Learn Some Considerable Things before Applying for Skilled Independent Visa 189
The Skilled Independent Visa 189 is an Australian visa under the Department of Home Affairs’ general skilled migration (GSM) program. It allows overseas skilled workers to stay in Australia permanently, provided they are not sponsored by a state or territory government, a family member, or an Australian employer. This blog discusses some key things to note before applying.
What is the Skilled Migration Program?
Most Australian permanent residence visas are designed under the GSM or general skilled migration program, which is the main pathway for overseas applicants migrating to Australia.
The yearly intake size of this program is 190000. International individuals having skills in occupations with great demands in the Australian job market can apply for permanent residency under this program. They do not require any employer nomination.
What Are the Primary Requirements for the Subclass 189?
Here we discuss the primary requirements you have to meet for this visa.
- Firstly, you will be required to provide a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation present on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List.
- Meeting the minimum English language requirements is necessary.
- Make sure you are invited to apply from the Department of Home Affairs.
- You should be under 45 years of age when receiving the invitation.
- The Visa Subclass 189 is a points-based visa. You will need to score a minimum of 65 points in the points test to be eligible for the visa.
Which Steps Should You Complete to Make Your Application?
The visa application procedure goes through several steps, which are as follows.
Occupation Assessment
Remember that the visa is for individuals with skills in occupations with high demand in the Australian job sector. To prove that, you will have to go through a skills assessment. For every occupation, there is a different authority.
Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Next, you will have to submit an EOI. The Department of Home Affairs will go through the information to check if you achieve 65 points.
While uploading the required documents is not necessary at this stage, make sure you have all of them before submitting your EOI.
Receiving the Invitation to Apply
If you can score 65 points or higher, the Department will send you the invitation to apply. Note that the higher you score, the more the chance will be.
Uploading the Documents
Once you are invited to apply, the next vital step will be to scan all the necessary documents and upload them. You should also pay your visa application fee to complete your application.
After the submission, you may have to provide further information if the Department asks.
Visa Grant
The authority will inform you about your visa application outcome via email, where you will find all the relevant details.
For professional guidance and the best application outcome, you may consider consulting a migration agent Adelaide.
What is the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)?
MLTSSL is the latest version of the skilled occupation list designed by the Australian Government. To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must have skills in an occupation present on this list. Otherwise, you cannot make a valid application.
This list contains a little more than 170 occupations.
Applicants often fail to find their nominated occupation on the list. If you face any such situation, the best thing will be to use the particular ANZSCO (Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code for that occupation and conduct your search.
What Is Meant by the English Language Requirement?
Because Australia is an English-speaking country, having a competent English language proficiency level is necessary. Usually, you will need to take an internationally accepted English language test and submit the scores. Check the requirements below.
- If you give IELTS, score at least 6 in all four test components, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- Appearing for an OET will require you to score a minimum of B in all the reading, writing, speaking, and listening components.
- If you plan to take the TOEFL iBT, you must score 18, 21, 13, and 12 in speaking, writing, reading, and listening, respectively.
- A minimum of 50 in each test component will be required if you plan to appear for the PTE Academic.
However, if you hold a passport of an English-speaking country like the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, or New Zealand, this condition will not apply.
We have discussed the minimum English language requirements for primary visa applicants. Because you will have to score higher on the points test, achieving a much better score in one of these tests is always recommended.
Things to Note about the Age Requirement
As we have mentioned, the main applicants must be below 45 years of age when receiving the invitation to apply.
It means your age will not be considered when starting the application procedure. It will only be considered when the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application to send you the invitation to apply.
Also, note that only the age of the primary applicant should be under 45. There is no restriction imposed on the age of the secondary applications.
How Are the Points Calculated?
One of the key things about the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Australia is that it is a points-based visa, and scoring at least 65 points will make you eligible. The previous requirement was 60 points.
While calculating the points, the authority will consider several parameters and qualifications, including age, English language ability, academic qualifications, etc.
Age
Individuals falling in the age range of 25 to 32 get the highest points (30). 25 points are awarded to individuals falling in the age groups 18-24 and 33-39.
English Language Proficiency
Scores will be different for different levels of English language ability.
- For competent English, you will receive no points.
- Having a proficient level of English will help you get 10 points.
- 20 points are awarded to applicants with a superior level of English.
Academic Qualifications
- 10 for diploma
- 15 for Bachelor and Masters
- 20 for PhD
Skilled Employment (in Australia)
- 5 points for 1-3 years of experience
- 10 points for 3-5 years of experience
- 15 points for 5-8 years of experience
- 20 points for up to 10 years of experience
Skilled Employment (Overseas)
- 5 points for 3-5 years of experience
- 10 points for 5-8 years of experience
- 15 points for 8-10 years of experience
Getting a Degree from Australia
You will receive 5 points if you have been awarded a diploma or a degree by an Australian institute. However, you must also meet all the Australian study requirements, including:
- Studying for at least 2 academic years (or 92 weeks)
- Studying a CRICOS-registered course
- Staying in Australia while completing your graduation
Other Factors
Several other factors can also help you score higher on the points test. These parameters include partner skill qualifications, attending a Professional Year Program in Australia, partner’s English language ability, etc.
Who Can Help You in Finding the Best Immigration Agent?
Many immigration agents Adelaide are currently working in Australia. But for the best visa outcome, it is important to consult the most experienced professional. To find them easily, you may contact any top-rated migration firm that has served many clients over several years.
