Subclass 189

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa.

The subclass 189 visa is a Permanent Residence visa for people with relevant skills to be able to live in Australia.

The subclass 189 visa is for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders that have the skills that Australia needs.

The subclass 189 visa allows holders of the visa to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

This visa has various streams, to accommodate different groups of people.

Subclass 189 Points tested stream.

This stream of the subclass 189 visa lets invited workers with skills that Australia needs, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​You don’t need a sponsor.
  • You must be invited to apply.
  • You must be under 45 to be invited.

Subclass 189 New Zealand stream.

This stream of the subclass 189 visa lets eligible New Zealand citizens who have demonstrated commitment and contribution to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You must hold a New Zealand Special Category (subclass 444) visa
  • You must have lived in Australia for at least the last 5 years
  • You must have started living here on or before 19 February 2016

Subclass 189 Hong Kong stream.

This stream of the subclass 189 visa lets eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have demonstrated commitment to Australia, live and work in Australia permanently.

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​You must hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport.
  • You must meet certain visa requirements.
  • You must meet certain residence requirements.

Relevant subclass 189 posts