Can You Qualify for the 189 Visa Australia?

Foreign skilled workers who wish to permanently live and work in Australia have limited options for direct permanent residence (PR). The most important eligibility criteria is, of course, the candidate’s occupation, and the demand for that occupation in Australia. The most straightforward route to PR is the Skilled Independent 189 Visa Australia, which is a highly selective visa category. The basic visa eligibility requirements are as follows:

· Have an occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, and have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for that occupation.

· Score at least 65 points based on age, language skills, education, work experience, single status or partner skills, and adaptability factors.

· Have at least competent English language skills, demonstrated through the results of an approved language proficiency test.

· Be under 45 years of age at the time of receiving an invitation to apply for this visa.

· Demonstrate good health and character.

While these seem to be fairly simple requirements, not all aspirants who meet the eligibility requirements can actually apply for this visa. Only the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for the visa. The point cut-off for receiving an invitation could be much higher than 65 points. Those with a low point score should explore other visa pathways that could be more feasible:

Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa which grants PR to foreign workers who are nominated by the governing agency of an Australia state or territory based on their ability to meet local labor market requirements. Nomination for this visa adds 5 points to the candidate’s score, and incr eases the chances of being invited to apply for the visa.

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa which allows foreign workers who are nominated by a state or territory governing agency, or sponsored by an eligible relative, to live and work in a designated regional area of Australia for up to 5 years. The candidate can become eligible for PR after three years of living and working in the regional area. Nomination or sponsorship under this visa adds 15 points to the total score, which is a massive advantage.

It is important to make an informed choice with a practical approach towards gaining temporary or permanent residence. If a candidate does not have great chances of being among the top-scoring candidates under the 189 visa Australia, the two state nomination visas mentioned above can boost their point score and provide better prospects of visa approval. To calculate your score and select the ideal visa category for your profile, seek the seasoned guidance of India’s most reliable immigration consultants at Visa Experts, by booking a free counselling session today!