Australia PR through Subclass 189 Visa | Step by Step Process
Australia's Subclass 189 Visa, officially known as the Skilled Independent visa, is a type of visa that allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. Given your background in immigration activities mainly for Australia and Canada, you might already be familiar with the intricacies of such visas, but here's a detailed overview that should align well with your expertise and interests.
Key Features of the Subclass 189 Visa
- Permanent Residency: This visa grants permanent residency status to the holder, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Point-Based Selection: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply through the SkillSelect system. The invitation to apply is based on a points system that evaluates factors such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, and educational qualifications.
- Independent Application: Unlike other skilled visas, the Subclass 189 does not require sponsorship by an Australian employer or nomination by a state or territory government.
- Family Inclusion: Visa holders can include their family members (partner and children) in their application. These family members also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.
- Access to Medicare: Upon receiving the visa, holders and their family members have access to Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare.
- Eligibility for Citizenship: After meeting residency requirements, Subclass 189 visa holders may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria
- Occupation: Applicants must have an occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations and have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for their nominated occupation.
- Points Test: They must score at least 65 points on the SkillSelect points test, although higher points are often required to receive an invitation to apply.
- Age: Applicants must be under 45 years of age when they receive the invitation to apply.
- English Language Proficiency: They must have competent English or higher.
- Health and Character: Applicants must meet certain health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Skill Assessment: Before applying, potential candidates need to have their skills assessed by the relevant Australian skills assessing authority.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Candidates must submit an EOI through SkillSelect, indicating their desire to apply for the visa.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If a candidate scores high enough on the points test and meets the other eligibility criteria, they may receive an ITA.
- Visa Application: After receiving an invitation, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete visa application online.
Given your role in assisting engineers and other professionals with immigration, guiding clients through the complexities of the Subclass 189 Visa process is crucial. This includes ensuring they have the necessary documentation, meet the points requirements, and prepare adequately for the skill assessment and English language proficiency tests. Additionally, staying updated on any changes to the immigration policy, eligible occupations, and points system will be vital in providing accurate and helpful advice to your clients.
Your expertise in engineering projects, R&D, and a deep understanding of the needs of skilled professionals migrating for work can be invaluable in assisting your clients to navigate the process successfully. Moreover, your involvement in software development and STEM education in Canada indicates a strong foundation to support clients in these fields through the immigration process.
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