POINTS-TESTED APPLICANTS ACHIEVING 60 POINTS must undergo a two-step application process for the 189 Permenant Resident Visa. Firstly, they must lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI); then upon receiving an Invitation to Apply from the department, they must lodge a Visa application within 6o days. Family members can be included in this visa. This visa has a high processing priority of between 6 and 12 months – more or less, depending on the quality of the application and the issues involved.