The Skilled Independent (sub 189) visa is a permanent residency pathway for individuals with specialized skills who wish to live and work in Australia. The visa is available to invited workers, those eligible New Zealand citizens, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passports. This visa allows holders to become part of Australia’s vibrant culture and economy, contributing their unique skill set to benefit both themselves and the country.
In order to be granted this popular visa, applicants must first meet several key criteria – including meeting the relevant points test, passing an English proficiency exam, undergoing health examinations, providing character references, and submitting evidence of required qualifications or professional experience – as well as other requirements depending on individual circumstances.
There are there streams under the Skilled Independent (sub 189) visa:
Points tested stream
This visa gives invited workers the skills they need to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. You don’t need a sponsor or nomination. The Skilled Independent (sub 189) visa is designed to help fill critical labour shortages in the Australian economy. It gives employers access to a global pool of talented workers who can apply for permanent residence without being sponsored by an employer or state/territory government.
The initiative has been welcomed to ensure that Australia’s economic needs are met while ensuring that skilled workers can enjoy the benefits of living and working Down Under. Applicants must demonstrate their competency in English, have a profession on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and meet health and character requirements. Furthermore, to be eligible for this visa, you have to be under 45 years and must be invited to apply.
New Zealand stream
This visa lets eligible New Zealand nationals who have shown commitment and contribution to Australia live and work in Australia permanently.
The Skilled Independent (Sub 189) visa program allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have made a significant contribution to Australia to live and work in the country. This is great news for those from New Zealand who wish to settle and live in Australia.
Through this visa, applicants can apply without sponsorship from family or an employer, making it easier and more accessible for eligible New Zealanders. The requirements are minimal; as long as one has shown commitment and contribution to Australia, they can be successful in their application process.
This new program makes it possible for upstanding members of the Australian-New Zealand community to continue living here while contributing positively to our society. The Skilled Independent (Sub189) visa gives people the opportunity they need while strengthening our collective bond between both countries.
Hong Kong stream
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders have an exciting opportunity to become part of the Australian community with the Skilled Independent (sub189) visa. This visa is ideal for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who are committed to living and working in Australia. It allows them to live anywhere in Australia, work and study, as well as access health care benefits.
The Skilled Independent (sub 189) visa requires applicants to demonstrate their commitment by meeting the necessary requirements. This includes passing a points-based assessment test, providing evidence of employment or qualifications relevant to their desired occupation in Australia, showing that they can support themselves financially during their stay, and having competent English language skills. Once these requirements are met, applicants will receive a permanent residence status which grants them all the rights of an Australian citizen except voting rights.
Costs
The cost associated with this type of visa can vary. However, it usually starts at AUD4,240, including the base application charge plus any additional fees that may arise during processing. This amount does not include costs such as medical examinations or police clearances which are required for all applications and often represent an additional expenditure. Furthermore, individuals applying from outside Australia may have to pay extra costs due to factors such as travel expenses.
If you are applying to the New Zealand stream, you do not need to pay a fee for the English requirement. However, applicants must still pay the application fee in two parts.
Processing Time
Applications for the Skilled Independent (sub 189) visa are assessed on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note that actual processing times may vary due to individual circumstances. Some factors that can influence processing times include whether you have lodged correctly completed forms and supplied all necessary evidence and if your application is affected by any current events or changes in policy.
In addition, the complexity of your application may also affect how quickly it is processed. This could include the relationship between multiple applicants, invalid or incomplete forms, and additional documents. To ensure the best chance of having your application processed efficiently, you must provide all relevant information and adhere to any requirements presented by the immigration department to avoid delays.
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