Skilled Independent visa 189
The Skilled Independent visa 189 is a permanent visa for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills Australia needs, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Points-tested stream:
- Nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Must be invited to apply for a visa
- Have at least competent English
- Have a positive skills assessment for the nominated occupation which was not for Temporary Graduate visa 485
- Be under 45 years old at the time of Invitation
- Meet the points test pass mark (which is set at 65 currently) and the points score is not less than the score stated in the invitation to apply for a visa
- Must not nominate for New Zealand stream
- Meet health and character requirements
New Zealand stream:
- Must not nominate for points-tested stream
- No age limit
- Primary applicant must hold Special category visa 444
- The applicant must have arrived Australia after 26 February 2001 but before 19 February 2016. Those who arrive after 19 February 2016 are not eligible under this option.
- Applicant has been usually resident in Australia for continuous period for 5 years before date of application which started on or before 19 February 2016
- Taxable income for the previous 4 years is at least equivalent to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT =$53,900) for each year, unless the applicant is exempt (primary carer of a child OR receiving compensation for injury OR had a period of parental care, including maternity / paternity leave)
- Meet health and character requirements