SKILLED VISA

Subclass 189, or the Skilled Independent Visa, is divided into two sub-categories:

• Points test stream
• New Zealand stream for New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia.

If your occupation is on the skilled occupation list, you can lodge an expression of interest on skillselect. 

While you are waiting, you should gather any necessary documents you relied on in your EOI for example, identification documents, English proficiency documents, qualifications, etc. You will be required to complete a skills assessment using a recognised skills assessing authority for your occupation, for example Tafe NSW.

Once your EOI has been assessed, you will be invited to apply for your visa. You have 60 days from the date of the invitation to apply.

You may be granted a Bridging Visa (temporary visa) while you wait for you application to be assessed. You will be notified once you apply.

Eligibility

You must have a suitable skill

Be invited to apply

Be under the age of 45

Score 65 points or more on skillselect when you lodge your EOI

Have competent English 

Meet the skills requirement

Meet the medical requirement

Paid any outstanding debts to the Australian Government e.g. taxes, fees, etc

Not had a Visa previously cancelled or refused.

What can I do

You will be able to:

Stay in Australia permanently (permanent residency)

Work and study

Enroll in Medicare

Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia

Travel to and from Australia for 5 years

Apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the eligibility requirements

Cost

$4115.00

Processing time: 

It can take between 17 months and 28 months to be approved for this Visa.

• New Zealand stream

The New Zealand stream is slightly different. It requires applicants to:

Hold a New Zealand Special Category Visa (subclass 444)

Reside in Australia for the past 5 years

Started living in Australia on or before 19 February 2016

Have a taxable income at or above the income threshold for the year you are making your application.

Processing times

The processing time for the New Zealand stream is slightly faster. It takes between 15 and 16 months.

Subclass 190, or the Skilled Nominated Visa, is similar to the subclass 189 Visa, however, unlike the subclass 190 Visa, this Visa requires sponsorship by an Australian state or territory government.

Eligibility

You will need to submit an expression of interest to the Department of Home Affairs. 

After you submit your expression of interest, you may be nominated for the Visa by an Australian state or territory. 

You can only apply for this Visa if you have been nominated.

You will need to complete a relevant skills assessment prior to lodging your expression of interest.

You MUST be aged under 45 years when you are invited to apply.

You will need to accrue at least 65 points in the SkillSelect assessment.

You MUST be proficient in English.

You MUST pass the health assessment.

You MUST be of good character and pass the character test. For example, you cannot have certain criminal convictions. 

You have to pay any outstanding debts owed to the Australian Government. For example, income tax. 

You must NOT have had a previous Visa cancelled or refused. 

What can I do?

This Visa gives you permanent residency meaning you can stay in Australia indefinitely.

You can work and study in Australia.

You can apply for Medicare.

You can sponsor your family to move to Australia.

You can travel to and from Australia for five years.

You can apply for Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements. 

Cost

$4115.00 for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for 

Processing time

Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the processing times vary.

Subclass 190 requires sponsorship by an Australian state or territory government. Once you are successful, you will be granted permanent residency and can work or study in Australia. For further assistance, contact our Immigration team for a free initial consultation. 

Eligibility requirements

• Be over the age of 60 years of age 
• Be a permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen when you apply and when the decision is made about your application
• You intend to live in Australia or maintain a lasting link with Australia while overseas.

Cost

• An application fee applies. The current fee is $180, however, a $20 concession fee is available for concession holders.
• Children of applicants under the age of 16 can apply for free.

Processing time

• From the date of application to approval, the processing time is 14 months to 16 months
• From the date of application to ceremony, the processing time is 18-21 months.