Certainly, the 189/191 visas can be applied for via the HK stream, a special pathway designed for holders of Hong Kong or British nationality. This stream allows you to obtain Australian permanent residency more easily, efficiently, and quickly. You can find more details in this article:https://www.investwithalison.com/post/2023-australian-
If you are not a resident of the above regions, you can learn about the most popular migration pathways through this article, which provides a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
1. Australia 189 Visa (Skilled Independent Visa)
The 189 visa, also known as the "Skilled Independent Visa," is a migration visa category established for highly skilled professionals. The key feature of this visa is that applicants do not need to rely on sponsorship from an employer, state government, or relative. Instead, it is entirely based on an individual's skills and qualifications, granting permanent residency in Australia. This article will outline the basic conditions, application process, and requirements for the 189 visa.
Official website for reference:https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-independent-189
1.1 Visa Overview
The 189 visa primarily applies to applicants with occupations listed on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Visa holders can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia.
Applicants can include their spouse and dependent children as part of the application.
This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer or government agency, allowing applicants to apply independently.
1.2 Application Requirements
Age Requirement:Applicants must be under 45 years old. Those aged 45 and above do not qualify, so it’s important to prepare early.
Nominated Occupation:Applicants must choose and apply for an occupation listed on the MLTSSL. This occupation must be assessed by the relevant Australian authority to confirm the applicant’s skills and qualifications meet the requirements.
English Language Proficiency:Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency, typically through the IELTS or equivalent tests. Minimum requirements:
IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.0, with no band below 6.0.
PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 50.
TOEFL iBT: Total score of at least 64.
Points Test:Applicants must achieve at least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as:
Age: Applicants aged 25–32 receive the highest points.
Work Experience: Both Australian and overseas work experience contribute to points.
Education: Higher qualifications (e.g., university degrees) attract additional points.
English Proficiency: Higher English test scores earn extra points.
Partner Points: If a partner meets skills or English requirements, additional points may be awarded.
Health Requirements:Applicants must undergo a health examination by designated Australian medical providers and meet the health requirements.
Character Requirements:Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate good character.
Application Cost: AUD 4,765
1.3 Application Process
Step 1: Skills AssessmentApplicants must first undergo a skills assessment by the relevant Australian authority. This is the first step, and the process cannot proceed without a positive outcome.
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)Through the SkillSelect system, applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and indicate their intent to migrate. The Department of Home Affairs selects eligible candidates based on EOI points.
Step 3: Visa Application After Receiving an InvitationOnce invited by the Department of Home Affairs, applicants can lodge a formal visa application and submit supporting documents, including the skills assessment and English test results.
Step 4: Await a DecisionThe Department reviews the submitted documents and makes a decision. Successful applicants are granted permanent residency.
1.4 Benefits of Holding a 189 Visa
With the 189 Skilled Independent Visa, you and your family can enjoy long-term benefits, including:
Permanent Residency in Australia: Settle in Australia without needing sponsorship.
Work and Study Opportunities: Choose to work or study anywhere in Australia.
Access to Medicare: Join Australia’s public healthcare system for free or subsidized medical services.
Sponsor Family Members: Support eligible relatives to migrate and settle in Australia.
Unlimited Travel: Travel in and out of Australia freely for 5 years from the visa’s grant date.
Pathway to Citizenship: Apply for Australian citizenship if eligibility requirements are met.
The 189 visa not only provides security but also an opportunity to fulfill your Australian dream, offering a higher quality of life and greater opportunities for personal and professional growth.
1.5 Duration of Stay
The 189 visa is a permanent visa, allowing indefinite residency in Australia. The travel component is valid for 5 years from the visa grant date, enabling unrestricted travel to and from Australia.
2. Australia 191 Visa (Permanent Residence Regional Visa)
The 191 visa is designed for holders of 491 or 494 provisional visas, allowing them to apply for permanent residency after meeting specific residency and work requirements. This visa encourages migrants to settle in regional Australia, contributing to its economic growth.
Official article for reference:https://www.investwithalison.com/zh/post/skilled-visa
2.1 Visa Overview
Intended for provisional visa holders who have lived, worked, and studied in regional Australia for a set period.
Grants permanent residency and allows the holder and their family to reside, work, and access public benefits (e.g., Medicare).
Pathway to Australian citizenship once eligibility criteria are met.
Cost: AUD 490
2.2 Application Requirements
Hold a 491 or 494 Visa for at least 3 years.
Live and Work in Regional Areas:
Reside in a designated regional area (e.g., Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia) for 3 years.
Meet the income threshold of AUD 53,900 per year (evidenced by tax returns or employer statements).
Comply with Visa Conditions: No violations of 491 or 494 visa terms.
Health and Character Requirements: Submit health examinations and police clearance.
2.3 Application Process
Confirm eligibility by meeting residency, work, and income conditions.
Prepare documents (residency proof, tax records, etc.).
Submit the 191 visa application before the provisional visa expires via the Department of Home Affairs website.
Await assessment and provide additional documents if requested.
Receive the 191 permanent residency visa.
3. Comparison of 189 and 191 Visas
Criteria | 189 Visa | 191 Visa |
Visa Type | Skilled Independent Permanent Visa | Regional Permanent Residence Visa |
Sponsorship Requirement | None | Must hold 491/494 visa |
Residency Restriction | None | Must reside in regional areas for 3 years |
Minimum Income Requirement | None | AUD 53,900 per year |
PR Application Timeline | Submit EOI and receive an invitation | Apply after 3 years in regional areas |
4. Key Considerations
Australian immigration policies are dynamic and subject to change based on economic and social conditions. Applicants must stay updated on policy changes that may affect visa eligibility or application procedures.
Policy Changes May Include:
Updates to the Skilled Occupation Lists (e.g., MLTSSL, STSOL).
Adjustments to the points test system.
Changes to visa costs, income thresholds, or health requirements.
How to Stay Updated:
Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for accurate and official information.
Subscribe to email updates from the immigration department for timely notifications.
Follow updates from professional migration agencies or legal firms for clear interpretations of policy changes.
Alison’s Story
Born in Hong Kong an moved to Australia, I have been associated with real estate all my life. As the plane slowly landed on the runway of Melbourne Airport, my life and career also changed to another runway. I changed from a Hong Kong real estate agent to an Australian real estate agent, and successfully obtained the Australian lawyer qualification.
When I was working in a law firm, I was surrounded by highly educated professionals. Even though their wages are very well, and they are absolutely the elites in society, but their lives are full of hard labor, and it’s hard for them to get rich through buying properties.
So I spend all my time and effort on learning financial and real estate investment knowledge, hoping to achieve financial freedom as soon as possible, and let my parents who have worked hard for many years live a good life.
Now I will share with you the knowledge and experience of investing in Australian real estate, and embark on the road to financial freedom together.
Alison Australian real estate information platform
The original intention of Miss Alison to establish investwithalison.com is to provide neutral Australian real estate information through this platform and help investors establish the most suitable investment strategy.
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