I. Introduction

The Subclass 189 Visa is referred to as the Skilled Independent Visa. it is the permanent residency visa for skilled workers who fulfill the specific eligibility criteria. It enables the candidates to reside, work, and study anywhere in Australia without any sponsorship or employer nomination. This Skilled Independent Visa is available under various streams like the New Zealand Stream,  the Points-Tested Stream, and the Hong Kong Stream. The main intention of this visa is to seek professionals who are highly skilled to contribute to the workforce of Australia. 

It provides various benefits to the applicants like work rights, Medicare, and a pathway to citizenship. The processing for each visa varies based on factors like the completeness of the application, required background checks, and migration program allowances. Knowing the timeline helps the applicants to accordingly plan their employment, move, and finances, and also ensures a smooth transition to life in Australia. 

II. What is The Subclass 189 Visa?

The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent residency that is created for skilled workers who don't need a sponsorship from an employer, a state nomination, or a family sponsorship. It permits skilled workers with an invitation to live, and work, anywhere in Australia indefinitely. This visa provides Permanent residency and the right to stay forever. The applicants can sponsor family members for visas, and admit offers a pathway to eligible candidates to gain citizenship in Australia. The applicants have the right to work and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions. 

The eligibility criteria for The Subclass 189 Visa include:

• The applicant be invited to apply for this visa after the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Skillselect. 
• Candidates should be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation. 
• Applicants need to score at least 65 points based on elements like work experience, English proficiency, and age. 
• They must have competent English language skills and meet the character and health requirements.

III. Factors Affecting Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time

The factors that affect the processing time of Subclass 189 visa are discussed below:

1. Completeness of Application

The processing time can be enhanced by submitting an accurate and complete application with all the necessary documents. Submission of incorrect information or missing information may cause delays and errors in the processing due to requests for additional documents.

2. Demand for the Visa:

The increase in demand for the subclass 189 visa or Skilled Independent Visa can lead to an increase in waiting time. If there are more applications than the available places in the migration program of Australia then The processing time will get slow.

3. Health and Character Checks

The other factor is health and character checks, the applicants need to pass health and character assessments. If this process is delayed then it leads to longer processing time in medical tests, police certificates, or security clearances

4. Occupation and Points Score 

Before making the application, the applicants need to ensure accuracy and readiness. Because particular occupations on the skilled occupation list may have faster processing times. In addition to that the applicants with higher points scores may quickly receive invitations. 

Iv. Current Subclass 189 Visa Processing Time

Australia has facilitated the processing time of the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa (Points-tested stream). The new or latest processing times are as follows:

• 25% of applications: for 74 days 
• 50% of applications: for 80 days
• 75% of applications: for 88 days
• 90% of applications: for 3 months

In past years, the processing times for the subclass 189 visa may take a minimum range of 2 years. This has changed leading to significant backlogs, especially after the restriction related to COVID. This reduction of visa processing time is a part of the government’s efforts to clear this problem, the subclass 189 visa permits the skilled workers to move faster. 

Skilled migrants benefit from this policy because it provides quicker access to permanent residency, pathways to citizenship, and work rights. This quicker processing also makes sure that skilled professionals can contribute to the workforce of Australia, without any delays or errors

V. How to Speed Up The Subclass 189 Visa Processing

For quicker processing of your Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa, the applicants require careful planning and attention to detail. The candidates can go through and follow the below-given steps to enhance the speed of the Subclass 189 Visa Processing. 

1. Ensure all documents are submitted correctly

One of the most common reasons for the delay in visa processing is missing documents and submitting incorrect documents. To get rid of this issue the applicants can follow the following steps:

• Before submitting your application applicants need to do a thorough research of the required documents.
• Properly Arrange your paperwork, ensure all files are clear, correctly formatted, and if necessary. translated into English. 
• Use the checklist to confirm that no important documents are missing. 
• During the submission of the application upload all the required documents to avoid requests for additional documents.

2. Complete health and character checks promptly

Before approving the Subclass 189 Visa The government of Australia requires all applicants to strictly meet the health and character requirements. Delays in these health and character checks can extend the processing time. To increase the speed in this, applicants can book their medical examination earlier, they can obtain police clearance certificates from all countries from where they have lived for 12 months in the last 10 years, and finally, applicants can monitor the requests from the immigration authorities and can immediately submit any additional documents.

3. Provide accurate information to avoid delays

The applicants need to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in the processing time. Any errors and inconsistencies in the visa application may cause unnecessary inspection, which may further lead to delays or even refusal/rejection of the visa application. To avoid this issue, the applicant can

• Double-check all personal details from all documents submitted, ensuring names, addresses, and birthdates. 
• Provide true information when answering the question in your application, misleading information may lead to rejection.
• Stay updated with the policies and rules of Australian immigration, to ensure conformity with the latest requirements. 

4. Select the right Visa

Choosing the wrong visa can lead to delays in the entire process of application and its timeline. Which selecting the visa, the applicants need to thoroughly evaluate their eligibility before applying. Each visa has specific conditions and requirements so while making application consider you goals. And get advice from migration agents or consultants with more years of experience to know that you are on the right track. 

VI. Common Reasons For Processing Delays

The common reasons for Subclass 189 Visa delays are discussed below. Follow all provided details and Avoid the below-given mistakes to avoid processing delays. 

Missing or incorrect documentation

This is one of the Common Reasons For Processing Delays if The Subclass 189 Visa, missing or incorrect paperwork may extend the processing time. To solve this problem, the candidates are required to submit accurate and complete information from starting to end of the application process. 

Incomplete background checks

This is another reason for delays in the processing time, this occurs due to inadequate preparation, poor background checks, and more. The applicants must ensure complete background checks while submitting the visa application. 

High application volume

Multiple projects or applications can affect the timeline of processing. A high volume of applications may create errors, and can further delay the process. 

Poor Communication

Lack of proper communication between the parties can lead to errors, misunderstandings, and unnecessary delays. This issue can be caused by several factors like lack of feedback or providing little feedback, unclear messages, and delayed information.

VII. Conclusion

In recent years, the government of Australia has the elegant visa processing times. In recent days it significantly decreased the waiting time for the skilled workers. With these changes, the applicants are more benefited by enabling them to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy of the country. Having up-to-date information about immigration policies and regulations supports the applicants to align their application with current requirements. 

The applicants need to conduct research, follow Checklists, and stay active in fulfilling all the required eligibility requirements. By following this the applicants can avoid unwanted complications, and they can ensure a seamless transition to their new beginning of life in Australia.  Getting professional advice can help the applicants while applying for the Subclass 189 visa. For a successful application the applicants can additionally score higher on points and can prepare accurate and complete documents with true information, and while submitting the application double-check all the documents and application. 

Croyez Immigration, the experts of immigration can guide you through the application process, and help you to navigate the complex requirements. The team at Croyez helps to increase the chance of success and immediate application. Applicants can enhance their chances of securing their visa by taking the proper steps and seeking expert guidance when required. Enjoy your journey to Australia with confidence.