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