Application Process

The Subclass 189 application process involves multiple steps from submitting your Expression of Interest to lodging your visa application. This guide walks you through each stage.

Application Overview

The process has three main stages:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit through SkillSelect
2. Invitation to Apply: Wait for invitation based on your points
3. Visa Application: Lodge full application within 60 days

1?? Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Before You Start

Creating Your EOI in SkillSelect

Step 1: Create SkillSelect Account

• Visit: SkillSelect website
• Create new account with email and password
• Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete EOI Form

• Personal Details: Name, date of birth, passport details
• Nominated Occupation: Select from MLTSSL list
• Skills Assessment: Enter assessment details and reference number
• English Test: Test type, scores, test date
• Work Experience: Detailed employment history (last 10 years)
• Education: All qualifications
• Points Claims: All criteria you're claiming points for
• Partner Details: If claiming partner points

Step 3: Select Visa Type

• Select "Skilled Independent (subclass 189)" as your visa type
• You can select multiple visa types if you're also interested in 190 or 491

Step 4: Review and Submit

• Carefully review all information
• Check your points calculation is correct
• Submit your EOI (no fee required)

After EOI Submission

• Valid for 2 years: Your EOI remains active for 2 years from submission
• Can be updated: Update your EOI anytime if circumstances change (improves points, work experience, etc.)
• Date of Effect changes: When you update your EOI, your Date of Effect resets to the update date
• No limit on updates: Update as often as needed to keep information current

2?? Stage 2: Receiving an Invitation

How Invitations Work

• Invitation Rounds: Typically held every 2 weeks
• Points-Based Ranking: Higher points = higher priority
• Pro-rata Occupations: Some occupations have monthly invitation limits
• Date of Effect: If points are equal, earlier EOI submission date gets priority

Checking for Invitations

• Email notification when invited
• Check SkillSelect account regularly
• Invitation appears in your SkillSelect correspondence

Invitation Timeline

3?? Stage 3: Lodging Your Visa Application

Step 1: Create ImmiAccount

• Visit: ImmiAccount
• Create account if you don't have one
• Link your invitation to your ImmiAccount

Step 2: Start Visa Application

• Log into ImmiAccount
• Select "New Application"
• Choose "Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)"
• Application will be pre-populated from your EOI

Step 3: Complete Application Form

The application has multiple sections:

Applicant Details:

• Personal information
• Contact details
• Passport details
• Identity documents

Family Members:

• Add partner and dependent children
• Details for all family members (even if not migrating)

Points Claims:

• Confirm all points claims from EOI
• Provide evidence for each claim

Health and Character:

• Answer health declaration questions
• Declare any criminal history
• Confirm you meet character requirements

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload all required documents (see Requirements page):

• Identity documents
• Skills assessment
• English test results
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Work experience evidence
• Police clearances
• Evidence for all points claims

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

• Main Applicant: AUD $4,640
• Adult Additional Applicant: AUD $2,320
• Child Additional Applicant: AUD $1,160
• Payment methods: Credit card, PayPal, BPAY

Step 6: Submit Application

• Review all information thoroughly
• Check all documents are uploaded correctly
• Read and accept the declaration
• Click Submit
• Save your Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

After Submission

• Confirmation Email: You'll receive confirmation with TRN
• Health Examinations: Organise when instructed via ImmiAccount
• Additional Documents: Upload if requested by case officer
• Application Status: Monitor through ImmiAccount

Total Application Costs

For Single Applicant:

• Visa application fee: AUD $4,640
• Health examinations: AUD $300-500
• Police certificates: AUD $50-200
• Total: ~AUD $5,000-5,500

For Family of 3 (2 adults + 1 child):

• Main applicant: AUD $4,640
• Partner: AUD $2,320
• Child: AUD $1,160
• Health examinations (all): AUD $800-1,200
• Police certificates (all): AUD $150-400
• Total: ~AUD $9,000-10,000

? Application Checklist

?? Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the 60-day deadline: Set multiple reminders!
• Inconsistent information: Ensure EOI and application match exactly
• Insufficient evidence: Provide comprehensive documentation for all points claims
• Uncertified documents: Remember to certify copies where required
• Missing translations: All non-English documents need NAATI translations
• Incomplete work evidence: Provide multiple types of evidence for each employment period
• Not declaring family members: Include ALL family members, even if not migrating

Next Steps

After submitting your application, learn what to expect during the processing period and how to track your application status!