ABOUT THE VISA

The Skilled-Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residence visa for points-tested skilled workers
who want to work and live in Australia.
To be able to apply for this visa you need to submit an expression of interest and then be invited through
SkillSelect to apply.
You can be in or outside Australia when you apply and when the visa is granted.

Collapse all

What this visa lets you do

This is a permanent residence visa. It lets you and any member of your family unit who has also been granted
this visa:

stay in Australia indefinitely

work and study in Australia
enrol in Medicare, Australia's scheme for health-related care and expenses
apply for Australian citizenship (if you are eligible)
sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted (after that time, you will
need a resident return visa or another visa to return to Australia).
Before you apply
To be able to apply for this visa, you must first submit an expression of interest and then be invited
through SkillSelect. If you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to apply online for the visa. During that
time, you cannot change the information in your expression of interest.

To submit a complete expression of interest, you must have competent English language skills and a positive
skills assessment for your nominated occupation (or Job Ready program, if applicable).

Your visa application is likely to require extensive supporting documents, as listed in the document checklist.
Start compiling your documents early in the process, even before you submit your expression of interest.
Your passport
You need a valid passport or other travel document for this visa. If you plan to get a new passport, you should
do so before applying for your visa. If you get a new passport after you have lodged your application, give the
details of your new passport to one of our offices.
You might be able to update your passport details using ImmiAccount.
Cost
The visa application charges are listed in Fees and charges.

Second instalment

You must pay a second instalment for each member of your family unit included in your application who:
is aged 18 years or older
has less than functional English.

The charge must be paid before a visa can be granted.

How can I prove I have functional English explains how you can demonstrate your language ability.

Other costs
You might have to pay other costs, such as the costs of health assessments, police certificates, or any other
certificates or tests. You are responsible for making the necessary arrangements.

VISA APPLICANT

This information tells you what you need to do to apply for a Skilled-Independent visa (subclass 189).

If you are invited to apply for this visa, you will have 60 days to do so. Invitations are based on claims made in
your expression of interest, so your application must be consistent with the information you provided in your
expression of interest and it must be supported by evidence.
Collapse all

Who could get this visa

You are eligible to apply for this visa if you have been invited. At the time we invite you to apply for this visa,
you must have:
 nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list
obtained a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
not yet turned 50 years of age
achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test
at least competent English.

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 member of your family unit listed in your application, whether they are migrating or
not.
You are able to organise your health examinations upfront before lodging a visa application.

Character requirement
You must meet certain character requirements. You must be prepared to provide a police certificate from each
country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after you turned 16 years of age. Do
not arrange for police certificates until we ask you to.

This applies to you and all members of your family unit listed in your application, 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.

Provide biometrics
You might be asked to provide biometrics (a scientific form of identification) as part of the
application. Countries and visa subclasses included in the biometrics program has more information.

Sign the Australian Values Statement

If you are 18 years of age or older, you must sign an Australian Values Statement to confirm that you will
respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws. The statement is included in the visa application
form. You must have read, or had explained to you, theLife in Australia book before you sign the statement.
Including family in your application
You can include the following people in your visa application at the time of lodgement:

your partner
your child/step-child or your partners child/step-child.
For detailed information regarding who you can include in your application see including family members in
your application.

The application must include documentary evidence of their relationship to you.

Members of your family unit must be able to show that they meet health and character requirements.

You can add members of your family unit to your application at any time until your visa is decided.
How to apply
This information explains what you need to do to apply for a Skilled-Independent visa (subclass 189).

Apply for this visa online through SkillSelect, using the link we provided in your letter of invitation.

Invitations are based on claims that you make in your expression of interest, so your application must include
evidence to support your claims.

If you are invited to apply for this visa, you will have 60 days to apply. SkillSelect is occasionally unavailable
due to maintenance. You should apply early to ensure successful lodgement. You can be in or outside
Australia when you lodge your application.
Prepare your documents
You need to provide documents to prove the claims you make in the application. The documents are listed in
the Document checklist.

Some documents could take some time to obtain. You should have them ready when you lodge the application
to reduce any delays in processing.

Lodge your application online

Pay the initial visa application charge by credit card when you apply.
Upload your documents using your ImmiAccount when you lodge your online application. This will help reduce
delays in processing the application.

More information
Please refer to preparing your application, for information on:
certifying and translating documents into English
communicating with us
using a migration agent
authorising another person to receive information from us
receiving assistance with your application.
After you have applied
After you have lodged your application and documents, we will acknowledge that we have received your
information.

When we allocate your case for assessment, we will give you an email address for all future correspondence.
You can track and manage your application using ImmiAccount.

Wait for a decision

We have visa processing times for each visa.

Your application could take longer if you need character or health checks (including x-rays), if you need to
provide more information, or if your application is incomplete.
Priority processing arrangements also apply. These arrangements determine the order in which we consider
applications regardless of when the applications were lodged.
Outside Australia:
If you apply for this visa from outside Australia, do not make arrangements to travel to Australia until you are
advised in writing that you have been granted a visa. Wait for a decision from us before you leave your job,
sell your home or book your travel.
In Australia:
If you apply for this visa in Australia, you could be eligible for a Bridging visa that allows you to stay in the
country lawfully while your application is processed. If you are given a Bridging visa A, you can apply for
a Bridging visa B (BVB) to travel outside Australia while you wait for a decision.
You can access information on current processing times at Allocation dates for general skilled migration
applications.

Provide more information

You can provide more information to us at any time until a decision is made on the application. If you want to
correct information you provided, use:
Form 1023 - Notification of incorrect answer(s)(99KB PDF).

We could also ask you for more information. You will have to respond by a set date. After that date, we can
make a decision about your application using the information that we have.
You can provide additional information, including Form 1023, using ImmiAccount.

If another person gives us information that could result in you being refused a visa, we will usually give you the
opportunity to comment on the information.

You might also be interviewed. If you are asked to attend an interview in person, bring your passport or other
identification and any requested documents to the interview.
Report changes in circumstances
Tell us if your circumstances change. Please update your address and passport details using ImmiAccount.

If unable to use ImmiAccount, you can use the following forms:

Form 929 - Change of address and/or passport details (86KB PDF) if you move to a new address or
change your passport
Form 1022 - Notification of changes in circumstances (77KB PDF) if there are other changes in
your circumstances.

Withdrawing your application

You can withdraw the application at any time before we grant or refuse to grant the visa using the following
form:
Form 1446 - Withdrawal of a visa application (375KB PDF)

Your request must include your full name and date of birth. You should also include the number we gave you
when you applied, if you know it - this could be a file reference number, client ID, or a Transaction Reference
Number.
You can withdraw the application at any time before we make a decision about it. To do this, send us a letter or
email to ask for the withdrawal. Your request must include your full name and date of birth. You should also
include your file reference number, client ID, or a Transaction Reference Number.

All applicants 18 years of age or older, wishing to withdraw, must sign the request for withdrawal.
Visa decision
If the visa is granted, we will let you know:

when you can use the visa

the visa grant number
any conditions attached to the visa.

If the visa is not granted, we will let you know:

why the visa was not granted
your review rights (if any).
the time limit for applying for a review of the decision (if applicable)
Document checklist
You must provide documents to support your application for this visa.

Use the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) document checklist to make sure your application is
complete.
Contact information
If information needs to be updated, contact the Adelaide General Skilled Migration (GSM) processing centre.

POINT TEST
You must score at least 60 points against points test factors to be eligible to be invited to apply for this visa.

If you are invited to apply, you must achieve at least the score specified in your letter of invitation.

This information tells you what you can be awarded points for. The evidence you need to provide is listed in
the document checklist.
Collapse all

How points are awarded

Points are awarded on the basis of the factors listed in the following table. All factors are assessed as they are
at the time you are invited to apply for this visa.
Factor Description

Age 1824 years

2532 years

3339 years

4044 years

4549 years

English language ability

Competent English
Test results must be no older than three years immediately
before the day on which the visa application was made.

Proficient English

Superior English

Skilled employment Outside Australia: skilled employment in your nominated skilled

a closely related skilled occupation
Only 20 points can be awarded for any combination of skilled
employment in and outside Australia In skilled employment for at least three but less than five y
past 10 years)

In skilled employment for at least five but less than eight y

past 10 years)

In skilled employment for at least eight and up to 10 years

10 years)

In Australia: skilled employment in your nominated skilled occup

closely related skilled occupation

In skilled employment for at least one but less than three y

past 10 years)

In skilled employment for at least three but less than five y

past 10 years)

In skilled employment for at least five but less than eight y

past 10 years)

In skilled employment for at least eight and up to 10 years

10 years)

Qualifications Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or other docto

recognised standard

At least a bachelor degree from an Australian educational institutio

degree of a recognised standard
 Diploma or trade qualification completed in Australia

An award or qualification recognised by the assessing authority in

of the skilled occupation

Australian study requirement One or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications awarded by
educational institution and meet the Australian study requirement

Specialist Education Qualification Post Graduate Degree by Research through a course or courses tak
two academic years at an Australian educational institution

Other factors Credentialled community language qualifications

Study in regional Australia or a low population growth metropolita

(excluding distance education)

Partner skill qualifications

Professional year in Australia for at least 12 months in the four yea

day you were invited to apply

Nomination/sponsorship (where required) Nomination by state or territory government (visa subclass 190 onl

Nomination by state or territory government or sponsorship by an e

member to reside and work in a specified/designated area (visa sub
489 only)

Age
You can receive up to 30 points based on the age you were on the day you were invited to apply.

You must have been younger than 50 years of age when you were invited to apply for this visa.
English language ability
You must be able to demonstrate that you have at least competent English language ability at the time you are
invited to apply and when you lodge your application.

No points are awarded for competent English.

You can receive 10 points for proficient English or 20 points for superior English.

The results of one of the following English language tests, undertaken not more than 36 months prior to the
time you were invited to apply for this visa, can be used to evidence your English language ability:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) test results will only be considered if the test was undertaken on or after
1 January 2015. A CAE test undertaken before 1 January 2015 cannot be accepted.

IELTS has an academic test and a general training test. You need only take the general training test unless
your assessing authority tells you otherwise. You are only required to provide the test report form (TRF)
number or the test registration number that is on your English language test certificate.
Skilled employment
You can receive up to 20 points for skilled employment.
To claim points for skilled employment you must have, in the 10 years before you were invited to apply, at
least 20 hours of paid work per week in your nominated skilled occupation and/or a closely related occupation.

Skilled employment is where:

the relevant assessing authority provides an opinion in your suitable skills assessment that your
employment is skilled (you must use the date that skilled employment commenced stated in your skills
assessment)
your employment experience meets the standards for skilled employment set by the relevant
assessing authority on their website.

Assessing authorities that have publicly available standards on their website that we will refer to for assessing
skilled employment are:
The Australian Computing Society (ACS): Migration Skills Assessment - see 'Summary of Criteria'

If the relevant assessing authority standards for assessing skilled employment does not have publicly
available standards that we refer to, your employment experience must meet at least the minimum indicative
skill level set by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). This may
apply to occupations which require registration as evidence of a suitable skills assessment.
What is a Closely Related Occupation?

Any periods of employment in a closely related occupation must be undertaken at the equivalent skill level of
your nominated occupation. This means that any employment that you claim as closely related to your
nominated occupation should be:
in the same ANZSCO Unit Group. For example, the occupations of Management Accountant and
Taxation Accountant are in the same group, or
consistent with a career advancement pathway. For example, Accountant to Chief Financial Officer, or
where the relevant assessing authority has determined that the employment is closely related to the
nominated occupation.
Working at least 20 hours a week

Working for at least 20 hours a week means 20 hours paid work each week. You may also meet this
requirement where your employment provides for variable hours of work that extend beyond a week such as
some shift workers and fly in fly out workers.
Qualifications
You can receive up to 20 points based on your educational qualifications at the time you were invited to apply.

Points can be awarded for your highest tertiary qualification. For example, if you have completed a Bachelor
degree and a Doctorate degree, you can receive points for the Doctorate degree.

The relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation can usually determine whether your
qualifications are of a standard that is comparable to a relevant Australian qualification.

If the relevant assessing authority that conducts your skills assessment cannot give you an opinion about your
qualifications, contact Vocational Education Training and Assessment Services.
Doctorate Degree

To receive 20 points for a Doctorate you must have met the requirements for an award of doctorate by an
Australian educational institution or the award of a Doctorate, by another educational institution, that is
comparable to a Doctorate at Australian standards.

A Doctorate generally comprises more than 4 years of study, involving extensive research, coursework, exams
and the writing of a thesis/dissertation.
Bachelor Degree

To receive 15 points for having at least a Bachelor degree, you must have met the requirements for an award
of Bachelor degree by an Australian educational institution or your qualification must be considered as at least
comparable to a Bachelor level at Australian standards.
Note: To receive 15 points for a Masters degree, you must also have a Bachelor degree completed in Australia
or overseas, or the Masters degree must be considered as at least comparable to Bachelor degree level at
Australian standards.
Australian Diploma or Trade qualifications
You can receive 10 points for an Australian Diploma or Australian trade qualification.
Any other qualification

You can receive 10 points for any other qualification or award which is recognised as suitable for your
nominated occupation in your skills assessment by the relevant assessing authority.
Australian study requirement
You can receive five points if you have completed one or more degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications for
award through a course or courses taken at an Australian educational institution.

Your course or courses must:

be registered through the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students
(CRICOS)
have been completed in a total of at least 16 calendar months
have been completed as a result of at least two academic years of study
have given all instruction in English
have been completed while you were physically in Australia
have been completed while you held a visa authorising you to study in Australia.

A course can be counted only once towards the Australian study requirement. Any failed course subject
cannot be counted.

As evidence that you completed the course or courses, you need to provide:
a certified copy of a completion letter from your educational institution, including
o the dates the course began and ended
o the date the course requirements were met
o the location of the campus where you studied
certified copies of course transcripts.

Two academic years of study is defined as 92 weeks of study in a course or courses registered by CRICOS.
CRICOS determines a standard duration (number of weeks) for each course.

This is a measure of the amount of study you have completed, rather than of how long it took you to do it. The
study does not have to be full time.

You can take longer to complete course work, but you will be credited with the number of weeks that CRICOS
determines as a standard duration. For example, if it takes you 92 weeks to complete a course that CRICOS
says should take 78 weeks, you will receive credit for 78 weeks only.

If you are given credit for prior learning, you could be exempt from taking a relevant course. An exempted
course cannot be counted towards the Australian study requirement. Credit cannot be counted on the basis of
study done either overseas or within Australia in a non-CRICOS registered course.

The 92 weeks of study could contribute towards the award of one of more acceptable qualifications. In this
instance, the courses of study need not have been done within a 24-month period. It is possible to have a
break between completing the first course and beginning the second.
Specialist Education Qualification
The points test awards five additional points for Doctorate or Masters by research-level qualifications gained
from Australian universities in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or specified
information and communication technology (ICT) fields in Australia.

Provide evidence that you have received a Post Graduate Degree by Research through a course or courses
taken for at least two academic years at an Australian educational institution.

The following fields of education qualifications will be accepted under this new measure and are defined by
CRICOS.
Field of Education:
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Earth Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
 Natural and Physical Sciences
Other Natural and Physical Sciences
Physics and Astronomy
Computer Science
Information Systems
Information Technology
Other Information Technology
Aerospace Engineering and Technology
Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology
Engineering and Related Technologies
Geomatic Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering and Technology
Maritime Engineering and Technology
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology
Other Engineering and Related Technologies
Process and Resources Engineering.
To determine whether your qualification is eligible, see the CRICOS website.

If your qualification is at Doctorate or Masters by research-level and your field of education is listed in the
above list, then you could be eligible for five additional points towards your points test.
Other factors
Credentialled community language
You can receive five points for having a credentialled community language when you are invited to apply. The
language must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.

To receive points, you must provide evidence that the authority has accredited you as a translator or
interpreter at the paraprofessional level or above.
Study in regional Australia

You can receive five points if each of the following applied:

you met the Australian Study requirement
if you have lived and studied in regional Australia or a low population-growth metropolitan area
none of the study undertaken constituted distance education.

Evidence that you have lived and studied in these areas can include:
documents that prove where you lived, such as rental agreements and gas, power and phone bills
documents that prove where you studied, such as your academic transcript or letters from educational
institutions.
Partner skills

You can receive five points if, when you are invited to apply for this visa, your partner provides evidence that
they:
were under 50 years of age
had at least competent English
had nominated an occupation on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated occupation
had been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as having suitable skills for the nominated
occupation.
Professional year in Australia

You can receive five points for having completed a professional year in Australia in the four years before you
were invited to apply.

Your professional year course must have been in your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related skilled
occupation. The course must have lasted for at least 12 months.

Qualifying professional year courses are offered by:

Australian Computer Society
CPA Australia
 Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia
Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants)
Engineers Australia.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) document

checklist
You must provide documents to support your application for this visa. As part of the visa application process
you will need to use ImmiAccount. You should provide high quality colour scans of the documents supporting
your visa application in ImmiAccount.

Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited English translations.

Information to help you prepare your application and guidelines on attaching documents to an online visa
application may assist you in lodging a complete visa application.

In your visa application you will be asked for information about each member of your family unit even if they do
not intend to migrate with you, for example dependent children or a partner. Information about which family
members are considered to be 'members of your family unit' for migration purposes is available by referring
to including family members in your application.

Use the following checklist to make sure your application is complete. Lodging a complete application
reduces processing times.

Collapse all

Identity and family relationship documents

Travel documents

Biographical pages (photo pages) of the current passport(s) or travel documents of each visa applicant. If
your name has changed or the name of anyone included in your application has changed, include evidence of
the name change.

Birth registration documents

Birth registration documents of each visa applicant, showing the names of both parents. Suitable documents
include but are not limited to full birth certificates or family registration books showing both parents names. If
any child included in the application is adopted, include adoption papers.

Marriage and relationship documents

Marriage certificates or relationship registrations for you, your partner, or anyone else included in your
application, even if they are not joining you in Australia. If you or anyone included in the application has been
widowed, divorced or permanently separated, provide the death certificate, divorce decree absolute, or
statutory declaration/separation certificate as applicable.

Genuine relationship evidence

If you are married or in a de facto relationship, evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship with your
partner to the exclusion of all others. For de facto relationships this should include evidence that you have
been in the relationship for at least 12 months at time of application. Evidence can include, but is not limited
to, joint bank account statements, billing accounts in joint names, and other evidence of cohabitation.

Details of members of the family unit aged 18 years or over

For each member of your family unit who is an applicant and is older than 18 years of age, other than your
spouse or partner, a Form 47A Details of Child or Other Dependent Family Member Aged 18 Years or Over
(205KB PDF) with supporting documentary evidence of their dependency and relationship to you. Evidence of
dependency may include, but is not limited to employment, financial, residential and academic documentation
for each member of your family unit.

Evidence of parental responsibility/custody

Evidence of parental permission to grant an Australian visa for applicants younger than 18 years of age where
one of the childs parents is not an applicant in this visa application.

Evidence when the other parent is alive includes a court custody order or Form 1229 Consent to grant an
Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years (242KB PDF) with an official identification document
displaying the other parents signature. If the other parent is deceased, a death certificate or other official
documentation.

For assistance with the documentation required you can refer to the Parental responsibility (formerly
custody) section of the information about including family members in your application.

Health and Character

You and each member of your family unit are required to satisfy health and character requirements. This
requirement applies even if that person is not applying for a visa with you. In most cases health and character
assessments can be undertaken before your application is lodged.

Health requirements

Evidence of each person having undertaken the required health examinations. If you have lodged your
application, click on the Organise health examinations link in ImmiAccount.

Character requirements

Police certificates for each country each person has lived in for a cumulative period of 12 months or more,
over the last 10 years, since turning 16 years of age.

Military service record or discharge papers for each person who is/has served in the armed forces of any
country. Police certificates are also required for the countries of service.

Additional Character requirements

Each person who is 18 years or older can complete and attach the following documents. Providing this
information with your application can reduce processing times.

Form 80 Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment (554KB PDF). Complete
all parts of the form.
Form 1221 Additional personal particulars information (289KB PDF)
A copy of your curriculum vitae (rsum).
 Skills and English language

Unless otherwise stated these requirements must be met at the time you were invited to apply for this
visa.

Skills assessment

A suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation. Information is available about Skills assessment
and assessing authorities requirements.

Evidence of English language ability Invited applicant

Evidence that at time of invitation you had at least Competent English. If you are relying on English language
testing then provide a copy of your test results from a specified English language test undertaken in the three
years immediately before you were invited to apply for this visa.

Evidence of English language ability applicant(s) who are members of your family unit

Evidence of Functional English must be provided for each applicant who is a member of your family unit and
who is 18 years or older at the time the application is lodged. Evidence of Functional English can be provided
up until the time the application is decided.

If you will not be providing evidence that a member of your family unit applicant hasFunctional English, you
should advise that you will pay the second instalment of the visa application charge. This charge will be
requested when required by the processing office.

Points Test - requirements for the invited applicant

You must provide evidence to support the claims you are making against each relevant criterion in the Points
Test. Unless otherwise stated these requirements must be met at the time you were invited to apply for this
visa.

Age

Proof of age. This can be the scanned copy of your passport or birth certificate.

Superior or Proficient English language ability

A copy of the test results from a specified English language test undertaken in the three years immediately
before you were invited to apply for this visa. Cambridge English tests can only be accepted if the test was
taken after 1 January 2015.

Skilled employment

Evidence of any claimed skilled employment or self-employment in the 10 year period immediately before you
were invited to apply, such as:

employment references
contracts, pay slips, tax returns, group certificates
evidence that you have been self-employed
any other documents that you provided to the relevant assessing authority to obtain your skills
assessment, including any documents relating to your employment history.

Employment references must meet the following requirements

 be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference
the letterhead should indicate clearly the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers,
e-mail and website addresses
the name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference should be typed or
stamped below that persons signature
the contact telephone number of the person writing the reference should be included in the letter
the letter should indicate the exact period of employment (including whether permanent or temporary,
full or part-time), position(s) held, the duties undertaken and the salary earned - positions should not be
described by generic titles (eg. research officer, public servant) but according to the nature of the duties
undertaken (eg. research chemist, accounts clerk), and
a payslip from your current employment should also be included this is especially important from
applicants working in government departments.

Completion of a recognised professional year in Australia

Evidence of completion of a recognised professional year in Australia in the four years immediately before you
were invited to apply for this visa. Professional years are provided by:

Australian Computer Society

CPA Australia
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia
Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants), or
Engineers Australia.

Education qualifications

Evidence of any degrees, diplomas, certificates, completion letters and course transcripts and any other
documents you provided to the relevant assessing authority that support your education qualification claims.

Australian Study requirement

Evidence of qualification(s) satisfying the Australian Study requirement.

You are strongly encouraged to read the relevant information about this criterion before claiming points.

Specialist Education Qualification

Evidence that you have received a Post Graduate Degree by Research through a course or courses taken for
at least two academic years at an Australian educational institution.

Study in regional Australia

Evidence of qualifications satisfying the Australian Study requirement while living and studying in regional
Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas:

Evidence of residence covering the relevant period examples include documents such as rental
agreements and gas, power and telephone bills; and
If your academic transcript does not identify the location of the campus which you attended provide
evidence that you studied at a campus located in regional Australia or a low population growth
metropolitan area.

Credentialled community language

Evidence of accreditation at the paraprofessional level or above for interpreting or translating by the National
Accreditation Authority for Translation and Interpreters (NAATI).

Partner skills
Evidence that at the time you were invited to apply for this visa, your partner:

was under 50 years of age; and

had at least Competent English; and
had a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation
(which must be on the same skilled occupations list as your nominated occupation).

You will not be eligible for these points if your partner is or becomes an Australian permanent resident or an
Australian citizen while this claim is being assessed.

What is the difference between a subclass 189 and a

subclass 190 visa (state nominated)?

190 is a sponsored VISA where a sponsorship from a State or a Territory Government is required. Should you be granted a VISA
under this subclass there are obligations to undertake, such as that candidate needs to live and work for minimum of two years
in the nominating state and to participate in surveys conducted by the state and so forth.

189 is an independent VISA where the candidate does not need sponsorship, and if the candidate is granted a VISA under 189,
they can live and work anywhere in Australia.

Which English language tests are accepted by the

Department?
We accept the following English language tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Occupational English Test (OET)
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).

Applicants should refer to the relevant visa information for specific information.

Alternative test scores benchmarked as against the IELTS bandscale

English Test component IEL TOE PTE Cambrid OE

Language TS FL Acade ge T
proficienc English:
y level iBT mic Advance
d (CAE)*

Functional Average/total/overal 4.5 32 30 147 n/a

l across test
components only

Vocational Listening 5.0 4 36 154 B

Reading 5.0 4 36 154 B

Writing 5.0 14 36 154 B

Speaking 5.0 14 36 154 B

Competent Listening 6.0 12 50 169 B

Reading 6.0 13 50 169 B

Writing 6.0 21 50 169 B

Speaking 6.0 18 50 169 B

Proficient Listening 7.0 24 65 185 B

(for points
tested
Skilled Reading 7.0 24 65 185 B
visas)

Writing 7.0 27 65 185 B

Speaking 7.0 23 65 185 B

Superior Listening 8.0 28 79 200 A

(for points
tested
Skilled Reading 8.0 29 79 200 A
visas)

Writing 8.0 30 79 200 A

Speaking 8.0 26 79 200 A

*From 1 January 2015 and only for a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January
2015.

http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Skil
http://www.ets.org/toefl/ibt/prepare/

https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1/189-#
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-
authorities/skilled-occupations-lists
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-
authorities/assessing-authorities

https://www.border.gov.au/Lega/Lega/Form/Immi-FAQs/how-can-i-prove-i-have-competent-
english
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Skil

https://www.acacia-au.com/skilled-independent-subclass-189.php

ACS:
https://more.acs.org.au/migration-skills-assessment/faqs/During-your-Application
https://www.mara.gov.au/search-the-register-of-migration-agents/registered-migration-
agent-details/?id=13e26efc-a252-e311-9402-005056ab0eca
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/australia-expat-forum-expats-living-australia/785522-
photocopies-acs-assessment.html

Other
http://www.prepareforaustralia.com.au/australia-visa/visas/work-
employment/general-skilled-migration/independent-subclass-189.aspx

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/key-tips-prepare-skill-independent-subclass-
189-visa-visas

http://www.expatforum.com/expats/australia-expat-forum-expats-living-australia/1239201-
what-google-page-ranking-eoi-189-190-sol-csol-what-1st-thing-i-should-
do.html#post12199025
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/australia-expat-forum-expats-living-australia/
ANZSCO - 261312 (Developer Programmer)
ACS Submitted: 18 March 2016
ACS +ve: 29 March 2016
PTE: L 82 R 87 S 86 W 79: 09 Apr 2016
EOI Submitted (189) : 70 points :12 Apr 2016
Invite for 189 - 13 Apr 2016
189 Lodged - 26 Apr 2016
CO Contact - 30 Apr 2016 - for medicals
Medicals - 08 May 2016
Responded to CO - 10 May 2016

Grant - : 05 Oct 2016

IED - 19 Apr 2017
No employment verification or AHC call submitted all possible emp docs

Links for know how tos

http://www.expatforum.com/expats/australia-expat-forum-expats-living-australia/
http://www.expatforum.com/expats/australia-expat-forum-expats-living-australia/1241401-
want-go-australia-how-tos-what-you-need-know-read-first.html