Skilled Migration

Permanent Visa (Subclass 189/190)

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are permanent residence visas for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member, or who are nominated by a state or territory government.

Processing Time

6-12 months

Visa Application Fee

AUD $4,640

Need Help?

+61 479 171 282

Eligibility Requirements

Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation

Have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

Score at least 65 points on the points test

Have competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent in each component)

Meet health and character requirements

For 190: Have a state/territory nomination

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect

Benefits

Live and work in Australia permanently

Access to Medicare (Australia's public health system)

Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

Study in Australia with access to HECS-HELP

Apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from visa grant date

Documentation Required

Ensure you have the following documents ready for your application.

1

Valid passport

2

Skills assessment from relevant authority

3

English language test results

4

Employment references and evidence

5

Educational qualifications and transcripts

6

Police clearance certificates from all countries lived 12+ months

7

Health examination results

8

Evidence of relationship (if including family)

9

State nomination letter (for subclass 190)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 189 and 190 visas?

The 189 is independent and doesn't require state nomination (0 extra points), while 190 requires state/territory nomination which adds 5 points to your total. The 190 may also have additional state-specific requirements.

How does the points test work?

Points are awarded based on age, English ability, skilled employment experience, qualifications, and other factors. You need a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, but higher points increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

The entire process can take 12-24 months, including skills assessment (2-4 months), waiting for invitation (varies), and visa processing (6-12 months).

Can I bring my family on a permanent visa?

Yes, you can include your spouse/de facto partner and dependent children under 23 years in your application. Additional visa application charges apply for family members.

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