Subclass 189: Skilled Independent

This is a permanent residence visa and has 2 main streams - each with different eligibility criteria:

● 189 Points-Tested Stream
● 189 Hong Kong Stream

189: Hong Kong Stream

This permanent residence visa is only for Hong Kong and HK (BNO) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia and lived and worked here.

Eligibility
• No minimum age
• No skills assessment
• No points system
• No Competent English requirement (but must prove
Functional English)
• Must hold any of the following visas granted on or
after 1 Jul 2020:
a) subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa granted
from 1 Jul 2020 onwards ; OR
b) subclass 482 or 457 work visas
• Must have lived in Australia as settled resident for
at least the previous 4 years prior to permanent
residence application
• Meet the health and character requirements
• All secondary applicants aged 18 and above must
prove functional English

189-Points tested stream

A permanent residence visa open to skilled workers, who have been selected from the Skillselect system pool of candidates and invited to apply.

To be considered for this visa you must have lodged your Expression of Interest (EoI) in SkillSelect

Eligibility

  • Be under the age of 45 years old when you are invited to lodge

  • Have a minimum score of 65 points on the Skillselect system (subject to benchmarks to
    your type of occupation)

  • Have an occupation on only the MLTSSL list

  • Achieve a minimum of Competent English level

  • Have a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation

  • Meet the health and character requirements