189 - Skilled Independent Visa

requirements

For you to apply for this visa, you need to:

● Satisfy the points test criteria (65 points at least)

● Have an occupation relevant to the skilled occupation list

● Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation (provisional skills assessment will not satisfy this requirement)

● Have competent English skills

● Be under 45 at the time of receiving an invitation from Home Affairs to appy for this visa

Special requirements for new zealand citizens only

New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia and who live/work in Australia permanently, may also apply for this visa.

The requirements for Zealand citizens are:

● Must hold a New Zealand Special Category Visa (Subclass 444)

● Must have lived in Australia for at least 5 years

● Must have started living in Australia on or before February 19th 2016

● Note that you will be required to evidence that you meet the appropriate income threshold  for each of the four completed income years prior to lodging an application

what you can do on this visa

Once you hold a Skilled Independent Visa – 189, you are allowed to:

● Stay, work and study permanently in Australia

● Travel as required from and to Australia

● Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence

● Apply to become Australian citizenship if applicable

● Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme (e.g. Medicare)