa is a popular choice for skilled professionals because it provides a clear path to permanent residency. However, with the visa application process, it’s important to be prepared for the time it will take for approval. Processing times may vary due to various factors, such as your specific situation, the stream you apply under, and the documents required. Whether you’re applying from overseas or already in Australia, knowing how long it will take to get your visa approved will help you set the right expectations and make informed decisions.
Let’s dive into the key aspects of Subclass 189 Visa processing times, eligibility, and what you can do to speed up your application.
Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with accurate information as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
Understanding the Subclass 189 Visa: A Path to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 189 Visa is a permanent visa designed for skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia. What makes this visa unique is that it does not require any sponsorship from an employer, family member, or government, making it ideal for skilled professionals who wish to enjoy the freedom of living and working independently.
This visa is part of Australia’s skilled migration program and is designed for individuals with skills that are in demand across the country. If you’re a skilled worker and meet the requirements, the Subclass 189 Visa provides the perfect opportunity to start a new life in Australia with permanent residency.
There are three streams under the Subclass 189 Visa, each designed for different categories of applicants:
- Points-Tested Stream: This is the most common stream for skilled workers, ideal for those with in-demand skills who want to contribute to Australia’s economy.
- Hong Kong Stream: This stream is designed for Hong Kong passport holders or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have lived in Australia for at least four years under an eligible visa, such as the Subclass 457, 482, or 485 visa.
- New Zealand Stream: This stream was permanently closed to new applications as of 1 July 2023. Previously, it was available for New Zealand citizens who had met certain criteria.
Now that we understand what the Subclass 189 Visa is, let’s take a look at some important eligibility requirements that you must meet to apply for this visa and the benefits you can enjoy while holding a 189 visa.
Eligibility and Benefits of the Subclass 189 Visa
The eligibility requirements for the Subclass 189 Visa are clear, but you need to ensure you meet each one to be considered for permanent residency. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Score at least 65 points on the points test: This test considers factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency to determine your eligibility.
- Be under 45 years old when invited to apply: You must be younger than 45 at the time of receiving the invitation to apply for the visa.
- Have a valid skills assessment: A valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation is required to prove that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.
- Demonstrate English proficiency: You must show that you meet the Australian government’s English language requirements, usually through a test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL (if required by your stream).
- Meet health and character requirements: You and any family members included in your application must pass health checks to meet Australia’s health standards. You’ll also need to provide police clearances to meet the character requirements.
- Sign the Australian Values Statement: You must agree to respect Australian laws, values, and the way of life by signing the Australian Values Statement.
- No visa cancellations or refusals: You must not have had any visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused by the Australian Government.
- Clear any government debts: If you owe any debts to the Australian Government, they must be cleared before you can apply.
- Provide valid documentation: You must provide a valid passport and all required supporting documents as part of your application.
By meeting these eligibility requirements, you’ll be able to move forward with your application and begin enjoying the following benefits that come with the Subclass 189 Visa:
- Permanent Residency (PR): You gain permanent residency status, allowing you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
- Access to Medicare: As an Australian PR, you can access Australia’s public healthcare system, ensuring you’re covered for medical needs.
- Work and Study Freedom: You can work any job and pursue any education without needing additional permissions.
- Sponsor Your Family: You can sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
With an understanding of the eligibility and benefits, let’s now explore how long it takes to process the Subclass 189 Visa application and what factors influence the timeline.
Visa Processing Time: What to Expect?
Processing times for the Subclass 189 Visa can vary based on the stream you apply through. Here’s an overview of the typical processing times:
- 50% of visa applications are processed within 3 months.
- 90% of visa applications are processed within 4 months.
The Points-Tested Stream is the most common, and if you have all the required documents and meet the points criteria, your processing time is generally quicker.
Processing times can change based on your specific case and the complexity of your application, but these are the general expectations. While processing times give a rough estimate, there are several factors that can impact how long it takes to process your application. Let’s take a look at those next.
Factors Affecting Subclass 189 Visa Processing Times
Several factors can influence the Subclass 189 Visa processing time, either speeding up or slowing down your application. Here are the key factors:
1. Completeness of Your Application
Applications with missing or incomplete documents will take longer to process. Make sure that all required documents are provided at the time of submission.
2. Additional Information Requests
If the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) needs more information from you or requires further checks, this can delay your processing time.
3. Health and Character Checks
The time it takes for DHA to receive your health and character check results can also impact your application processing.
4. Application Volume and Migration Program
The number of applications being processed at any given time and the available spots in the migration program can affect processing speed.
Now that you know the factors that influence processing times, let’s look at how you can expedite the process and help your application move along more smoothly.
Steps to Expedite the Application Process
While some factors are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to expedite the processing of your Subclass 189 Visa application:
1. Ensure Your Application is Complete
Make sure that all required documents are included in your application, as missing documents are a frequent cause of delays. Double-check that everything is filled out accurately and completely before submitting.
2. Apply Online
Online applications are processed faster, and paper-based applications are no longer available. Using the ImmiAccount online system can help expedite the process.
3. Respond Quickly to Requests
If the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) asks for more information, provide it as soon as possible. Delaying your response can result in a slower application process.
4. Follow Up Regularly
Keep an eye on your application status and check for any updates. Being proactive can help prevent any missed requests or delays in processing.
By following these steps, you can help expedite your visa application.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 189 Visa offers skilled workers an excellent opportunity to live and work permanently in Australia. While processing times can vary, understanding the factors involved and how to expedite your application will ensure that you are well-prepared for the process.
By meeting the eligibility criteria and ensuring your application is complete, you can enjoy the many benefits of permanent residency, from work flexibility to healthcare access. Ready to start your journey? Knowbal is here to assist you with every step of the Subclass 189 Visa application process.
Contact Knowbal today for expert guidance and personalised assistance in securing your future in Australia with the Subclass 189 Visa.