The 189 visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer.
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa also allows qualified New Zealanders and Hong Kong or British oversea passport holders to migrate to Australia permanently. For a point-test applicant, the occupation list can be found the link: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/skilled-migration-program/what-we-do/legislative-instruments
The Subclass 189 Visa has 3 streams:
Points test stream
You must
- Select the occupation and meet EOI requirements
- Have a positive skill assessment confirmation letter
- Have a satisfied English language proficiency report
- Meet Age and Health and Character requirements
- No a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia
New Zealand Stream (No a point required)
You must
- Hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa,
- Meet the minimum income threshold for at least 3 completed financial years in the 5 years immediately before apply
- Reside in Australia for a continuous period of at least 5 years immediately before apply
- Meet Health and Character requirements
- No a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia
Hong Kong Stream (No a point required)
You must
- Hold an eligible visa (482 or 485) for at least 4 years at the time your application not the multiple (same subclass) visas
- Hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport at the time the application
- Reside in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before apply
- Have complied with the conditions attached to the eligible visa when in Australia
- Have functional English or pay the second instalment at the decision time of your application
- Meet Health and Character requirements
- No a visa cancelled or refused while in Australia
The Skills Point-Test System
Calculation table of the points
