AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION

Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa (Permanent Residency)

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency visa for Australia designed for skilled professionals who meet the eligibility points criteria based on age, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. This visa application can only be submitted through the SkillSelect system by lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Benefits of Subclass 189 Visa

• Live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• Study at Australian schools, colleges, or universities
• Access subsidized healthcare via Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Receive certain social security benefits (after applicable waiting periods)
• Become eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to residency criteria)
• Visa approval is evidenced in Pakistan before departure for Australia

Australian Immigration Points System

To qualify for the Subclass 189 visa, you must achieve the minimum points required, calculated from the following key factors:

Age Points

• 18–24 years – 25 points
• 25–32 years – 30 points
• 33–39 years – 25 points
• 40–44 years – 15 points

Work Experience Points

• 8 years – 15 points
• 5 years – 10 points
• 3 years – 5 points

English Language Proficiency Points

• IELTS 8 in each component – 20 points
• IELTS 7 in each component – 10 points
• IELTS 6 in each component – 0 points

Why Choose Immigreez for Your Australian PR Application?

At Immigreez, we specialize in guiding applicants through the complete Subclass 189 visa process — from EOI submission to final approval. Our expert immigration consultants ensure your points are maximized and all requirements are met to improve your chances of success. We handle documentation, skill assessment guidance, and visa application preparation so you can focus on planning your new life in Australia.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (Permanent Residency)

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a permanent residency visa under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. It requires a nomination by an Australian state or territory government through the SkillSelect system. Each state and territory releases its own occupation list, and nomination approval is typically based on factors like:

• Your commitment to living in the nominating state or territory
• Years of work experience in your occupation
• Specialized skills and qualifications
• Employability and demand in the region
• English language proficiency
• Relatives living in the nominating state or territory
• Availability of settlement funds
• Your overall points score

Basic DHA Eligibility Criteria

• Nominate an occupation listed on the MLTSSL or STSOL
• Obtain a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
• Be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation
• Have at least Competent English
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect
• Receive an invitation to apply for the visa
• Meet health and character requirements

When to Choose Subclass 190

Subclass 190 is a great option if you don’t meet the requirements for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or if your occupation appears only on the STSOL. Once you have a positive skills assessment from an approved assessing authority and submit your EOI, you can earn points for:

• Age
• Recognized qualifications
• Work experience
• English language skills
• State or territory nomination
• Partner skills
• Australian study
• Professional education
• Accredited language skills
• Professional year in Australia

Points Test Changes (Effective from 16 November 2019)

Applicants can claim additional points under the revised system:

• 10 points – Partner under 45 with a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the skills list & competent English
• 5 points – Partner with proficient English only
• 10 points – Applicants without a partner
• 10 points – Master’s or PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics

State and Territory Nomination Options

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• South Australia
• Queensland
• Tasmania
• Western Australia
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Why Apply with Immigreez?

At Immigreez, we specialize in Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa applications, ensuring that your EOI, skills assessment, and nomination application meet the exact criteria for your chosen state or territory. Our experts handle documentation, eligibility assessment, and strategy to maximize your points and improve your chances of nomination approval.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a provisional visa introduced on 16 November 2019, replacing the Subclass 489 visa with improved benefits and stricter conditions. This visa is designed for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible close relative living in a designated regional area.

Where You Can Live

Holders of the Subclass 491 visa must live, work, and study only in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas exclude the metropolitan regions of:

• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Perth

Visa Duration & Monitoring

• Valid for 5 years
• Mandatory residence in a designated regional area for at least 3 years
• Applicants and family members are subject to regular compliance checks to ensure visa conditions are met

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After 3 years on the Subclass 491 visa, you can apply for the Subclass 191 – Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa, provided that:

• You have complied with all 491 visa conditions
• You have 3 years of tax assessment notices
• Your annual taxable income is at least AUD $53,900 for the required period

Points Test – Recent Changes

The updated points test provides new opportunities to boost your score:

• 10 points – Partner with valid skills assessment and competent English (previously 5 points)
• 10 points – If you have no partner, or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• 5 points – Partner with competent English only
• 10 points – Specialist education (Master’s or PhD in eligible STEM fields as per CRICOS)
• 15 points – State/territory nomination or eligible relative sponsorship in a designated regional area (previously 10 points)

Why Apply for Subclass 491 with Immigreez?

At Immigreez, we specialize in regional skilled migration pathways such as the Subclass 491 visa. Our migration experts guide you through every step – from skills assessment and EOI submission to state nomination or relative sponsorship – ensuring your application meets all Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requirements. We also help you maximize your points under the updated system, improving your chances of success.

Partner Visa – Subclass 820 & 801

The Partner Visa program allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. It is processed in two stages:

• Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – First stage
• Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Second stage

How the Application Works

• You must be in Australia both at the time of application and at the time your visa is granted
• You lodge one application for both temporary and permanent stages
• You pay a single application charge
• The application is processed in two stages, usually about two years apart

Temporary Partner Visa (Subclass 820) – Benefits

• Live in Australia while awaiting your permanent visa decision
• Work in Australia without restrictions
• Study in Australia (without access to government study loans)
• Access Medicare – Australia’s public healthcare system

Including Family Members

You can include dependent children in your application. Other dependent relatives cannot be included unless you currently hold or previously held a Prospective Marriage Visa. All dependent applicants must also be in Australia at the time of application.

Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 801) – Benefits

• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study without restrictions
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
• Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency
• Access certain social security benefits
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from visa grant date (after this, a Resident Return Visa may be required)

Why Apply with Immigreez?

At Immigreez, we understand the importance of being with your partner. Our team assists with every stage of the Partner Visa application – from compiling relationship evidence to ensuring your forms and documents meet Department of Home Affairs requirements. We guide you through both the temporary and permanent stages, helping you secure your future together in Australia.

Partner Visa – Subclass 309 (Provisional) & Subclass 100 (Migrant)

The Partner Visa program offers a pathway for the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live, work, and build a future in Australia.

Two-Stage Process

• Stage 1: Partner (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 309
• Stage 2: Partner (Migrant) Visa – Subclass 100

You submit one combined application and pay a single application charge. The process is completed in two stages, typically about two years apart.

Key Requirement – Location When Applying

• You must be outside Australia when applying for the Subclass 309 visa
• You must also be outside Australia when the Subclass 309 visa is granted
• For the Subclass 100 visa, you may be either inside or outside Australia when granted

Benefits of the Provisional Partner Visa (Subclass 309)

• Enter and live in Australia while awaiting a decision on your permanent visa
• Work in Australia without restriction
• Study in Australia (note: no access to government study loans)
• Access Medicare – Australia’s public healthcare system

Benefits of the Permanent Partner Visa (Subclass 100)

• Stay in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study without restrictions
• Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency
• Access certain social security benefits
• Travel in and out of Australia for five years from the grant date (after this, a Resident Return Visa may be required)

Why Choose Immigreez for Your Partner Visa Application?

At Immigreez, we understand the importance of being reunited with your loved one. Our expert migration team assists with every step – from preparing relationship evidence to lodging your application and guiding you through both visa stages. We ensure your application meets all Department of Home Affairs requirements, giving you the best chance of success.

Prospective Marriage Visa – Subclass 300

The Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is designed for individuals who wish to travel to Australia to marry their intended partner. This is a temporary visa valid for nine months, giving you the opportunity to enter Australia, marry your fiancé(e), and then apply for a permanent Partner Visa.

Key Eligibility & Application Conditions

• You must be outside Australia both when applying and when the visa is granted
• Your marriage can take place in Australia or in another country – there is no requirement for the ceremony to be in Australia

What This Visa Allows You to Do

• Enter Australia before marrying your prospective spouse
• Travel to and from Australia multiple times during the 9-month visa validity
• Work in Australia (note: some employers may have restrictions for temporary visa holders)
• Study in Australia (no access to government-funded tertiary study loans)
• Apply for an onshore Partner Visa after marriage, enabling a pathway to permanent residency

Why Choose Immigreez for Your Subclass 300 Visa?

At Immigreez, we specialize in uniting couples through Australia’s partner and marriage visa programs. Our team ensures your relationship evidence meets the Department of Home Affairs requirements, guides you through the documentation process, and helps you transition smoothly from your temporary visa to permanent residency.