Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa
Work and live in Australia with this permanent resident work visa. Certain foreign-national skilled workers, who hold occupations on Australia’s Skilled Occupations List, may be eligible for a Subclass 189 visa. This visa requires the applicant to complete a skills test and be sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government.
What Are the Benefits of a Skilled Independent Work Visa (Subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Work Visa offers all the benefits of Australian permanent residence for you and your family.
- Work and live in Australia indefinitely
- Opportunity to study in Australia
- Enroll in Medicare, Australia’s state-run healthcare program
- Opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship
- Sponsor relatives for permanent residence
- Travel in and out of Australia as you please
Additional path to permanent residence for New Zealand citizens
On July 1 2017, this additional path became a new stream within the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa making it easier for New Zealand citizens who have been living in Australia to become permanent residents.
You must meet the following requirements in order to apply:
- Hold a Special Category (subclass 444) visa
- Have been living in Australia continuously for five years and started that period before February 19, 2016 prior to applying
- Meet the taxable income requirements
- Meet the health requirements
- Meet the character requirements