Australia continues to be a sought-after destination for individuals seeking better job opportunities, quality healthcare, education, and an overall high standard of living. The Australia Permanent Resident Visa Subclass 189 is a popular pathway for skilled workers wishing to migrate to Australia. This visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently and provides access to numerous benefits. In this article, we will cover the eligibility criteria, benefits, step-by-step process, documents checklist, fees, proof of funds, and recent updates. We will also explain how Visas Abroad Services LLP, India’s leading immigration consultancy with a presence at Gaur City Mall, Noida, can assist in the process.
What is Australia Permanent Resident Visa Subclass 189?
The Australia PR Visa Subclass 189 is a skilled migration visa that enables individuals with the required skills to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is a points-tested visa, meaning your eligibility is assessed based on points that you accumulate from various factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, and education.
Key Features of Subclass 189:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Subclass | 189 |
| Visa Type | Permanent Residency |
| Visa Requirements | Points-based test |
| Processing Time | Approx. 6-12 months |
| Eligibility Criteria | Skilled occupation, points-based, age, English |
| Benefits | Work, live, study in Australia, access to healthcare, social services |
| Family Members | Can include family members in the application |
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 189
To be eligible for the Subclass 189 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement:
- You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for the visa.
- Skills and Occupation:
- You must have a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for an occupation that is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- The occupation must match the one on the SOL that is in demand in Australia.
- English Language Proficiency:
- You must demonstrate your proficiency in the English language through an approved test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or CELPIP.
- A minimum score of Competent English (6.0 in each band of IELTS) is required for most applicants.
- Points Requirement:
- You must score at least 65 points in the points-based test to be eligible for the visa.
- Points are awarded based on age, English proficiency, education qualifications, work experience, and other factors.
- Health and Character Requirements:
- You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- Health examinations and police clearance certificates may be required.
- Expression of Interest (EOI):
- You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
- You need to wait for an invitation to apply for the visa based on your points score and ranking.
Benefits of Subclass 189 Visa
The Subclass 189 visa comes with numerous advantages that make it one of the most sought-after visa types for skilled professionals:
- Live and Work in Australia Permanently:
- Enjoy unrestricted work rights in Australia.
- Live in any Australian state or territory.
- Access to Healthcare:
- As a permanent resident, you will have access to Medicare, Australia’s public health insurance system, which provides affordable healthcare services.
- Bring Family Members:
- You can include your partner, children, and dependent relatives in your application, allowing them to live, study, and work in Australia as well.
- Pathway to Citizenship:
- After holding the PR visa for 4 years, you can apply for Australian citizenship, subject to meeting other criteria.
- Education and Social Security:
- Access to Australian education system and social welfare benefits such as unemployment benefits and pensions.
Step-by-Step Process for Subclass 189 Visa Application
The application process for Australia PR Visa Subclass 189 involves several steps. Let’s go through each step in detail:
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Skills Assessment
- Ensure that your occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority based on your occupation (e.g., ACS for IT professionals, AHPRA for healthcare workers).
Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Create an account on the SkillSelect system and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Based on the information provided, your EOI will be ranked according to points.
- Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA) for the visa.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If your EOI is successful, you will receive an ITA from the Australian Government to apply for the PR visa.
- The invitation will be valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa
- Once you receive the ITA, you can apply for the Subclass 189 visa.
- Submit your application with the required documents such as passport, skills assessment, English proficiency results, and health/character clearances.
Step 5: Wait for Visa Grant
- The processing time for the Subclass 189 visa is typically between 6 to 12 months, depending on your application.
- If approved, you will be granted permanent residency and receive your visa grant letter.
Documents Checklist for Subclass 189 Visa
Here’s a detailed list of documents you need to prepare for your application:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid passport for the main applicant and family members |
| Skills Assessment | Skills assessment certificate from relevant assessing authority |
| English Language Test Results | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/CELPIP test results |
| EOI Submission | Copy of the Expression of Interest submission |
| Work Experience Documents | Work references, payslips, and employment records |
| Health Examination Results | Health check-up reports from an authorized provider |
| Police Clearance Certificate | Police clearance from the applicant’s home country |
| Marriage/Divorce Certificate | If applying with a spouse or partner |
| Birth Certificates | For dependents (children) |
Fees for Subclass 189 Visa
The visa fees for Subclass 189 vary based on the applicant’s age and family composition. Here is a general breakdown:
| Applicant Type | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | 4,240 |
| Partner or Spouse | 2,120 |
| Dependent Child | 1,060 |
| Additional Family Members | 1,060 per person |
Note: These fees are indicative and can vary. It’s recommended to check the official Australian immigration website for the latest updates.
Proof of Funds for Subclass 189
As part of the application process, you must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your dependents when you arrive in Australia. The proof of funds typically includes:
- Bank Statements: Showing a balance sufficient to cover your initial living costs (usually around AUD 21,041 for a single applicant).
- Financial Documents: If applicable, provide documents such as tax returns, pay slips, or any other proof of financial stability.
Current Updates on Subclass 189 Visa
- SkillSelect Updates: The Australian government continues to update the SkillSelect system, including the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), reflecting the current demand for specific professions.
- Points Changes: Recent updates have seen a shift in how points are awarded for specific factors, such as work experience and qualifications. Always stay updated on changes that may affect your eligibility.
- Processing Times: With changes in immigration policies and increased demand, processing times may fluctuate. It is crucial to stay informed about any delays or changes in timelines.
How Visas Abroad Services LLP Can Help
Visas Abroad Services LLP, with an office at Gaur City Mall, Noida, is a leading immigration consultancy in India, offering expert services to help you secure your Australia PR Visa Subclass 189.
Our Services Include:
- Visa Consultation: We assess your profile to determine your eligibility and guide you on the right visa pathway.
- Skills Assessment Assistance: We help you choose the correct assessing authority for your occupation and assist in obtaining the necessary skills assessment.
- EOI Submission: We manage your Expression of Interest (EOI) submission and help you achieve the highest possible points.
- Documentation: Our team ensures that all documents are in order, helping you avoid errors and delays.
- Application Processing: From the Invitation to Apply (ITA) to the visa grant, we handle your entire application process.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support throughout the immigration process, addressing any queries or challenges you may face.
The Australia Permanent Resident Visa Subclass 189 is a fantastic opportunity for skilled workers to migrate to Australia and secure permanent residency. With the right preparation, documentation, and support, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful application. Visas Abroad Services LLP offers professional guidance to make the entire process seamless, ensuring your migration to Australia is smooth and stress-free.
