The GSM visa is a popular category for people who want to work and live in Australia as permanent residents. Generally, GSM does not require applicants to have a mandatory sponsorship from an Australian employer. But, applicants with a sponsorship are also eligible for this visa category.

GSM comes under the following three categories:

• Skilled Independent visa – Subclass 189
• Skilled Nominated visa – Subclass 190
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491

Skilled Independent Visa 189

This is the most popular GSM visa category. It works on a point-based visa system and therefore does not require applicants to hold any sponsorship from an Australian employer beforehand. 

What are the requirements of Skilled Independent Visa 189? 

The requirements for a skilled independent visa 189 are as follows:

• A minimum of 65 points in the Skillselect system
• Maximum age limit of 45 years
• Minimum IELTS band score of 6 in all four abilities
• An invitation to apply for the visa
• Meet the health and character requirements 

How to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa 189? 

The application process for skilled independent visa 189 is straightforward. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

• Collect your requirement documents i.e. IELTS score and other documents for submission.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the online Skillselect system of Australia and get a minimum score of 65.
• Get an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
• Apply for the visa within the 60 days time limit after receiving the invitation.

What is the processing time for this skilled independent visa 189? 

The processing time for a skilled independent visa 189 depends on many factors, but on average, it can take around 8 months to 1 year to process your application.

Visa 189 Points Calculator 

Candidates scoring a minimum of 65 points would be considered eligible by DHA (Department of Home Affairs), an organization responsible for immigration.

Points determine your eligibility for an Australia PR visa. As already mentioned, you must score at least 65 points under the Points Grid. The below table describes the different criteria for scoring points: 

What are the factors affecting the processing time of the skilled independent visa 189? 

There are multiple factors taken into consideration by the Australian Home Office to decide on your visa application. These factors are:

• Accuracy of your visa application and the relevant documents attached to it.
• Your response to any further information asked by the Home Office.
• The time required to verify all the information shared in the application.
• The total number of applications.

The Benefits of Obtaining a Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Visa

For those who are interested in moving permanently to Australia in order to start a new life, the Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 offers a number of excellent benefits. Unlike some other visas which require a new resident to move to the particular state or territory which sponsored them, the 189 Visa gives you total freedom to live, work and study anywhere you choose in Australia.

OCCUPATION & SKILLS
Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.

You must perform a successful skill assessment through the authorised assessing authority to show that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.

POINTS TEST & INVITATION
You must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for this visa

You must score a minimum of 65 points to be invited to apply, however, invitations are often issued to applicants with more than 65 points.

The most recent invitation round outlines the point scores which attracted invitations. There are also some occupations which require more than 65 points to be considered.

You must meet the points score eligibility at the time you are invited to apply for the visa.

ENGLISH
You can provide evidence of at least competent English, however, additional points will be awarded for proficient and superior English scores

AGE
You are under 45 when you receive an invitation to apply.

HEALTH & CHARACTER
You must meet the health & character requirements

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work in Australia along with PR
• Travel to and from Australia any number of times
• Earn in AUD, 5 times more than your current salary
• Settle in Australia along with your family