Aiming for permanent residency in Australia without employer sponsorship? Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is what most people opt for in such cases. On this visa, you can live and work anywhere in the country. Though Melbourne is a preferred spot for skilled professionals from around the world.
But before you get excited about the new world you are about to step into, let’s break down the two things everyone wants to know first: cost and processing time of the 189 visa. It is important because these factors influence planning and timelines. It is also a crucial deciding factor in your actual move to Melbourne.
About Skilled Independent Visa 189?
Skilled workers who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through SkillSelect can apply for this visa. No job offer or state nomination required. Your eligibility entirely depends on your points score, skills assessment, English ability, and occupation list status.
Once approved, you become a permanent resident on day one. That’s the real game changer.
Why Melbourne Attracts 189 Visa Holders
Melbourne keeps topping the charts for liveability. The city offers career opportunities across sectors. Professional growth isn’t the only thing Melbourne has to offer. It also has:
- Strong infrastructure
- Multicultural communities
- High-quality universities
- Global employers
- Great public transport
- A solid pathway to citizenship
These factors add up and contribute to Melbourne’s quality of life. Therefore, although the visa isn’t tied to any specific state, skilled professionals planning a long-term future in Australia choose Melbourne.
189 Visa Cost in Melbourne
Visa fees are the same no matter where you plan to live in Australia. But your settlement costs can vary based on the city, and Melbourne can be pricier than others.
Here’s an overview of the DHA Visa Charges for the 189 Skilled Independent visa:
If you are the primary applicant, the visa charges start from AUD $4,910. For dependents, it varies based on whether they have functional English or not. If they do, the charges for applicants over 18 years of age are around AUD $2,455. The charges are around AUD $1,230 for individuals under 18. If they do not have functional English, the charges go up to around AUD $4,885.
These are just the visa costs. The total costs you incur also include miscellaneous charges like Skills assessment (AUD $300–$1,000), English test (AUD $400–$500), Medical checks (AUD $350–$500), Police checks (AUD $50–$100), etc.
189 Visa Processing Time for Melbourne
Visa 189 wait times change depending on demand, occupation ceilings, and immigration priorities.
As per the latest processing time trends, the invitation can take a few weeks to over 12 months. After you get an invitation, you can proceed to lodge your visa application. Once that is done, the application can then take around 6-13 months.
Applicants in high-demand occupations like nursing or IT often get invited faster than others.
Things can slow down because of:
- Low points score
- Missing or incorrect documents
- Delays in health or character clearance
Make sure you get them sorted in time.
189 Eligibility Checklist
Check:
- Is your occupation listed on the MLTSSL?
- Have 65+ points?
- Completed a positive skills assessment?
- Do you meet the English requirements?
- Are you under 45 years at the time of invitation?
If the answer to the above question is yes, you are going in the right direction.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Want to shine in the points race? Focus on the things you can actually control.
- Aim for higher English scores: Start with English. Even a small jump in your score can change your points tally. You already know the test format, make the most out of it.
- Claim points for partner skills: If your partner meets the criteria, use those points. A lot of couples leave this untouched and then wonder why their score isn’t competitive.
- Upload all documents correctly the first time: Documents are another silent deal-breaker. People lose months because they uploaded the wrong version or left one page out. Before hitting submit, go through everything like an officer would.
- Check occupation quotas and points cut-offs: Keep one eye on the occupation quota and invitations. Some occupations fill fast, and the points cut-off can shift without warning. When you know the trend, you can plan your next move.
- Lodge an Expression of Interest early: Don’t wait forever to lodge your EOI. It doesn’t have to be perfect on day one. Get it into the system. Update it as you grow your points.
Life in Melbourne as a 189 Visa Holder
Once your 189 visa is stamped, you can enjoy:
- Access to Medicare.
- Freedom to change employers or jobs.
- Better career progression and salaries.
- A pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting residency rules.
Plus, the lifestyle in Melbourne is addictive.
Bottom Line
The 189 Skilled Independent Visa is one of the most sought-after PR pathways because it gives you complete flexibility. Melbourne just happens to be the perfect destination to make the most of it. Ready to begin your journey? Get your documents sorted and push your points score as high as you can.
If you are stuck figuring your way through the process, contact us our expert immigration consultants in Melbourne. Our expert agents have been dealing with cases similar to yours for over a decade and a half. They’ll help you make sense of the process. Be patient, the process might be long, but all your patience pays off once you get your visa.
