- Many countries offer a temporary or PR visa in exchange for an investment
- Investment amounts can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more



The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa that allows you and your family to live, study, and work in Australia.
Why Subclass 189 Visa for Australia?
- Live permanently in Australia.
- Work and get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia.
- Earn in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- Enjoy indefinite travel to and from Australia.
- Settle down in Australia with your family.
Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, is designed for skilled professionals looking for Australian residency without the need for family, employer, or state sponsorship. It’s a permanent visa based on a points system.
To qualify for the Subclass 189 Visa, the candidate needs to score a minimum of 65 points in the points test. This involves submitting an Expression of Interest along with an invitation from Skill Select, making you eligible to apply. After receiving an invitation, you must submit your application within 60 days.
With the Subclass 189 Visa, visa holder and their family can live, study, and work in Australia.
Benefits of 189 Visa
Holding an Australian permanent visa has many advantages:
- Reside in Australia for an indefinite time period.
- Pursue studies and employment in Australia.
- Get registered to Medicare and Expenses, Australia’s healthcare scheme.
- Sponsor close family members for PR.
- Travel to and from Australia for a period of 5 years.
- Submit an application for Australian citizenship when eligible.
Requirements for Subclass 189 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, applicants must meet the following requirement:
- Candidate’s occupation must be listed in the skilled occupations list.
- Candidate must complete the skill assessment for your occupation.
- Candidate must meet English language requirements.
- A minimum of 65 points score is required.
- Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The requirements include the following:
- A complete Application
- Valid Passport
- Skill assessment report
- Scores of English language tests in IELTS or PTE
- Paperwork for Skilled occupation
- Photographs
- Qualification certificates
- Australian study requirement
- List of skills known by partners or spouses.
- Paperwork stating evidence of the relationship
- Health/medical certificates
- Proof of code of conduct
- Letter of recommendation from previous or current employees.
Steps to apply for Subclass 189 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 189 Visa, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Score 65 points or more in the points system to be eligible.
- Submit an Expression of Interest.
- Get an invitation to apply.
- Submit the required documents.
- Prepare for your journey to Australia.
Eligibility for Subclass 189 Visa
You must meet the following requirements to apply for a 189 Skilled Independent visa:
Occupation
- Your chosen profession must be listed in the list of skilled occupations.
- You must go through a skills assessment test by the assigned authority to show the required qualifications for your selected occupation.
Invitation and Points Test
- You need to submit an Expression of Interest and receive an ITA for the Subclass 189 visa.
- Score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible for an ITA.
- The last stage of the assessment process displays the total points that secured your ITA.
- After receiving an ITA, you need to meet the required points.
- Calculate and match your points.
English Proficiency
- Provide proof of English language proficiency. A higher English proficiency can earn you additional points.
- You can score better through online English language courses.
Age Limit
- You must be below 45 years of age to receive an ITA.
Health and Character Requirements
- Fulfill the specified health and character criteria.
- Special Case for New Zealand Citizens
- If you have a permanent residency in New Zealand, you have the option to apply for the New Zealand Stream 189 Visa.
Costs of Subclass 189 Visa
The following tables outline the estimated expenses for Subclass 189 visas:
Primary adult applicant | AUD 4115 |
Additional adult applicant (18+ years) | AUD 2055 |
Dependent child (less than 18 years) | AUD 1030 |
Additional expenses associated with Subclass 189 visa:
Type of Fee | Fees per candidate |
Education Credentials & Work Assessment (ACS) | USD 390 |
Police Clearance Certificate (varies from one country to another) | USD 18 |
English Proficiency Test | USD 200 |
Medical Examination (varies from one country to another) | USD 350 |
- Applying for an Australian visa can be difficult and time-consuming. You can conveniently pay your application fees online using debit or credit cards.
- Note that using cards might involve extra charges.
Processing time for Subclass 189 Visa
The time needed for processing the Subclass 189 Visa depends on various factors such as state sponsorship, invitation rounds, and assessment by skill-assessing authorities.
Processing Time | Permanent Skilled Independent Visa |
7 – 12 Working Days | Confirm if your occupation or profile exists in the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) |
0 – 15 days | Ensure to meet all the eligibility requirements |
2 – 3 Months | Finish the Skills Assessment Tests |
15 Working Days | Submit through Skill Select an EOI |
2 Months | Lodging Visa Application |
15 – 30 Days | Await a decision |
How can Y-Axis help you?
- Free eligibility check through Australia Immigration Points Calculator
- Expert guidance/counseling for Australia Immigration
- Coaching services: IELTS proficiency Coaching
- Free career counseling, book your slot today
- Complete guidance for Australia PR visa
- Job search services to find related jobs in Australia