Ensure That You Have The Right Documents Before Applying For 189 Visa
The skilled independent visa 189 is a visa program that has two streams. One of them is available for international workers while the other is for New Zealand citizens. You can apply for the visa subclass 189 if you are a highly skilled worker and meet the points’ test requirement.
This particular visa can allow you to study, work and live in Australia for as long as you wish. But you need to follow the visa conditions and the Australian laws for that.
Visa Streams in the Skilled Independent Visa
There are three main streams within the skilled independent visa class:
Points-tested stream
This visa stream invites workers who have the required skills to live and work permanently in Australia. For this visa, you:
- Do not require a nominator or sponsor
- Need to be invited to apply
- Have to be under 45 years old to get invited.
New Zealand Stream
This stream allows eligible New Zealand citizens who have contributed to Australia and are committed to living and working permanently in Australia.
For this visa, you:
- Should hold a New Zealand particular category subclass 444 visa.
- Must have lived in Australia for the last five years.
- Must have been living there since 19 February 2016.
Hong Kong Stream
This visa allows eligible Hong Kong or British National passport holders who have shown commitment towards Australia to live and work permanently in Australia.
For this 189 skilled visa stream, you:
- Need to hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National passport
- Should hold an eligible visa and follow the rules and conditions of that visa.
- Must have resided in Australia for at least four years.
189 Visa Document Checklist
You must provide the following documents for the skilled independent visa subclass 189 visa application:
- A copy of your passport pages along with your details.
- If you possess a national identity card, you need to submit a copy of your card.
- You need to obtain an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the points tested stream visa 189.
- Under the points tested stream, you may need to submit form 80 and the other character documents.
- Provide proof of English proficiency, but you do not need this if applied from the New Zealand stream.
- Take a skill evaluation to receive points tested stream visa.
- Furnish documents that prove that your name has changed.
- Fill out forms 956 and form 956a.
Documents For New Zealand Stream Visa 189 In Australia
- Income documentation
- Residence documents
Documents For Partner/Spouse
- Identity documents
- Marriage certificate
- Character documents
- Divorce documents (if required)
- Proof of registered relationship
- Documents in the English language
Documents For Dependent Children Under 18
- Identity documents
- Birth certificate copies
- A family book with the name of the parents if the birth certificate is not applicable
- Parental consent form 1229
- Statutory declaration
Documents for dependent children over 18
- Proof of dependency
- Dependency form 47a
- Proof of having proficient English (for the points tested stream).
Eligibility Criteria For The Skilled Independent Australian Visa
You will meet the eligibility criteria for the points tested stream if you:
- Have obtained an invitation to apply for the visa
- Are under 45 years of age.
- Possess a positive skill evaluation.
- Have scored around 65 points on the score table.
You will meet the eligibility criteria for the visa 189 New Zealand stream if you:
- Hold a special subclass 444 visa.
- Have lived in Australia for at least five years.
- Earn at least equal to the income threshold.
189 Visa Application Process
You need to follow these steps if you desire to apply for the 189 visas:
- Submit an expression of interest- if you want to apply for the points tested stream, you need to submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect before applying for the visa.
- Meet the points requirement- while filing in your personal information for your EOI, there will be an automatic calculation of points you have reached based on your skills and qualification.
If you reach at least 65 points, SkillSelect will issue you an automatic invitation to apply for the visa.
- Get a visa invitation- When you finish submitting your EOI, you need to wait for an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Apply for the visa- after the invitation, you can submit your visa application from your immiAccount. You need to enter your SkillSelect account and then apply for the relevant visa.
This will send you directly to the ImmiAccount, and for the New Zealand stream, you do not need to follow the adobe steps, and you can apply for the ImmiAccount.
189 Visa Processing Times
The 189 visa processing time is as follows:
Points-tested Stream
The processing time for the visa under this stream are as follows:
- 50% of applications: 6 months
- 90% of applications: 36 months
New Zealand Stream
The processing time for the 189 visas under this stream are as follows:
- 50% of application: 17 months
- 90% of applications: 20 months
Hong Kong Stream
There is no particular processing time under this 189 visa in Australia. The processing time will depend on filling everything correctly in the application and providing all the required documents.
189 Subclass Visa Fees
A subclass 189 visa will cost AUD 4,115, but you need to pay a second instalment fee of AUD 4,890 for every extra applicant who cannot prove their functional level of the English language. This is necessary for the points tested stream of the 189 visas.
If you apply for the New Zealand stream under the skilled Independent visa 189, you need not pay any fees for the English requirement. But under this stream, the application fees need to be paid in two instalments.
Appoint a Migration Agent
If you want to travel to Australia to study or work for an indefinite period, you need to apply for the 189 visas. If you want to know more regarding the visa or have trouble filling up the application form, you can hire a migration agent in Adelaide.
It can be easier for you to fill out the visa application form when you appoint a migration agent, as they have knowledge and experience handling visa forms. Hence, you do not need to worry, and they will ensure your visa application is not rejected.
Also Read: Obtain A Subclass 186 Visa Through The Certified Employer Nomination Scheme
