189 Visa – Skilled Independent Visa

Applying for a 189 Visa? Brisbane-based HCM Legal can help

If you’re looking to secure permanent residency in Brisbane, the 189 Visa (Skilled Independent Visa) may be available to those with the required skills for occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The 189 Independent Visa allows the holder to stay, study and work in Australia for an unspecified period of time. Additionally, it is not dependent upon sponsorship from family members, state, territory or employer and allows enrolment in the National Healthcare Scheme.

HCM Legal can assist you through every stage of your application for a 189 Visa in Brisbane, or elsewhere in Australia, to help you navigate your way to permanent residency. A highly sought-after visa, the Skilled Independent Visa application is made directly to and selected by the federal government. It has four stages to go through and the criteria for each stage must be met before going on to the next stage.

1. Skills assessment

2. Expression of Interest (EOI) submission

3. Invitation to Apply (ITA)

4. Grant of Visa

 

The 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows the holder to stay, study and work in Australia for an unspecified period of time

1: Skills Assessment

If your occupation is listed on the list of skilled occupations, you will need to have a successful skill assessment through the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. Documents to validate your application are also required and may include:

· Academic qualifications certificates

· Work Experience proof

· English Tests

· Tax statements/Invoices

The documentation may vary depending on the assessing authority, but you will be charged a fee when you apply to the assessing authority, and it can take from 3 months to receive an outcome. You can only continue to the next stage of the process if you receive a letter confirming a positive outcome.

2: Expression of Interest (EOI)

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for a Skilled Independent Visa. Before you can make the application, you need to:

· Meet the minimum points requirement of 65 points, and

· Be no more than 45 years old when your invitation to apply is received

· Fulfil the health and character requirements

· Provide evidence of your competency in English

Applicants are chosen on a supply and demand points-based basis. Thus, applicants with the highest points are chosen first, then and as first-come-first-served if two applicants have the same points. It can take less than a month or up to 18 months and depends on the other applicants and how much demand there is for your occupation. If successful, you are sent an Invitation to Apply for the Skilled Independent Visa.

3: Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a 189 (Skilled Independent) Visa

When you receive an official ITA from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), the process is almost complete. To accept your place in the skilled migration program you will need to:

· Pay your visa fees

· Submit your validation documents to support the claims in your EOI

· Submit approved medical checks

· Submit a police clearance certificate for every country you have stayed in accumulatively for 12 months in the last 10 years

· Supply any other documents as required

If your checks are clear, you will be given a visa grant letter by the DHA.

Family members, such as a partner and children, can be included in the application for a 189 Visa

4: Grant of Visa

The 189 Visa will contain details of the grant, conditions and validity period. You will be given a date by which you have to activate the visa—which is triggered by an initial entry to Australia. After that, you are free to leave and re-enter the country as many times as you wish during your initial travel authority of 5 years.

HCM Legal are experts in immigration law and in making applications for 189 Visas. Our Immigration lawyers in Brisbane can help you through the intricacies of the process so that you can be confident every step of the way—from your initial assessment through to securing your visa.

Family Members

Family members, such as a partner and children, can be included in the application for a 189 Visa. Each must hold a valid passport and meet the health and character requirements stated by the DHA. You do not have to add children to your application until you have received confirmation of our visa application, but a partner should be included in your initial application. Be sure to get the right advice from our team in Brisbane to secure your 189 Visa for you and your family.

Apply for a 189 Visa with leading Brisbane Immigration Lawyers

Don’t let an uninformed decision cost you your dream of living and working in Australia. Supporting you through every stage of your application for a 189 Visa, our Brisbane team of immigration lawyers offer expert advice and reliable solutions to help you realise your dreams.