Subclass 189/489 are all visa programs for skilled and intending migrants. Subclass 189 is a skilled independent – permanent visa. Subclass 489 is a skilled regional – provisional visa. All the three subclass are options to obtain PR status in Australia as a general skilled migrant. Visa subclass is selected in accordance with the skills, requirements, and eligibility.
For 189/489, an applicant has to qualify the point-based test. Post that, submit an expression of interest and upon receiving an invitation, apply to any of the above points based subclasses.
The points in these subclasses are calculated for factors like age, English language competency, overseas employment in nominated skilled occupation, education qualifications at the time of invitation, Australian education, nomination/sponsorship, etc.
There’s more to the General Skilled Migration Program. You can Reach out to us to get detailed information on the same.
What the visa lets you do?
This visa allows you and your family to:
*Not eligible for any benefits on this visa.
Eligibility Requirement:
The threshold points to qualify for this visa are 60 and the applicant requires meeting the points as per the invitation received. Points are awarded on the basis of the factors listed below;
Age:- The age of the applicant should be between 18 -49 years. Minimum points 15 with a maximum up to 30 can be granted.
English language:– The applicant should prove that he/she meets the English language of competent level by submitting the test results before the application is lodged. One would meet the English Language threshold if they score TOEFL iBT scores of 12 in listening, 13 in reading, 21 in Writing, 18 in speaking or PTE Academic scores of 50 in each band or IELTS 6 bands in all the components or if holds a valid passport and is a citizen of one of the following countries: United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America and Republic of Ireland.
To score points on English requirement, an applicant must meet proficient or superior level as mentioned in below table. English Language test results are required supporting these claims at the time of application.
English Language proficiency level | Points | Test component | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)* |
Functional | 0 Points | Average/total/overall across test components only | 4.5 | 32 | 30 | 147 |
Competent | 0 Points | Listening | 6 | 12 | 50 | 169 |
Reading | 6 | 13 | 50 | 169 | ||
Writing | 6 | 21 | 50 | 169 | ||
Speaking | 6 | 18 | 50 | 169 | ||
Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) | 10 Points | Listening | 7 | 24 | 65 | 185 |
Reading | 7 | 24 | 65 | 185 | ||
Writing | 7 | 27 | 65 | 185 | ||
Speaking | 7 | 23 | 65 | 185 | ||
Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) | 20 Points | Listening | 8 | 28 | 79 | 200 |
Reading | 8 | 29 | 79 | 200 | ||
Writing | 8 | 30 | 79 | 200 | ||
Speaking | 8 | 26 | 79 | 200 |
Nominated occupation:- The applicant should nominate an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for subclass 189 and subclass 489(if sponsored by a relative) or on state occupation list that is eligible for a state nomination as per states occupations list.
Skill Assessment:- It is mandatory for an applicant to get a positive skill assessment for a nominated occupation before the EOI is lodged.
Points can also be earned on the following eligibility criteria:
Sponsor by a relative:
Designated areas of Australia:
State or territory | Designated area |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Entire territory |
New South Wales (NSW)(except Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong) | 2311 to 2312, 2328 to 2333, 2336 to 2490, 2535 to 2551, 2575 to 2739, 2787 to 2898 |
Northern Territory | Entire territory |
Queensland(anywhere outside the Brisbane metropolitan area) | 4019 to 4028, 4037 to 4050, 4079 to 4100, 4114, 4118, 4124 to 4150, 4158 to 4168, 4180 to 4899 |
South Australia | Entire state |
Tasmania | Entire state |
Victoria | Entire state |
Western Australia | Entire state |
Health requirements:
You must meet certain health requirements. The health examinations you need, will depend on your personal circumstances, including your country of citizenship, time spent in another country during the last five years and your intended activities in Australia. The results of your health examinations are generally valid for 12 months.
This applies to you and any dependent family members included in your visa application.
Character requirement:
You must meet certain character requirements. You must provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months including all short visits or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16 years of age.
This applies to you and all the dependent family members listed in your application, who are above 16 years old, whether they are migrating or not.
Debts to the Australian Government:
You must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts to the Australian Government before this visa can be granted.
Family Members:
You can include the following people in your visa application:
These family members must meet the requirements for including family members in your application. The application must include documentary evidence of their relationship to you. Your family members must be able to show that they meet health and character requirements.
Dependent visa applicants, who are above 18 years are required to meet at least Functional English requirement through study where medium of instruction is in English or by proving functional English requirement or by paying visa second installment charges towards English requirements.
You can add your partner and dependent children to your application before the decision is made on visa application. But for 489 visa, you need to add dependents before this visa application is filed.
Priority Group Number | Visa Sub Class | Processing Time |
1 | RSMS (Subclass 119, 857) | Low Risk – 5 months |
Skilled Regional | High Risk- 8 months | |
Skill Select (subclass 187) | 6 months | |
2 | ENS | Low Risk- 5 months |
subclass121, 856 | High Risk- 8 months | |
Skill Select (subclass 186) | 6 months | |
3 | SMP(subclass 176,475,487,886) | 12 months |
Skill Select SMP(subclass 190 and 489) | 6 months | |
4 | Nominated Occupation on the SOL- Schedule 1(subclass 175, 495, 496, 861, 862, 863, 880, 881, 882, 883, 885 and 176, 475, 487 if not SMP) | 18 Months |
Skill Select Independent and Family Sponsored
(subclass 189 and 489) |
12 months | |
5 | All visas listed in priority 3 and 4 that are not SMP or Nominated Occupation on the SOL – Schedule 1 | Assessment will commence when all cases in priority groups 1-4 are finalized |
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