Subclass 189 · Hong Kong stream
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Hong Kong Stream
Permanent residence for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders who have lived in Australia for 4 years on an eligible visa.
About the Hong Kong stream
A permanent pathway for Hong Kong passport holders.
- Stay in Australia permanently
- Work and study in Australia
- Join free English classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, if eligible
- Enrol in Medicare
- Sponsor eligible relatives
- Travel in and out of Australia for 5 years
- Become an Australian citizen, if eligible
AUD6,135 for the main applicant, plus charges for family members.
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Eligibility
What you need.
You must hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport when you apply.
You must hold an eligible visa when you apply and have held it for at least 4 years. If it was granted before 9 July 2020, it must not expire after 8 July 2025.
You must have usually lived in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before applying.
You must have met the conditions of your eligible visa while in Australia.
When the visa is decided, you need functional English, or you pay a second instalment of the visa charge.
You and family members applying with you must meet the health requirement, and those aged 16 or over the character requirement. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Applicants 18 or over read the Life in Australia booklet and sign the Australian Values Statement, government debts must be repaid or arranged, and previous refusals or cancellations are considered.
Not applicable for this view.
When you have this visa
You are a permanent resident.
You can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare. Newly arrived residents may wait before getting some government payments.
Travel in and out of Australia as often as you like for 5 years from grant. After that, you need a Resident Return visa.
As a permanent resident you may be able to sponsor eligible relatives, and later apply for Australian citizenship.
Report a new passport, address or other change in circumstances.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Other Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Streams
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Hong Kong Stream FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
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Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders who have held an eligible visa and lived in Australia for at least 4 years.
No. The Hong Kong stream has its own requirements and does not use the points test.
Functional English when the visa is decided, or you pay a second instalment of the visa charge.
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