GSM – Subclass 189
Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers whose expertise is in demand in Australia. It allows holders to live and work anywhere in the country without the need for employer sponsorship, state nomination, or family support.
This visa grants permanent residency, giving applicants the right to stay indefinitely in Australia with full work and study rights. Recognized as one of the most sought-after pathways to Australian permanent residency, the 189 visa provides complete freedom to live and work anywhere across the nation.
Eligibility Requirements
Age requirements: You must be less than 45 years of age when the invitation to apply is issued. Only applicants between 18 and 44 years old at the time of receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA) qualify for this visa.
Points are awarded based on your age at the time of invitation:
- 18–24 years: 25 points
- 25–32 years: 30 points
- 33–39 years: 25 points
- 40–44 years: 15 points
Nationality requirements: This visa is open to all nationalities. There are no specific citizenship restrictions for most applicants in the points-tested stream.
Health and character requirements: All applicants and their family members must meet Australia’s health and character standards. This includes medical examinations and police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Occupation and Skills Assessment: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and you must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This assessment validates that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation.
Points Test Requirements: You must score at least 65 points on the points test. However, while 65 is the minimum, competitive occupations often require 80 or more points to receive an invitation. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, educational qualifications, and work experience.
English Language Requirements: You must have at least a “Competent English” level, which can be demonstrated through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL. Achieving this level is mandatory, but it awards zero points. Higher scores are needed to claim points: “Proficient English” provides 10 points, and “Superior English” provides 20 points.
Invitation Requirement: You must receive an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Skill Select system.
Critical Update: As of June 2023, there is no minimum income threshold requirement for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191), as confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs. However, ATO notices of assessment remain mandatory to demonstrate financial standing and tax compliance.
Application Process
Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation Phase
Complete your skills assessment, achieve the required English test scores, and gather all supporting documents to demonstrate you meet the 65-point minimum.
EOI Submission
Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect and await an Invitation to Apply.
Visa Application
Once you receive the ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete visa application.
Assessment
Wait for a case officer to be assigned and respond to any requests for additional information.
Decision Notification:
Receive a visa grant or refusal notification.
Required Documents
- Passport and Identity: Current passport, birth certificate, and identity documents for all applicants.
- Educational Certificates: Certified copies of all qualifications and academic transcripts.
- Skills Assessment: A positive assessment letter from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
- English Test Results: Valid results from a recognised test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET).
- Work Experience Evidence: Employment references, contracts, and payslips for all claimed work experience.
- Health Examinations: Medical certificates from approved panel physicians.
- Police Clearances: Certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Character Statutory Declaration (Form 80).
- Additional Personal Particulars (Form 1221).
- Evidence of professional memberships or registrations, if applicable.
- Partner skills evidence if claiming points for a partner’s qualifications and English ability.
Step Towards Your Australian Dream!
Whether you're pursuing skilled migration, student visas, family sponsorship, or business migration, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward living, working, or studying in Australia with confidence!
