Main Benefits of Subclass 189

The Subclass 189 visa offers one of the most comprehensive sets of benefits for skilled migrants. Here's everything you get with this permanent residence visa.

? Core Benefits

1. Permanent Residence Status

?? Live in Australia Indefinitely
This is a permanent visa - no expiry date, no renewals required. You can stay in Australia for as long as you want!

With permanent residence, you have:

  • No time limits on your stay in Australia
  • Security of residence - can't be easily cancelled
  • Full rights and protections under Australian law

2. Complete Location Freedom

Unlike many other visas, the Subclass 189 has NO regional restrictions:

  • ? Live anywhere in Australia from day one
  • ? Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane - all major cities are open
  • ? No commitment to live in regional areas
  • ? Free to move between states and territories
Compare: Regional visas like the 491 require you to live and work in designated regional areas for at least 3 years. The 189 has no such restrictions!

3. Zero Sponsorship Required

Complete independence means:

  • No employer to tie you down
  • No state government commitments
  • No obligations to family sponsors
  • Change jobs freely without visa implications

?? Work & Career Benefits

Unlimited Work Rights

  • Work in any occupation: Not restricted to your nominated occupation
  • Work for any employer: Switch jobs as often as you like
  • Full-time or part-time: Your choice
  • Multiple jobs: Work for multiple employers simultaneously
  • Start a business: Set up your own company or be self-employed
  • No work obligations: You can even choose not to work if you don't want to
Career Freedom: Train as a software developer but want to try consulting? Go for it! Your visa doesn't limit your career choices.

??????????? Family Benefits

Include Your Family

You can include the following family members in your application:

  • Your partner (married spouse or de facto partner)
  • Dependent children (under 18, or 18-23 if full-time students)
  • Other dependent relatives in certain circumstances

All included family members get:

  • ? Same permanent residence status as you
  • ? Unlimited work and study rights
  • ? Access to Medicare and public services

Sponsor Other Family Members

Once you have your PR, you can sponsor eligible relatives for:

  • Parent visas (subclass 103, 143, 804, 864)
  • Partner visas for future relationships
  • Other family visas as applicable

?? Healthcare & Social Benefits

Medicare Access

?? Full Medicare Benefits
Access Australia's public healthcare system from day one of your visa grant!

Medicare provides:

  • Free or subsidized doctor visits
  • Free treatment in public hospitals
  • Subsidized prescription medicines (PBS)
  • Free or low-cost diagnostic tests

Social Security (with conditions)

After meeting waiting periods, you may access:

  • Family benefits and parental leave pay
  • Unemployment benefits (after 4 years)
  • Age pension (after 10 years residence)
  • Disability support

?? Education Benefits

Study Rights

  • Enroll in any course: Universities, TAFEs, vocational training
  • Same fees as citizens: No international student fees (for most courses)
  • Access to HELP loans: Government study loans (after 1 year residence)

Children's Education

  • Free public school education (Primary and Secondary)
  • Same university fees as domestic students
  • Eligible for youth allowance and other student support

?? Travel Benefits

5-Year Travel Facility

Your visa includes a 5-year travel facility that allows you to:

  • Leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want
  • Stay overseas for any length of time
  • No restrictions on travel frequency
?? After 5 Years: You'll need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia if traveling abroad. Easy to get if you meet residence requirements.

???? Pathway to Citizenship

Become an Australian Citizen

After holding your PR visa, you can apply for Australian citizenship if you meet these requirements:

  • Have been a permanent resident for 12 months
  • Have lived in Australia for 4 years (including 12 months as PR)
  • Pass the citizenship test
  • Meet character requirements

Citizenship benefits include:

  • Australian passport
  • Right to vote
  • Access to government jobs
  • No travel restrictions
  • Can never be deported

Financial Benefits

Super & Taxation

  • Superannuation: Full access to employer superannuation contributions
  • Tax resident rates: Access to tax-free threshold and other benefits
  • Banking: Easier access to loans, mortgages, and credit

Property & Investment

  • Buy property with fewer restrictions
  • Easier mortgage approval
  • Access first home buyer benefits in some states

??? Legal & Social Benefits

  • Legal protection: Full protection under Australian law
  • Consumer rights: Same rights as citizens
  • Access to services: Government services and community programs
  • Job protection: Full employment rights and protections

Summary: Why Choose 189?

The Subclass 189 offers unmatched freedom and flexibility:

  • ? Complete independence - no sponsors needed
  • ? Live anywhere in Australia
  • ? Permanent residence with pathway to citizenship
  • ? Full work and study rights
  • ? Include your family
  • ? Access to Medicare and social services