Skilled Independent Visa 189 – Live and Work Permanently in Australia

A Permanent Visa for Skilled Workers

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers, eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders, and eligible New Zealand citizens. This visa is perfect for individuals with skills that Australia needs, allowing you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

What makes the Subclass 189 visa unique is that it doesn’t require sponsorship by an employer, family member, or state/territory government. It’s ideal for skilled workers who want to enjoy the freedom of living and working independently.

At Knowbal, we simplify the application process, ensuring your application is completed correctly and on time. Ready to secure your future in Australia?

Overview of the Skilled Independent Visa 189

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) has three streams:

Points Tested Stream

This stream is for skilled workers invited based on their points score. You must meet the eligibility criteria, including scoring at least 65 points on the points test.

The Points Tested Stream is the most common and widely applicable for skilled workers. It’s ideal for those with in-demand skills and qualifications who wish to contribute to Australia’s economy and live here permanently.

Key Requirements

Be Invited to Apply: You must get an invitation to apply based on your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Have a Suitable Skills Assessment: During the time of invitation, you must have a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
Be Under 45: You must be under the age of 45 when you receive the invitation to apply.
Score at least 65 Points: You need a minimum of 65 points on the points test, which considers factors like age, education, work experience, and English language ability.
Have Competent English: You must demonstrate at least a competent level of English.

If you meet these requirements, this stream could be your path to building a secure future in Australia.

New Zealand Stream

The New Zealand Stream is designed for eligible New Zealand citizens who have shown a strong commitment and contribution to Australia. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. While New Zealand citizens can access the Subclass 189 visa under the New Zealand Stream, they typically have a separate pathway through the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444), which allows them to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

If you’re a New Zealand citizen who meets the criteria, this stream is an excellent option to secure your future in Australia.

Hong Kong Stream

The Hong Kong stream is for Hong Kong passport holders or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have lived in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years, holding an eligible visa.

Key Requirements

Residency: You must have lived in Australia for at least four years before applying.
Eligible Visa: You must have an eligible visa, such as:
1. Subclass 457 Visa
2. Subclass 482 Visa
3. Subclass 485 Visa
Passport: You must have a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport at the time you submit your visa application.

You must have held this visa for at least four years, and multiple visas cannot be combined to meet the requirement. If you meet these criteria, the Hong Kong Stream can help you secure permanent residency.

The Skilled Independent Visa 189 offers flexibility and independence,

making it a fantastic option for skilled workers. Knowbal is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more!

Benefits of the Skilled Independent Visa 189

Here’s why Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is one of the most popular choices for skilled workers wanting to live and work in Australia.

Dependent Visa Requirements

Stay in Australia Permanently

With the 189 Visa, you can become a permanent resident of Australia. This means you can live in the country without any restrictions and enjoy the security and stability that comes with permanent residency.

Work and Study in Australia

This visa gives you the freedom to work in any job or industry and pursue education at all levels. You don’t need additional permissions, allowing you to build a career or further your studies without limitations.

Access to Medicare

As a permanent resident, you can enrol in Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. Medicare gives you access to affordable medical services, including GP visits, hospital care, and prescription medicines.

Sponsor Your Relatives

The 189 Visa allows you to sponsor eligible relatives to join you in Australia. Whether it’s bringing close family members or supporting loved ones, you can help your family reunite in Australia.

Freedom to Travel

You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you like for five years. After five years, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa to continue enjoying your travel rights.

A Step Towards Citizenship

If you meet the residency and other requirements, you can apply to become an Australian citizen, gaining full membership in Australia’s community and additional benefits like voting rights.

The benefits of the 189 Visa go beyond just permanent residency. It provides you with the freedom to build a stable life, access quality healthcare, and create a future for yourself and your family in Australia.

The 189 Visa is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers looking to make Australia their permanent home. Need help with your application? Contact Knowbal today for expert advice and personalised assistance!

Common Eligibility Criteria of the Skilled Independent Visa 189

To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), you must meet specific eligibility requirements that are common across all three streams.

These include:

Meet Health and Character Requirements

You and any family members included in your application must pass health checks to ensure you meet Australia’s health standards.

You must also provide police clearances to show that you meet the character requirements.

Sign the Australian Values Statement

You need to 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 a visa cancelled or a previous visa application refused by the Australian Government.

Clear Any Government Debts

You must have repaid any debts owed to the Australian Government before you can apply for this visa.

Demonstrate English Language Proficiency (if required)

For some streams, you may need to prove that you have at least competent English through an accepted language test such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

Valid Passport and Documentation

All applicants must provide a valid passport and other supporting documents as part of their application.

Meeting these common requirements is essential to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process. They reflect Australia’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can contribute positively to the country.

Navigating visa eligibility requirements can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Knowbal, our experienced migration agents will help with your application. Contact Knowbal today for expert advice and support!

Knowbal Application Process

At Knowbal, we make applying for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 as easy as possible. Here’s how we help:

Here’s how we assist you:

Initial Consultation
Assigning an Expert Agent
Document Preparation
Review and Refinement
Submission and Follow-Up

We’ll start by talking to you about your goals and checking if you meet the requirements for the 189 Visa. We’ll also help you choose the best stream for your application.

You’ll be assigned a migration agent who knows everything about the 189 Visa. They’ll guide you through the process and be there to answer any questions.

We’ll help you collect all the necessary documents, like skills assessments, English test results, health checks, and any other required documents. Our team will make sure everything is complete and meets all the requirements.

Before we submit your application, we’ll double-check everything to make sure it’s accurate and meets the visa requirements. This way, we can avoid any delays or problems.

We’ll submit your application for you and keep track of its progress. You will get regular updates on its status, and we will respond to any requests or additional requirements from immigration authorities.

With Knowbal, you can focus on planning your future in Australia while we take care of your application. Book a consultation today to get started!

Why Choose Knowbal?

Here’s why so many people trust Knowbal with their visa applications:

1 Experienced Migration Agents

Our team has years of experience managing Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) applications. We know the process inside out and understand what it takes to submit a successful application.

2 Proven Track Record

We’ve helped countless skilled workers secure permanent residency and start a new life in Australia. Our success stories show the dedication and expertise we bring to every case.

3 Personalised Support

We know that every client’s situation is different. That’s why we provide tailored advice and customised solutions to match your unique needs. You’ll have a dedicated agent guiding you every step of the way.

4 Up-to-Date Knowledge

Australian immigration laws can change often, but our team stays on top of the latest updates. We make sure your application meets all current requirements, giving you peace of mind.

5 Why Trust Knowbal?

Choosing Knowbal means choosing a team that cares about your success. From the first consultation to the final submission, we’re here to make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Contact us today to get started on your Skilled Independent Visa application!

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

I recently received my Australian Permanent Residency, and I cannot thank Knowbal Migration enough for their exceptional support throughout the entire journey—from skilled assessment to PR approval. A huge shoutout to Rishav Verma, Trushen Bhatt, Nirav Bhai, and Nilesh Chaudhary for their dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail. They made a complex process smooth and stress-free, always providing the right guidance at the right time. Their expertise, transparency, and commitment to their clients truly set them apart. If you’re looking for a migration agency that genuinely cares about your success, I highly recommend Knowbal Migration! Thank you once again for making this dream a reality!

I am thankful to Knowbal Immigration for their outstanding support in helping me secure my 189 visa. A special thanks to Rishavbhai and Kunalbhai for their professionalism, and expert guidance throughout the process. I highly recommend Knowbal Immigration to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration agent. They truly go above and beyond to ensure all successful outcome. Thanks again for your incredible service. 🙏

“Thank you knowbal education for your excellent service to getting my dependence visa 485 to student visa 500. A special thank you to Mr. Trushen Bhatt and his team who are so helpful and loyal about their service. They always answered all our questions and concern at all hours without getting annoyed ?. They explained well. They are really a blessing to us, that’s why I highly recommend Knowbal education to my friends and family who is looking for a great migration agent.”

“I can’t express with words how grateful I am with Knowbal Education, and Trushen Bhatt. The way he supported my application was phenomenal being always open to accept our comments and improving it every time we require. I highly recommend Knowbal as the migration agency you can rely on your process being sure you can rest while they perform their best to get your Aussie dream granted.”

We are so lucky to have knowbal Migration team with us during our PR journey. Finally we got our PR with the help of this team. I am so greatful specially thanks to Rishavbhai, Niravbhai and Nileshbhai. They were very helpful during our tough time. They gave us right direction for our journey. They communicate with us very politely. Ravinderbhai and Dhruvbhai also helped us when we got stuck regarding documentation and other matters. Ravinderbhai always available when we really need someone to solve query in urgent basis. I highly recommend Knowbal Migration for their honest and reliable services. They give us solution for our each questions and get satisfaction throughout immigration journey. Thank you very much all of team members who supported us to achieve our desired dream. 🙏🙏🙏

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common—a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Indians apply for the Subclass 189 Visa?

Yes, Indian citizens are eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). However, you must meet the eligibility criteria to apply successfully. This includes having a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation, achieving the required points on the points test, and meeting other requirements such as English proficiency and health and character checks.

What IELTS score is needed for the 189 Visa?

To apply for the 189 Visa, you must show that you have at least Competent English. For the IELTS test, this typically means scoring a minimum of 6 in each band (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).

How long is the 189 Visa valid for?

The 189 Visa grants you permanent residency, which allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely. While your visa itself is considered permanent, the travel facility that comes with the visa allows you to travel in and out of Australia freely for five years. After this period, you can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to maintain your travel rights or consider applying for Australian citizenship if you meet the eligibility criteria.

How much does the 189 Visa cost?

The application fee for the Skilled Independent Visa 189 starts at approximately AUD 4,765 for the primary applicant. If you include dependants such as a partner or children in your application, additional charges will apply. You may also need to pay for other expenses, such as English language tests, skills assessments, health checks, and police clearances.

How long does it take to process the 189 Visa?

Processing times for the Subclass 189 Visa typically range from 2 to 4 months, depending on several factors. For the most accurate and up-to-date processing times, you can check the DHA’s official Processing Time Tool.

If you have more questions or need personalised advice, contact Knowbal today. Our experienced team is here to make your visa application smooth and stress-free!

Take the First Step Towards Your Permanent Residency Today!

Secure your future in Australia with the Skilled Independent Visa 189. Let Knowbal guide you through every step of the process with ease and confidence. Contact us now to get started!