Right & Associates Canberra – Expert Education & Migration Consultancy with 25+ Years of Experience

Canberra attracts thousands of students and professionals every year because of its top universities, strong job market, and clear migration pathways. Right & Associates Canberra offers a dedicated team that understands ACT-specific opportunities, university options, and visa requirements so you do not have to navigate them alone.​

From your first counselling session in Canberra to your PR or further study planning, our consultants provide honest advice, transparent processes, and end-to-end support. Many clients describe our Canberra team as professional, friendly, and solution-focused, especially during complex cases.​

To qualify for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) in 2025, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Understanding these requirements is the first step toward successful application.​

Core Requirements

Age Requirement: You must be under 45 years old at the time you receive your invitation to apply. The points system awards maximum points (30) to applicants aged 25-32 years, with decreasing points for older age brackets.​

Occupation on Skilled List: Your nominated occupation must appear on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This list includes high-demand professions such as Software Engineers, Registered Nurses, Accountants, Civil Engineers, Secondary School Teachers, and Medical Practitioners.​

Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation. For example, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, CPA Australia assesses accounting roles, and AHPRA handles medical registrations. Right & Associates assists with skills assessment preparation and submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.​

Points Test: You must score a minimum of 65 points on the points test to be eligible for an invitation. However, due to high competition, most successful applicants in 2025 score between 80-95 points depending on their occupation. Right & Associates Canberra helps optimize your points through strategic planning.​

English Language Proficiency: At minimum, you must demonstrate Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent PTE/TOEFL scores). However, achieving Proficient English (IELTS 7.0) adds 10 points, and Superior English (IELTS 8.0) adds 20 points to your total score—often making the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely.​

Health and Character Requirements: All applicants and family members must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates from every country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.​

No Outstanding Debts: You must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government and must sign the Australian Values Statement.​

How the Points System Works: Maximizing Your Score

The 189 visa uses a sophisticated points-based system that evaluates your age, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and additional factors. Understanding how to maximize points is critical for Canberra applicants competing in a crowded field.​

Points Breakdown (2025)

Age Points (Maximum 30 points):

• 18-24 years: 25 points
• 25-32 years: 30 points (optimal age range)
• 33-39 years: 25 points
• 40-44 years: 15 points
• 45+ years: 0 points (ineligible)​

English Language Points (Maximum 20 points):

• Competent English (IELTS 6 each): 0 points
• Proficient English (IELTS 7 each): 10 points
• Superior English (IELTS 8 each): 20 points​

Skilled Work Experience (Maximum 20 points for Australian experience, 15 for overseas):

• Australian work: 1-2 years (5 points), 3-4 years (10 points), 5-7 years (15 points), 8+ years (20 points)
• Overseas work: 3-4 years (5 points), 5-7 years (10 points), 8+ years (15 points)​

Educational Qualifications (Maximum 20 points):

• Doctorate (PhD): 20 points
• Bachelor's or Master's degree: 15 points
• Diploma or Trade Qualification: 10 points
• Australian study requirement (2+ years): Additional 5 points​

Additional Points Opportunities:

• Partner skills (skilled occupation + competent English): 10 points
• Credentialed Community Language (NAATI): 5 points
• Professional Year in Australia: 5 points
• Study in Regional Australia: 5 points​

Right & Associates Canberra provides comprehensive points optimization consultations. Our MARA-registered agents identify overlooked opportunities such as partner skills contributions, NAATI testing, or Professional Year programs that can boost your score from 70 to 85+ points—dramatically improving your invitation chances.​

189 Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The 189 visa application follows a two-stage process managed through the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system. Right & Associates Canberra guides you through every stage with precision and expertise.​

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Step 1: Skills Assessment
Obtain your positive skills assessment from the relevant authority. Processing times vary from 2-12 weeks depending on the occupation and assessing body. Right & Associates coordinates with assessment authorities to ensure applications meet requirements.​

Step 2: English Language Testing
Complete IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET testing to demonstrate your English proficiency. Our Canberra office can refer you to local preparation courses if needed.​

Step 3: Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Create a SkillSelect account and submit your Expression of Interest with accurate details about your age, qualifications, work experience, and claimed points. Your EOI enters a pool where it is ranked against other candidates in your occupation.​

Step 4: Wait for Invitation
The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations during regular invitation rounds (typically monthly). Invitation times range from 1-12 months depending on your occupation demand and points score. High-scoring candidates (85+ points) in popular occupations like Software Engineering receive faster invitations.​

Stage 2: Visa Application

Step 5: Receive Invitation to Apply
When invited, you have 60 days to lodge your complete visa application. This deadline is strict—missing it means your EOI expires and you must resubmit.​

Step 6: Lodge Visa Application
Submit your online application through your ImmiAccount with all supporting documents including:

• Skills assessment report
• English test results
• Educational transcripts and qualifications
• Employment references and payslips
• Passport copies
• Birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearances
• Health examination results​

Step 7: Case Officer Assessment
A case officer from the Department reviews your application. They may request additional documents or clarifications. Right & Associates proactively prepares comprehensive applications to minimize delays and additional requests.​

Step 8: Visa Grant
Upon successful assessment, you receive your visa grant notification. You can then move to Australia and activate your permanent residency within the initial travel validity period (usually 12 months).​

Understanding realistic processing times helps Canberra applicants plan their migration timeline effectively. As of December 2025, the 189 visa processing landscape shows the following trends.​

Processing Timeframes

Overall Processing Time: The Department of Home Affairs reports that 75% of 189 visa applications are finalized within 4-8 months, while 90% are finalized within 6-12 months from lodgment. However, individual cases vary significantly.​

Average Processing: Most applicants experience an 8-17 month processing period from application lodgment to visa grant. Complex cases involving additional character checks, security clearances, or incomplete documentation can extend beyond 17 months.​

Onshore vs Offshore: Canberra-based onshore applicants (those already in Australia on student, work, or bridging visas) typically experience faster processing than offshore applicants due to streamlined health and character verifications.​

Invitation Wait Time: Before application lodgment, candidates wait in the SkillSelect pool. This wait ranges from 1 month for high-demand occupations with 85+ points to 12+ months for lower-scoring applicants in competitive occupations.​

Success Rates

The 189 visa success rate stands at approximately 70% for complete, well-prepared applications that meet all eligibility criteria. This means roughly 30% of applications face refusal, primarily due to insufficient documentation, incorrect claims, or failure to meet character/health requirements.​

Right & Associates Canberra maintains a strong track record of successful 189 visa outcomes by ensuring applications are comprehensive, accurate, and compliant from the outset. Our MARA-registered agents' attention to detail significantly reduces refusal risks.​

Common Reasons for Delays or Refusals

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing employment references, unclear job descriptions, or insufficient evidence of claimed experience
• Skills Assessment Issues: Negative or incorrect skills assessment that doesn't match the EOI claims
• Character Concerns: Delayed police clearances or undisclosed criminal history
• Health Issues: Pre-existing medical conditions requiring additional assessments
• Points Discrepancies: Inability to prove claimed points (e.g., overstated work experience, unverified qualifications)​

189 Visa Costs: Investment in Your Australian Future

Understanding the full financial commitment for a 189 visa application helps Canberra applicants budget appropriately.​

Government Visa Application Charges (2025)

• Primary Applicant: AUD $4,640
• Dependent Adult (18+ years): AUD $2,320
• Dependent Child (Under 18): AUD $1,160​

Additional Costs

Skills Assessment: AUD $500 - $2,000 depending on occupation and assessing authority. Engineering, accounting, and IT assessments typically cost $800-$1,200.​

English Language Tests:

• IELTS Academic: AUD $380-$420
• PTE Academic: AUD $400-$450​

Health Examinations: AUD $350-$500 per applicant (panel physician fees)​

Police Clearances: AUD $50-$100 per country of residence​

Professional Migration Agent Fees: AUD $3,000-$6,000 for comprehensive 189 visa services including skills assessment coordination, EOI lodgment, application preparation, and case officer liaison. Right & Associates offers transparent, competitive fixed-fee pricing with payment plan options.​

Total Estimated Cost (Single Applicant): AUD $8,500 - $14,000 including all government and professional fees.

Why Choose Right & Associates Canberra for Your 189 Visa?

Competing against thousands of skilled migrants requires strategic planning, meticulous documentation, and expert guidance. Right & Associates Canberra combines 25+ years of global migration experience with local ACT knowledge to maximize your 189 visa success.​

Our Competitive Advantages

MARA-Registered Expertise: Our Canberra team includes Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) registered agents who stay current with the latest Department of Home Affairs policies, occupation list changes, and invitation trends.​

25+ Years, 15,000+ Success Stories: Since our establishment, Right & Associates has guided over 15,000 international students and skilled migrants worldwide through successful visa and migration outcomes. Our proven track record speaks for itself.​

Points Optimization Strategy: We conduct comprehensive assessments identifying every possible point-earning opportunity. Whether it's improving your English score from 7 to 8 (adding 10 points), claiming partner skills, or coordinating a Professional Year, we maximize your competitiveness.​

Skills Assessment Coordination: Right & Associates works directly with assessing authorities such as Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, VETASSESS, and AHPRA to ensure your skills assessment is positive and aligns with your visa strategy.​

Comprehensive Documentation Support: Our agents prepare detailed document checklists, review all evidence for completeness and authenticity, and ensure your application meets Department standards—reducing refusal risks and processing delays.​

Transparent Fixed-Fee Pricing: Unlike hourly billing models, we offer clear, upfront pricing with payment plan options, ensuring you know exactly what to expect financially.​

Local Canberra Presence: Our Canberra office provides face-to-face consultations for ACT residents, making complex migration discussions more personal and accessible. We understand Canberra's unique employment landscape and can advise on local opportunities post-PR.