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Foreign nationals can immigrate to Australia via the Subclass 189 and Subclass 491 visas, which both grant full employment rights. The Subclass 189 visa, often known as the Skilled Independent Work Visa, is a work permit for permanent residents. Sponsorship by a relative, an employer, or an Australian State/Territory government is not necessary for the Subclass 189.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa is also known as Subclass 491 Visa. It permits families of skilled workers to reside, work, and study in specific Australian states for a period of five years. After three years, foreign workers in this category may seek for permanent residence. Here is a comparison of Australia Subclass 189 and Australia Subclass 491 visas. Continue reading to learn about the qualifications, advantages, and prices.
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These Australia PR visa pathways attract skilled workers from all around the world. Both of these visas are classified as General Skilled Migrant (GSM) visas.
1. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189):
The Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested stream, which allows them to live and work permanently in Australia. This visa is intended for employees who are not sponsored by a territory, employer, or resident family member.
The visa entitles you to
2. The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491)
The Subclass 491 visa is a transitional visa that provides permanent residency after 3 years, whereas the Subclass 189 visa is for permanent residence.
Subclass 189 & Subclass 491 Features
| Permanent Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa |
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa |
|---|---|
The number of invitations depends upon places available in occupation and your points total |
An invitation is guaranteed if sponsorship is approved by the state/territory |
Permanent residence status |
Provisional residence status |
Full access to movement & other social benefits |
Candidates have to live and work in the sponsoring state |
Unconditional & unrestricted PR |
Can apply for PR visa after 3 years |
Medicare benefits |
No medicare benefits |
| Free to work in any occupation | Free to work in any occupation |
| Can take your partner along | Can take your partner along |
| Can sponsor parents after 2 years of residence in Australia | Can sponsor parents 2 years after gaining permanent visa in Australia |
| It is the most competitive visa, and only certain professionals can apply. | Visa holders have to earn a minimum of $53,900 every year. |
1. Age
Only those who are under 45 and at least 18 when they get the Invitation to Apply are eligible for this visa programme.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 18-25 years | 25 |
| 25-33 years | 30 |
| 33-40 years | 25 |
| 40-45 years | 15 |
2. English Skills
You must have good score in English language skills measured by your PTE, TOEFL or IELTS test.
| English | Points |
|---|---|
| Competent | 0 |
| Proficient | 10 |
| Superior | 20 |
3. Education
The points under education are awarded based on your highest qualification in comparison to the relevant Australian qualification.
| Qualification | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 20 |
| Bachelor/Master's Degree | 15 |
| Diploma | 10 |
| Award or Qualification for Skilled Occupation | 10 |
4. Experience
Your experience can also fetch you points if it is relevant to the occupations list.
Skilled Employment Overseas
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less Than 3 Years | 0 |
| 3-4 Years | 5 |
| 5-7 Years | 10 |
| At Least 8 Years | 15 |
OR
Skilled Employment in Australia
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| Less Than 1 Year | 0 |
| 1-2 Years | 5 |
| 3-4 Years | 10 |
| 5-7 Years | 15 |
| At Least 8 Years | 20 |
5. Partner Skills
The Australian government may take into account your partner's abilities in order to provide you an extra 5 points if your partner:
After you received a copy of the ITA, you have sixty days to submit an application for a visa. The Department of Immigration will begin processing the application after submission. For 75% of applications, the average time to process a visa is eight months.
What is the process for Subclass 189 Visa Applications?
The application process for a visa consists of 4 parts. Let's examine them in greater detail:
The occupation you want to work in must be officially evaluated by an authorised body in accordance with the occupation before it can be validated. The decision-making process by the assessing authority can take up to three months.
You must submit the Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs in order to apply for the visa following a favourable assessment authority decision.
You must pay the visa cost, submit your paperwork, and undergo police and medical checks after receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA).
To activate your visa, you must enter Australia for the first time by the specified date after getting the letter.
Receiving a Subclass 189 visa requires specific documentation.
Here is a list of the paperwork needed to submit a visa application:
The Skilled Independent visa cost varies based on the age of dependents included in the application.
| Immigrant | Fees (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $4115 |
| Partner | $2055 |
| Additional Dependent (Under 18) | $1030 |
Other recent asked Questions
Q: 1 Why Choose the Independent Skilled Visa?
The Skilled Independent visa is made to choose from a predetermined pool of eligible foreigners who are needed in each of Australia's states.
It enables people to reside and work in the nation without needing an employer or provincial nomination or sponsorship from a relative.
Q 2: Subclass 189 A Permanent Visa?
Yes. All professionals with the abilities needed by Australia's labour market are eligible for permanent residency under the Skilled Independent Visa stream.
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