Streams and Current Status

The Subclass 189 visa has three distinct streams, but not all are open:

• Points-tested Stream – OPEN
  For skilled workers who receive an invitation through SkillSelect. Applicants must meet the minimum points test, nominate an occupation on the skilled list, and satisfy English, age, health and character requirements.
• Hong Kong Stream – OPEN
  A dedicated pathway for eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have lived and worked/studied in Australia and demonstrated long-term commitment.
• New Zealand Stream – PERMANENTLY CLOSED
  The New Zealand stream closed to new applications on 1 July 2023, following the creation of a direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Existing lodged applications will continue to be processed.

Points-tested Stream

To apply under the Points-tested stream, you must:

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and wait for an invitation to apply. EOIs remain valid for 2 years.
• Occupation: Nominate an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (as specified in legislative instrument LIN 19/051).
• Skills Assessment: Hold a suitable skills assessment for the nominated occupation, valid at the time of invitation. Provisional 485-only assessments are not accepted.
• Age: Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation.
• English: Show at least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band, PTE 50 in each, TOEFL iBT equivalent, or citizenship of UK/USA/Canada/NZ/Ireland).
• Points Test: Score at least 65 points and meet or exceed the score stated in your invitation. Points are awarded for:
  • Age
  • English language ability
  • Skilled employment (in and outside Australia)
  • Recognised qualifications
  • Australian study requirement
  • Specialist education requirement
  • Partner skills or single applicant points
  • Regional study, NAATI accreditation, professional year, etc.
• Health & Character: Meet standard migration health and character requirements.
• Section 48 Bar: Applicants in Australia who are barred under section 48 cannot apply onshore for this visa.

Invitation timing is critical: you must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of invitation, and apply within 60 days of receiving the invitation.

Hong Kong Stream

The Hong Kong stream provides a dedicated permanent residence pathway for holders of Hong Kong SAR or British National (Overseas) passports.

This stream recognises applicants who have:

• Lived, worked, or studied in Australia on eligible temporary visas, and
• Demonstrated long-term commitment to Australia.

Eligibility focuses less on the points system and more on the applicant’s visa history and contribution to Australia. Family members can be included.

New Zealand Stream — Closure

The New Zealand stream of the Subclass 189 visa is now permanently closed.

• Closure date: 1 July 2023.
• Reason: Replaced by a direct Australian citizenship pathway for eligible New Zealand citizens holding a Subclass 444 (Special Category) visa.
• Impact: No new applications can be lodged. Applications submitted before closure will continue to be processed.

Application Process (Points-tested Stream)

1. Skills Assessment
   Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority. This proves your skills match Australian standards.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI)
   Submit your EOI in SkillSelect with your details (occupation, qualifications, work history, English scores, etc.).
3. Invitation to Apply
   Invitations are issued through periodic invitation rounds. The number of invitations depends on program caps, demand, and occupational ceilings.
4. Visa Application
   If invited, lodge your visa application online within 60 days. Provide evidence for all claims in your EOI (skills assessment, English test, qualifications, work references, health checks, police clearances).
5. Decision & Visa Grant
   If approved, you are granted permanent residence. Applicants can be inside or outside Australia at both lodgement and decision (but not in immigration clearance).

What You Can Do With a 189 Visa

• Permanent residence: live in Australia indefinitely.
• Work and study anywhere in Australia.
• Access to Medicare (public health care system).
• Sponsor family members for permanent visas.
• Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years from grant (then apply for a Resident Return Visa if not yet a citizen).
• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligibility requirements are met.

Visa Costs

• Primary applicant: AUD 4,910
• Adult secondary applicant: AUD 2,455
• Child applicant (under 18): AUD 1,230
• Second VAC: Payable for adult applicants without functional English.

Other costs may include:

• Skills assessment fees
• English test fees
• Health examinations
• Police clearances

Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on demand, occupation, and completeness of applications. DOHA regularly updates timeframes, but applicants should expect several months to over a year, depending on their profile and invitation round timing.