How to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Australia?

189 Visa Australia from Bangladesh – A Complete Guide

Moving to Australia is a dream for many individuals in Bangladesh, and the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa offers a fantastic opportunity to turn that dream into reality. This visa allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia permanently, without the need for sponsorship from an employer, state, or family member.

This guide is tailored for applicants from Bangladesh and will walk you through everything you need to know about the 189 visa — including its benefits, different streams, and the step-by-step application process. With the right information and preparation, Bangladeshi applicants can take confident steps toward securing Australian permanent residency.

Let’s explore how you can make the move to Australia through the Subclass 189 visa.

What is 189 Visa Australia?

A Subclass 189 Visa allows you to live and work in Australia permanently. If you meet the qualifications, you will be granted Australian citizenship and can sponsor your family members.

Advantages of Subclass 189 Visa Australia From Bangladesh
The Subclass 189 visa is unique. It allows individuals to live and work anywhere in Australia as permanent residents. No employer or family sponsor is needed. This visa offers freedom and independence. Here are the top benefits:

Residency for Life: You can live and work in Australia freely. Once approved, you can also sponsor friends or family.

No Sponsorship Needed: You don’t need an invitation from someone. This visa is points-based, considering your job, education, character, and age.

Healthcare and Education Services: You’ll get access to low-cost public education from schools to universities.

Work Independence: Once granted, you are not tied to a single employer. You can change jobs without affecting your visa.

Assistance Programs: This visa allows access to government support programs. Permanent residents enjoy similar rights to Australian citizens.

However, benefits may change over time. Contact Expert Opinion for the latest updates.


Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Points Tested Stream
The Skilled Independent 189 Visa is for skilled workers without employer or government sponsorship. You need to score enough points based on age, English, experience, and education. Sentence lengths vary for easy reading.


Including Family Members in Your 189 Visa Australia (Points Tested Stream)
Applicants can include family members in their visa application. This includes a spouse and children. Family members can also live and work in Australia under the same visa.


189 Visa Benefits & Duration (Points Tested Stream)

  • Permanent residency in Australia

  • Access to Medicare (Australia’s healthcare system)

  • Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship

  • Duration: Permanent


Skilled Independent 189 Visa Cost – (Points Tested Stream)
The main applicant pays AUD 4,240. Extra charges apply for family members included in the visa. Fees vary depending on your case. Check the Home Affairs website for current rates.


Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time – (Points Tested Stream)
Processing time varies case by case. It depends on application volume and individual circumstances. On average, it takes 12 to 18 months. Some may be processed faster or slower.


Subclass 189 Visa Eligibility and Documents – (Points Tested Stream)
To apply, you must meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements:

  • Have skills for a listed occupation and undergo skills assessment

  • Score minimum points based on age, English, work, and education

  • Pass health and character checks

Document checklist may include:

  • Passport

  • Skills assessment

  • English test results

  • Work experience proof

  • Character certificates

  • Health exam results


How to Apply for 189 Visa Australia – Points Tested Stream

  • Skills Assessment: Have your skills assessed by the right authority

  • Submit EOI: Submit an Expression of Interest via SkillSelect

  • Receive Invitation: Get an invitation to apply if selected

  • Lodge Application: Apply for the visa with required documents

  • Await Decision: Wait for the immigration office decision and provide extra info if asked


Skilled Independent 189 Visa – New Zealand Stream
The New Zealand Stream of the 189 Visa is for New Zealanders. It helps those living and working in Australia gain permanent residency. It’s for eligible citizens with a strong connection to Australia.


Including Family Members in Your 189 Visa New Zealand Stream Application
Applicants may include eligible family members. Like the Points Tested Stream, this includes spouse and children. Ineligible family members cannot be added.


Subclass 189 Visa New Zealand Stream Benefits & Duration

  • Permanent Residency: Same as the Points Tested Stream

  • Access to Medicare: Includes healthcare access under Medicare

  • Pathway to Citizenship: You may apply for Australian citizenship

  • Duration: Permanent visa


Subclass 189 Visa Cost – New Zealand Stream
The main applicant pays AUD 4,240. Additional costs apply for each dependent. These fees cover visa processing by immigration authorities.


Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time – New Zealand Stream
Processing time is similar to the Points Tested Stream, usually 12 to 18 months.


189 Visa Eligibility Criteria – New Zealand Stream

  • New Zealand Citizenship: Must be a New Zealand citizen

  • Residence in Australia: Must have lived in Australia on or before 19 February 2016

  • Tax Compliance: Must have filed tax returns and followed Australian tax laws

  • Character Requirements: Must provide police clearance certificates

  • Health Requirements: Must meet health requirements through medical exams


Subclass 189 Visa Documents Checklist – New Zealand Stream

  • Proof of Citizenship: Certified copy of NZ passport or birth certificate

  • Residence Evidence: Papers showing residence in Australia on or before Feb 19, 2016

  • Tax Records: Tax return copies and proof of compliance

  • Character Documents: Police clearances for all countries lived in over 12 months

  • Health Exams: Health exam results from approved doctors


How to Get Subclass 189 Visa Australia – New Zealand Stream

  1. Check Eligibility: Review the Home Affairs requirements

  2. Gather Documents: Collect documents like citizenship and health records

  3. Create ImmiAccount: Register on the Department of Home Affairs website

  4. Complete Form 80: Provide your details, job, education, and travel history

  5. Submit EOI: Submit Expression of Interest through ImmiAccount

  6. Wait for Invitation: Wait for your invitation based on your score

  7. Lodge Application: Submit your application and upload documents

  8. Pay Fee: Pay visa application fee online

  9. Await Processing: Wait for the decision

  10. Provide More Info: Respond to requests for additional documents

  11. Receive Decision: If approved, receive permanent residency visa


189 Visa Australia Points Calculator
Australia uses a points system for skilled migration. Points are based on age, English, work, and education. Meeting the minimum score is required. The system includes various criteria.

1 – Age

 

Age RangePoints
18–25 years25
25–33 years30
33–40 years25
40–45 years15

2 – English Skills

 

English LevelPoints
Competent0
Proficient10
Superior20

3 – Education

 

QualificationPoints
Doctorate20
Bachelor/Master’s Degree15
Diploma10
Award or Qualification for Occupation10

4 – Experience

Skilled Employment Overseas

 

ExperiencePoints
Less Than 3 Years0
3–4 Years5
5–7 Years10
At Least 8 Years15

Skilled Employment in Australia

 

ExperiencePoints
Less Than 1 Year0
1–2 Years5
3–4 Years10
5–7 Years15
At Least 8 Years20

Subclass 189 Visa Australia Skilled Occupation List
The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) includes jobs in demand in Australia. You must select an occupation from the SOL to apply for the 189 skilled worker visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Subclass 189 is a Permanent Visa in Australia.

To get PR in Australia, you can apply through skilled migration programs like Subclass 189 or family reunion, among other pathways.

Eligible applicants for Subclass 189 must-have skills in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, meet the points requirement, and pass health and character checks.

The Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) is valid indefinitely as it provides permanent residency in Australia.

Subclass 189 is a skilled independent visa, while Subclass 190 requires nomination by a specific Australian state or territory government and has additional eligibility criteria.

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