The Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa might be your ticket to make that dream a reality. This highly sought-after visa allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without needing sponsorship. But how do you get invited for a 189 visa? It’s a process that requires careful planning and strategy.
To boost your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a 189 visa, you’ll need to understand the eligibility criteria, maximise your points score, and submit a compelling Expression of Interest. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to follow, from assessing your eligibility to optimising your EOI form.
We’ll also share strategies to increase your odds of getting that coveted 189 invite in the next invitation round. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate the 189 visa application process with confidence.
Assessing Your Eligibility for Subclass 189 Visa
Before you start the process of applying for a Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, it’s crucial to assess your eligibility. This step will help you understand if you meet the basic requirements and have a good chance of receiving an invitation to apply. Let’s break down the key aspects you need to consider.
Points Test Overview
The points test is a fundamental part of the 189 visa application process. It’s designed to assess your skills and attributes against a set of criteria. As of now, you need to score a minimum of 65 points to be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). However, keep in mind that having just 65 points might not be enough to secure an invitation, especially for competitive occupations.
The points system takes into account various factors, including:
• Age: Your age at the time of invitation plays a role in your points score.
• English language skills: Your proficiency in English can significantly impact your points.
• Work experience: Both overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related field can earn you points.
• Educational qualifications: Your highest qualification is considered in the points calculation.
• Australian study: Completing studies in designated regional areas of Australia can provide additional points.
It’s important to note that the more points you have, the stronger your application will be. Some occupations may require a much higher pass mark, and not all occupations are invited in each round. So, aim to maximise your points wherever possible.
Occupation Requirements
To be eligible for the 189 visa, your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list specifies the occupations that are in demand in Australia. Each occupation on the list has an associated Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code.
When selecting your occupation, make sure it matches your skills and qualifications. You’ll need to obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. This assessment verifies that your skills meet the Australian standards for your profession.
The skilled occupation list can change, so it’s essential to check the most current list when you’re preparing your application. If you’re already in Australia on a skilled visa and your occupation is removed from the list, you won’t be impacted unless you need to lodge a new nomination application due to changes in your circumstances.
Health and Character Criteria
Meeting the health and character requirements is crucial for your 189 visa application. These criteria help ensure the safety and well-being of the Australian community.
Health Requirements:
Australia maintains high health standards, and all visa applicants must undergo health screenings. These may include:
• A general medical examination
• Chest x-ray
• HIV test
• Hepatitis B and C tests
The specific tests required can vary based on your age, intended activities in Australia, and your country of origin. If you’re from a country with a higher risk of tuberculosis, you may need to undergo additional screenings.
Character Requirements:
To meet the character criteria, you must be of good character. This involves:
• Providing police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
• Declaring any criminal convictions
• Being honest in all your dealings with the Department of Home Affairs
The character test also considers your past and present criminal or general conduct. If you have a substantial criminal record or pose a potential danger to the Australian community, your visa application may be refused.
It’s important to note that if your visa is refused or cancelled on character grounds, you may face difficulties in future visa applications to Australia.
Thoroughly assessing your eligibility across these areas—points test, occupation requirements, and health and character criteria—you’ll be better prepared to submit a strong Expression of Interest for the 189 visa. Do note that meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t guarantee an invitation, so focus on strengthening your application in all possible areas.
Boosting Your Points Score
To increase your chances of receiving an invitation for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, it’s crucial to maximise your points score. The higher your score, the more competitive your application becomes. Let’s explore some key areas where you can boost your points.
Education and Qualifications
Your educational background plays a significant role in your points tally. The Australian immigration system values higher qualifications, offering more points for advanced degrees.
Here’s a breakdown of how qualifications translate to points:
• Doctorate from an Australian institution or a recognized overseas equivalent: 20 points
• Bachelor’s degree from an Australian institution or a recognized overseas equivalent: 15 points
• Diploma or trade qualification from an Australian institution: 10 points
Additionally, you can earn extra points for specialised education:
• A Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate from an Australian institution, including at least two years of study in a relevant field: 10 points
• Meeting the Australian study requirement: 5 points
It’s worth noting that if you’ve studied in a Designated Regional Area (DRA) of Australia, you can claim an extra 5 points. This applies if you’ve completed either a single eligible qualification requiring at least two years of academic study or a combination of qualifications totalling at least two years of study resulting in an eligible qualification.
Skilled Employment Experience
Your work experience can significantly boost your points score. Both overseas and Australian work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related field counts towards your points. Here’s how it breaks down:
Overseas skilled employment:
• 3 to 5 years: 5 points
• 5 to 8 years: 10 points
• 5 to 8 years: 10 points
Australian skilled employment:
• 1 to 3 years: 5 points
• 3 to 5 years: 10 points
• 5 to 8 years: 15 points
• 8 years or more: 20 points
The maximum points you can claim for employment experience is 20, even if your combined overseas and Australian experience exceeds this.
Partner Skills and Other Factors
If you’re applying with a partner, their skills and qualifications can also contribute to your points score. You can claim additional points if your partner:
• Has competent English: 5 points • Is under 45 years old, has competent English, and has a positive skills assessment in an eligible skilled occupation: 10 points
To claim these partner points, your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass and not be an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
If you’re single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you can claim 10 points under this category.
Other factors that can boost your points include:
• Credentialed Community Language Test: If you pass the NAATI CCL test, you can earn an extra 5 points.
• Professional Year in Australia: Completing a Professional Year program in your field for at least 12 months in the four years before receiving an invitation can add points to your score.
The points system is designed to identify candidates who are most likely to make valuable contributions to the Australian workforce. By focusing on these areas and continuously improving your skills and qualifications, you can significantly enhance your chances of receiving an invitation for the 189 visa. Keep in mind that the required points score can change based on the number of applicants and available places, so aim to accumulate as many points as possible to stay competitive.
Optimising your Expression of Interest
After assessing your eligibility and boosting your points score, the next crucial step in your journey to secure a 189 visa invitation is optimising your Expression of Interest (EOI). This process involves carefully selecting the right occupation, providing a detailed work history, and including relevant qualifications. Let’s dive into each of these aspects to help you create a strong EOI that stands out in the skilled migration pool.
Selecting the Right Occupation
Choosing the correct occupation is a critical step in your EOI. Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Here’s what you need to do:
• Get a skills assessment: Before submitting your EOI, you must obtain a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation. This assessment verifies that your skills meet Australian standards for your profession.
• Check the skilled occupation list: Make sure your occupation is still on the current list, as it can change periodically.
• Match your skills and qualifications: Ensure that your chosen occupation aligns with your actual skills and qualifications. This consistency is crucial for a successful application.
Some occupations may require a higher pass mark, and not all occupations are invited in each round. So, choose wisely and aim for the occupation that best represents your skills and experience.
Providing Detailed Work History
Your work history plays a significant role in your EOI. Here’s how to optimise this section:
• Include relevant employment: Focus on work experience that’s related to your nominated occupation or closely related fields. This is the experience that counts towards your points score.
• Be thorough: Provide details of your work history for the past 10 years. Include your position, employer’s name, dates of employment, and whether the work was related to your nominated occupation.
• Claim points correctly: Only claim employment points for work experience at a relevant skill level. For instance, if you’re applying as a carpenter, you can only claim points for employment after completing your carpentry qualification.
• Be honest: Don’t claim points for experience you can’t prove. If you’re invited to apply based on incorrect information, it could lead to your visa being refused.
Including Relevant Qualifications
Your educational qualifications are another crucial component of your EOI. Here’s how to optimise this section:
• List your highest qualification: The Australian immigration system gives points for your highest level of education. For example, if you have both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, you’ll get points for the master’s degree.
• Check equivalency: Before claiming points for overseas qualifications, ensure they’re equivalent to Australian standards. Your skills assessment authority can help determine this.
• Include Australian study: If you’ve studied in Australia for at least two years, make sure to claim points for meeting the Australian study requirement.
• Provide accurate details: Include the name of the qualification, course, institution, campus, country of study, and dates of study.
All the information you provide in your EOI must be accurate and truthful. You should be able to provide evidence to back up all your claims if invited to apply for the visa.
Carefully optimising these aspects of your EOI, you’ll increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the 189 visa. Keep in mind that your EOI remains valid for two years in the SkillSelect system. During this time, you can update your EOI if your circumstances change, such as gaining additional qualifications or work experience. This flexibility allows you to continually improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Strategies for Increasing your invitation Chances
To boost your chances of receiving an invitation for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa, you need to implement strategic approaches. Here are some key strategies to help you stand out in the competitive pool of applicants.
Monitoring Occupation Ceilings
Keeping a close eye on occupation ceilings is crucial when aiming to be invited for a 189 visa. These ceilings set a limit on the number of invitations that can be issued for each occupation in the skilled migration program. By understanding how these ceilings work, you can better gauge your chances of receiving an invitation.
Occupation ceilings are based on a percentage of stock employment figures provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. They ensure a balanced distribution of skilled migrants across various professions. It’s important to note that once an occupation reaches its ceiling for the programme year, no further invitations will be issued for that specific occupation until the next programme year.
To maximise your chances:
• Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for updates on occupation ceilings. • If your occupation is nearing its ceiling, consider submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) as soon as possible. • Be prepared to wait for the next programme year if your occupation has reached its ceiling.
Improving Point Score
Your points score is a critical factor in determining your eligibility for a 189 visa invitation. The minimum point required is 65, but aiming for a higher score can significantly increase your chances. Here are some ways to improve your point score:
• Enhance your English language proficiency: Achieving a higher score in English language tests like IELTS or PTE can earn you additional points.
• Gain more work experience: Relevant work experience, both in Australia and overseas, can contribute to your points tally.
• Obtain higher qualifications: Pursuing further education, such as a master’s degree or PhD, can boost your points.
• Consider studying in a Designated Regional Area (DRA) of Australia: This can earn you an extra 5 points.
• Partner skills: If your partner meets certain criteria, you can claim additional points.
The points system is competitive, and the higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the 189 visa.
Considering Alternative Visa Options
While focusing on the 189 visa, it’s wise to explore alternative pathways that might suit your circumstances. Some options to consider include:
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): This visa requires nomination by an Australian state or territory government and awards an additional 5 points.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This visa requires you to live and work in regional Australia and offers 15 additional points for nomination or sponsorship.
• Employer-sponsored visas: If you’re working full-time for an Australian employer, you might be eligible for employer-sponsored visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
• Global Talent visa (subclass 858): For exceptionally talented individuals in future-focused sectors.
By considering these alternatives, you can increase your chances of securing a pathway to live and work in Australia, even if the 189 visa proves challenging.