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Skilled Independent Visa
(subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) has two streams which allow individuals with professional skills required in Australia to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. These two streams are the points tested stream and the New Zealand stream.

After the 5-year travel period a Resident Return Visa (subclass 155 or 157) will be required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident if you have left the country, If the visa holder has not attained Australian Citizenship by this stage. Please click here to find further information regarding this visa.

We note that in an application for both streams of this visa, members of the family unit can be included in the application, however they are subject to health and character requirements.

Points Tested Stream

This stream of the Skilled Independent Visa is designed for Points Tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member and who do not have state or territory government nomination. If this visa is obtained it will allow the applicant to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

To obtain the Points Tested Stream Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) visa there are multiple stages to the process. Prior to being invited to apply for this stream, you will be required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in which you will need outline your relevant experiences and skills to demonstrate that you need the requirements of this visa stream. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to apply for this visa.

This visa subclass requires a substantial amount of evidence at each stage of the process from lodging an EOI through to being invited to apply and making your visa application. Primarily, in the visa application you will be required to provide evidence of all claims made in the EOI, identity documents, relationship documents, character documents, competent English documents, partner documents, documents relating to any dependants and skills assessment documents.

You must also satisfy several additional considerations, which can include assessments as to your health and character.

Our team at All Access Migration have substantial experience in assisting with Skilled Independent Visas in the Points Tested Stream and are pleased to assist people in obtaining permanent residency in Australia through visa options such as this. We are able to assist with:

  • outlining the specific documentation required to satisfy the requirements of the visa application pursuant to legislation
  • requesting documentation from you (and assisting with facilitating same where required)
  • collating and reviewing documentation provided by you having regard to the requirements of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) relating to the visa subclass
  • preparing and lodging the nomination and main application required for the 189 Visa with the DOHA for processing (if an alternate visa is more suitable in the event that your circumstances change, we are able to amend this where required)
  • preparing submissions to the DOHA outlining your ability to meet the legislative criteria, the evidence provided and context of provision in terms of requirements of the application
  • preparing an advice confirming status of lodgement, ongoing obligations, current processing times and associated advice relating to the specific application
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491) visa

New Zealand Stream

This steam of the Skilled Independent Visa is designed for New Zealand skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member. If this visa is obtained it will allow the applicant to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

To obtain the New Zealand Stream Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) visa there are multiple requirements that must be met. Two of the main requirements of this stream are in relation to being usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of 5 years with that period starting on or before 19 February 2016, in addition to specific income requirements. You must also satisfy several additional considerations, which can include assessments as to your health and character.

To apply for the New Zealand Stream of the Skilled Independent Visa, a substantial amount of evidence will be required to support your application. Including documents to support your identity, residence, income, character and relationship. There are also separate document requirements for any dependants that may be included in an application.

Our lawyers at All Access Migration have significant experience in assisting with the New Zealand Stream of the Skilled Independent Visa in order to gain permanent residency in Australia. We are able to assist with:

Should you have any questions regarding the above, or if you would like to discuss the prospects for a successful application given your circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact our office to book a consultation with one of our solicitors.

Enquire about Skilled Independent Visa
(subclass 189)

Brisbane Office

1300 245 756

50 McDougall Street,
Milton, Brisbane, QLD, 4064
Australia

Gold Coast Office

1300 245 756

Levels 5 & 9, Corporate Centre One,
2 Corporate Court,
Bundall, QLD, 4217
Australia

Sydney Office

1300 245 756

Level 3,
1 Castlereagh Street,
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia

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