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Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) Visa 2023: An actual PR visa of Australia

Know the Eligibility, Process, Processing Time, Documents Requirements, Overall Cost & important questions.

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    The Skilled Independent Visa is a points-tested stream that invites skilled professionals to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is for workers who are not sponsored by any territory or employer or a family member living in the country.

    The visa makes you eligible to:

    • Live & work anywhere in Australia
    • Become an Australian citizen
    • Enrol in the public healthcare scheme
    • Sponsor skilled family members for PR

    Benefits of Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa Program

    Australia is a developed and beautiful country with a welcoming environment for everyone coming to the country.

    Here are the benefits you can reap while holding the Subclass 189 visa:

    • You can work and study in Australia,
    • You and your dependents can enrol in Medicare,
    • You can enter and exit Australia multiple times,
    • You can sponsor a family member to get PR,
    • You can apply for citizenship, if applicable, and

    You can reside in Australia permanently.

    Processing Time for Subclass 189 Visa

    The processing time depends on your score, occupation and number of applicants applying under your occupation code.

    However, you will have sixty days to apply for the visa after receiving the ITA. After applying, the Department of immigration will start processing the application. The average duration for processing the visa is eight months for 75% of applications.

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    Points Requirement for Skilled Independent Visa

    The application for this visa is by invite only.

    To receive the invitation, you must:

    • File the Expression of Interest(EOI) document
    • Have experience in an occupation listed in Australia’s Skilled Occupations List
    • Be less than 45 years of age
    • Have sufficient English language skills
    • Satisfy the character and medical conditions and
    • Meet the minimum cut-off score of 65 under the points stream.

    As per the information filled in the EOI, your profile will be awarded points on the criteria as follows:

    1. Age 

    This visa program is only for applicants under 45 years and over 18 years when receiving the Invitation to Apply.

    Age Points
    18-25 years 25
    25-33 years 30
    33-40 years 25
    40-45 years 15

    2. English Skills

    You must have sufficient English language skills measured by your score in the OET, PTE, TOEFL or IELTS test.

     

    English Points
    Competent 0
    Proficient 10
    Superior 20

    3. Education

    The points under education are awarded based on your highest qualification in comparison to the relevant Australian qualification.

    Qualification Points
    Doctorate 20
    Bachelor/Master’s Degree 15
    Diploma 10
    Award or Qualification for Skilled Occupation 10

    4. Experience

    Your experience can also fetch you points if it is relevant to the occupations list.

    Skilled Employment Overseas

    Experience Points
    Less Than 3 Years 0
    3-4 Years 5
    5-7 Years 10
    At Least 8 Years 15

    OR

    Skilled Employment in Australia

     
    Experience Points
    Less Than 1 Year 0
    1-2 Years 5
    3-4 Years 10
    5-7 Years 15
    At Least 8 Years 20

    5. Partner Skills

    The Australian government can consider your spouse’s/partner’s skills for rewarding you an additional 5 points if your partner:

    • Is under 45 years of age,
    • Has competent English language skills,
    • Is assessed and found to have skills related to their nominated occupation under SOL,
    • Is accompanying you to the country and
    • Is not a permanent residence holder or citizen of Australia.



    Application Process for Subclass 189 Visa

    There are 4 steps in the application for the visa. Let us explore them in detail:

    • Step 1: To validate the occupation you wish to work in, it must be officially assessed by an authorised body as per the occupation. The assessing authority can take over three months to decide on the outcome.
    • Step 2: After receiving a positive outcome from the assessment authority, you must submit the Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa.
    • Step 3: When you receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must pay the visa fee, submit your documents and go through police & medical checks.
    • Step 4: After receiving the letter, you must have your first entry into Australia by the date given to activate your visa.



    Documents Required for Subclass 189 Visa

    Documents play a vital role in receiving the Subclass 189 visa.

    Here is a checklist of documents required to apply for the visa:

    • Subclass 189 visa application form
    • Two coloured passport-sized photographs
    • Proof of identification
    • English skills test scores
    • Educational qualification documents
    • Skill assessment report
    • Document to prove the skills
    • Reference letter from employer(s)
    • Character certificate from the police
    • Medical check certificate
    • Australian study requirement proof & documents to show proof of study (if applicable)
    • Partner’s English proficiency proof
    • Proof of relationship status
    • Any other documents as requested during the process

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    Cost of Subclass 189 Visa

    The Skilled Independent visa cost can differ based on the number and age of dependents included in the application.

     
    Immigrant Fees (in AUD)
    Main Applicant $4115
    Partner $2055
    Additional Dependent (Under 18) $1030

    Note: There can be additional factors to the cost like Spouse’s English skills, health examination and more. Moreover, the fee can change without any intimation.



    Occupation List for Australia Skilled Independent Visa

    Any aspirant wishing to apply for the Subclass 189 visa must choose an occupation related to those under the Skilled Occupation List.

    This list is updated annually by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs based on the latest demands in the country’s labour market.

    Here is the updated list of occupations that are currently in-demand in the Australian labour market.

    <thANZSCO CodeDescriptionSkill Level

    133111Construction Project Manager1
    133112Project Builder1
    133211Engineering Manager1
    134111Child Care Centre Manager1
    134211Medical Administrator1
    134212Nursing Clinical Director1
    134213Primary Health Organisation Manager1
    134214Welfare Centre Manager1
    221111Accountant (General)1
    221112Management Accountant1
    221113Taxation Accountant1
    221213External Auditor1
    221214Internal Auditor1
    224111Actuary1
    224511Land Economist1
    224512Valuer1
    232111Architect1
    232112Landscape Architect1
    232212Surveyor1
    232213Cartographer1
    232214Other Spatial Scientist1
    233111Chemical Engineer1
    233112Materials Engineer1
    233211Civil Engineer1
    233212Geotechnical Engineer1
    233213Quantity Surveyor1
    233214Structural Engineer1
    233215Transport Engineer1
    233311Electrical Engineer1
    233411Electronics Engineer1
    233511Industrial Engineer1
    233512Mechanical Engineer1
    233513Production or Plant Engineer1
    233911Aeronautical Engineer1
    233912Agricultural Engineer1
    233913Biomedical Engineer1
    233914Engineering Technologist1
    233915Environmental Engineer1
    233916Naval Architect1
    234111Agricultural Consultant1
    234112Agricultural Scientist1
    234113Forester1
    234611Medical Laboratory Scientist1
    234711Veterinarian1
    234914Physicist1
    241111Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher1
    241411Secondary School Teacher1
    241511Special Needs Teacher1
    241512Teacher of the Hearing Impaired1
    241513Teacher of the Sight Impaired1
    241599Special Education Teachers NEC*1
    251211Medical Diagnostic Radiographer1
    251212Medical Radiation Therapist1
    251213Nuclear Medicine Technologist1
    251214Sonographer1
    251411Optometrist1
    251912Orthotist or Prosthetist1
    252111Chiropractor1
    252112Osteopath1
    252411Occupational Therapist1
    252511Physiotherapist1
    252611Podiatrist1
    252711Audiologist1
    252712Speech Pathologist1
    253111General Practitioner1
    253311Specialist Physician (General Medicine)1
    253312Cardiologist1
    253313Clinical Haematologist1
    253314Medical Oncologist1
    253315Endocrinologist1
    253316Gastroenterologist1
    253317Intensive Care Specialist1
    253318Neurologist1
    253321Paediatrician1
    253322Renal Medicine Specialist1
    253323Rheumatologist1
    253324Thoracic Medicine Specialist1
    253399Specialist Physicians NEC*1
    253411Psychiatrist1
    253511Surgeon (General)1
    253512Cardiothoracic Surgeon1
    253513Neurosurgeon1
    253514Orthopaedic Surgeon1
    253515Otorhinolaryngologist1
    253516Paediatric Surgeon1
    253517Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon1
    253518Urologist1
    253521Vascular Surgeon1
    253911Dermatologist1
    253912Emergency Medicine Specialist1
    253913Obstetrician and Gynaecologist1
    253914Ophthalmologist1
    253915Pathologist1
    253917Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist1
    253918Radiation Oncologist1
    253999Medical Practitioners NEC*1
    254111Midwife1
    254411Nurse Practitioner1
    254412Registered Nurse (Aged Care)1
    254413Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)1
    254414Registered Nurse (Community Health)1
    254415Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)1
    254416Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)1
    254417Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)1
    254418Registered Nurse (Medical)1
    254421Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)1
    254422Registered Nurse (Mental Health)1
    254423Registered Nurse (Preoperative)1
    254424Registered Nurse (Surgical)1
    254425Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)1
    254499Registered Nurses NEC*1
    261111ICT Business Analyst1
    261112Systems Analyst1
    261311Analyst Programmer1
    261312Developer Programmer1
    261313Software Engineer1
    262112ICT Security Specialist1
    263111Computer Network and Systems Engineer1
    263311Telecommunications Engineer1
    263312Telecommunications Network Engineer1
    271111Barrister1
    271311Solicitor1
    272311Clinical Psychologist1
    272312Educational Psychologist1
    272313Organisational Psychologist1
    272399Psychologists NEC*1
    272511Social Worker1
    312211Civil Engineering Draftsperson2
    312212Civil Engineering Technician2
    312311Electrical Engineering Draftsperson2
    312312Electrical Engineering Technician2
    313211Radiocommunications Technician2
    313212Telecommunications Field Engineer2
    313213Telecommunications Network Planner2
    313214Telecommunications Technical Officer or Technologist2
    321111Automotive Electrician3
    321211Motor Mechanic (General)3
    321212Diesel Motor Mechanic3
    321213Motorcycle Mechanic3
    321214Small Engine Mechanic3
    322211Sheetmetal Trades Worker3
    322311Metal Fabricator3
    322312Pressure Welder3
    322313Welder (First Class)3
    323211Fitter (General)3
    323212Fitter and Turner3
    323213Fitter-Welder3
    323214Metal Machinist (First Class)3
    323313Locksmith3
    324111Panelbeater3
    331111Bricklayer3
    331112Stonemason3
    331211Carpenter and Joiner3
    331212Carpenter3
    331213Joiner3
    332211Painting Trades Worker3
    333111Glazier3
    333211Fibrous Plasterer3
    333212Solid Plasterer3
    333411Wall and Floor Tiler3
    334111Plumber (General)3
    334112Airconditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber3
    334113Drainer3
    334114Gasfitter3
    334115Roof Plumber3
    341111Electrician (General)3
    341112Electrician (Special Class)3
    341113Lift Mechanic3
    342111Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic3
    342211Electrical Lineworker3
    342212Technical Cable Jointer3
    342313Electronic Equipment Trades Worker3
    342314Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General)3
    342315Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)3
    351311Chef2
    394111Cabinetmaker3
    399111Boat Builder and Repairer3
    399112Shipwright3
    423111Aged or Disabled Carer4
    423312Nursing Support Worker4
    423313Personal Care Assistant4
    ANZSCO Code Description Skill Level
    121111 Aquaculture Farmer 1
    121211 Cotton Grower 1
    121212 Flower Grower 1
    121213 Fruit or Nut Grower 1
    121214 Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower 1
    121215 Grape Grower 1
    121216 Mixed Crop Farmer 1
    121217 Sugar Cane Grower 1
    121221 Vegetable Grower 1
    121299 Crop Farmers NEC* 1
    121311 Apiarist 1
    121312 Beef Cattle Farmer 1
    121313 Dairy Cattle Farmer 1
    121316 Horse Breeder 1
    121317 Mixed Livestock Farmer 1
    121318 Pig Farmer 1
    121321 Poultry Farmer 1
    121322 Sheep Farmer 1
    121399 Livestock Farmers NEC* 1
    121411 Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer 1
    131112 Sales and Marketing Manager 1
    131113 Advertising Manager 1
    132111 Corporate Services Manager 1
    132211 Finance Manager 1
    132311 Human Resource Manager 1
    132511 Research and Development Manager 1
    133411 Manufacturer 1
    133511 Production Manager (Forestry) 1
    133512 Production Manager (Manufacturing) 1
    133513 Production Manager (Mining) 1
    133611 Supply and Distribution Manager 1
    134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers NEC* 1
    134311 School Principal 1
    134499 Education Managers NEC* 1
    135112 ICT Project Manager 1
    135199 ICT Managers NEC* 1
    139911 Arts Administrator or Manager 1
    139913 Laboratory Manager 1
    139914 Quality Assurance Manager 1
    139999 Specialist Managers NEC* 1
    141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager 2
    141311 Hotel or Motel Manager 2
    141999 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers NEC* 2
    142114 Hair or Beauty Salon Manager 2
    142115 Post Office Manager 2
    149112 Fitness Centre Manager 2
    149113 Sports Centre Manager 2
    149212 Customer Service Manager 2
    149311 Conference and Event Organiser 2
    149413 Transport Company Manager 2
    149913 Facilities Manager 2
    211112 Dancer or Choreographer 1
    211212 Music Director 1
    211299 Music Professionals NEC* 1
    211311 Photographer 1
    211499 Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals NEC* 1
    212111 Artistic Director 1
    212212 Book or Script Editor 1
    212312 Director (Film, Television, Radio or Stage) 1
    212314 Film and Video Editor 1
    212315 Program Director (Television or Radio) 1
    212316 Stage Manager 1
    212317 Technical Director 1
    212318 Video Producer 1
    212411 Copywriter 1
    212412 Newspaper or Periodical Editor 1
    212413 Print Journalist 1
    212415 Technical Writer 1
    212416 Television Journalist 1
    212499 Journalists and Other Writers NEC* 1
    221211 Company Secretary 1
    221212 Corporate Treasurer 1
    222111 Commodities Trader 2
    222112 Finance Broker 2
    222113 Insurance Broker 2
    222199 Financial Brokers NEC* 2
    222211 Financial Market Dealer 1
    222213 Stockbroking Dealer 1
    222299 Financial Dealers NEC* 1
    222311 Financial Investment Adviser 1
    222312 Financial Investment Manager 1
    223112 Recruitment Consultant 1
    223211 ICT Trainer 1
    224112 Mathematician 1
    224212 Gallery or Museum Curator 1
    224213 Health Information Manager 1
    224214 Records Manager 1
    224611 Librarian 1
    224711 Management Consultant 1
    224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst 1
    224914 Patents Examiner 1
    224999 Information and Organisation Professionals NEC* 1
    225111 Advertising Specialist 1
    225113 Marketing Specialist 1
    225211 ICT Account Manager 1
    225212 ICT Business Development Manager 1
    225213 ICT Sales Representative 1
    225311 Public Relations Professional 1
    225499 Technical Sales Representatives NEC* 1
    231111 Aeroplane Pilot 1
    231113 Flying Instructor 1
    231114 Helicopter Pilot 1
    232311 Fashion Designer 1
    232312 Industrial Designer 1
    232313 Jewellery Designer 1
    232411 Graphic Designer 1
    232412 Illustrator 1
    232414 Web Designer 1
    232511 Interior Designer 1
    232611 Urban and Regional Planner 1
    234213 Wine Maker 1
    234411 Geologist 1
    241213 Primary School Teacher 1
    241311 Middle School Teacher 1
    249111 Education Adviser 1
    249211 Art Teacher (Private Tuition) 1
    249212 Dance Teacher (Private Tuition) 1
    249214 Music Teacher (Private Tuition) 1
    249299 Private Tutors and Teachers NEC* 1
    249311 English Teacher to Speakers of Other Languages 1
    251111 Dietitian 1
    251112 Nutritionist 1
    251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser 1
    251412 Orthoptist 1
    251511 Hospital Pharmacist 1
    251512 Industrial Pharmacist 1
    251513 Retail Pharmacist 1
    251911 Health Promotion Officer 1
    251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals NEC* 1
    252211 Acupuncturist 1
    252213 Naturopath 1
    252214 Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner 1
    252299 Complementary Health Therapists NEC* 1
    252311 Dental Specialist 1
    252312 Dentist 1
    253112 Resident Medical Officer 1
    253211 Anaesthetist 1
    254211 Nurse Educator 1
    254212 Nurse Researcher 1
    254311 Nurse Manager 1
    261212 Web Developer 1
    261314 Software Tester 1
    262111 Database Administrator 1
    262113 Systems Administrator 1
    263112 Network Administrator 1
    263113 Network Analyst 1
    263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer 1
    263212 ICT Support Engineer 1
    263213 ICT Systems Test Engineer 1
    263299 ICT Support and Test Engineers NEC* 1
    271299 Judicial and Other Legal Professionals NEC* 1
    272111 Careers Counsellor 1
    272112 Drug and Alcohol Counsellor 1
    272113 Family and Marriage Counsellor 1
    272114 Rehabilitation Counsellor 1
    272115 Student Counsellor 1
    272199 Counsellors NEC* 1
    272412 Interpreter 1
    272499 Social Professionals NEC* 1
    272612 Recreation Officer 1
    272613 Welfare Worker 1
    311111 Agricultural Technician 2
    311211 Anaesthetic Technician 2
    311212 Cardiac Technician 2
    311213 Medical Laboratory Technician 2
    311215 Pharmacy Technician 2
    311299 Medical Technicians NEC* 2
    311312 Meat Inspector 2
    311399 Primary Products Inspectors NEC* 2
    311411 Chemistry Technician 2
    311412 Earth Science Technician 2
    311413 Life Science Technician 2
    311499 Science Technicians NEC* 2
    312111 Architectural Draftsperson 2
    312112 Building Associate 2
    312113 Building Inspector 2
    312199 Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians NEC* 2
    312512 Mechanical Engineering Technician 2
    312912 Metallurgical or Materials Technician 2
    312913 Mine Deputy 2
    313111 Hardware Technician 2
    313112 ICT Customer Support Officer 2
    313113 Web Administrator 2
    313199 ICT Support Technicians NEC* 2
    322113 Farrier 3
    323111 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics) 3
    323112 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical) 3
    323113 Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures) 3
    323215 Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic 3
    323299 Metal Fitters and Machinists NEC* 3
    323314 Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer 3
    323316 Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer 3
    323412 Toolmaker 3
    324211 Vehicle Body Builder 3
    324212 Vehicle Trimmer 3
    333311 Roof Tiler 3
    342311 Business Machine Mechanic 3
    342411 Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) 3
    342413 Telecommunications Lineworker 3
    351111 Baker 3
    351112 Pastry cook 3
    351211 Butcher or Smallgoods Maker 3
    351411 Cook 3
    361111 Dog Handler or Trainer 3
    361199 Animal Attendants and Trainers NEC* 3
    361311 Veterinary Nurse 3
    362111 Florist 3
    362211 Gardener (General) 3
    362212 Arborist 3
    362213 Landscape Gardener 3
    362311 Greenkeeper 3

    Things to Do Before Applying for a Skilled Independent Visa

    Before you apply for the Subclass 189 visa, you must:

    • Ensure you meet the cut-off score for eligibility (65 points),
    • Check your occupation with Skilled Occupations List,
    • Get your skills assessed with the relevant authorities and
    • Check that you meet the other eligibility criteria.



    What to Do After Getting the Visa invitation?

    When you receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs, your application is about 90% through the process.

    At this stage, you have to:

    • Undergo health checks,
    • Provide biometrics, if requested,
    • Provide additional documents, if needed,
    • Add members of your family and

    Update your information (if any).



    Medical Requirements for Skilled Independent Visa

    Australian citizens enjoy some of the world’s health standards. To maintain these standards, all PR applicants must meet the minimum medical requirements for a visa.

    Here are the Australia PR medical tests required for the applicant, their partner and dependents.

    Age Tests Required
    Under 2 Years Medical Examination
    2-11 Years Medical Examination TB Screening Test
    11-15 Years Medical Examination Chest X-Ray
    15 or More Years Medical Examination Chest X-Ray
    HIV Test

    Reasons You are Not Invited For Subclass 189 Visa

    Australia is a popular choice for people wanting to move to another country. Moving to the country with a PR visa has many benefits. 

    However, not all applicants are accepted for the PR program.

    Here are the reasons why some PR applications are rejected:

    • Failing to meet application conditions
    • Violating condition of previous visas
    • Providing incomplete or false information
    • Failing to meet health requirements
    • Lacking sufficient funds
    • Failing to meet character requirements
    • Scoring low on English test
    • Failing to clear verification



    Partner/ Family Requirements for Subclass 189 Visa

    Your partner’s skills can be an added advantage to your visa points score.

    You can claim the additional 5 points under ‘Partner Skills’ if your partner is:

    • Included in the same visa application as the applicant
    • Not an Australian citizen or PR holder
    • Assessed by an authority for an occupation under SOL
    • Competent in English
    • Experienced in a skilled

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    Other Important FAQs


    Why Opt for the Skilled Independent Visa?

    The Skilled Independent visa is designed to select a predefined set of qualified foreign nationals required in Australia’s different states.

    It allows them to live and work in the country without being sponsored by a relative or nominated by a province or employer.

    Is Subclass 189 A Permanent Visa?

    Yes. The Skilled Independent Visa is a stream for permanent residency for all professional workers with the skills required by Australia’s labour market.

    Are 85 points enough for the Skilled Independent visa?

    Yes. The minimum cut-off score set by SkillSelect for the Subclass 189 visa is 65 points. However, do remember that the higher your points score, the higher your chances are of getting the Skilled Independent visa.

    Are 75 points enough for the Subclass 189 visa?

    Yes. As mentioned above, the minimum cut-off score for the Skilled Independent visa is 65 points. However, scoring above 80 points can ensure that you get invited sooner.

    How long is a Skilled Independent visa valid?

    The Subclass 189 visa is a permanent visa. With this, you can live in Australia indefinitely. It enables you and your family members to live, study, work and travel in the country and access its healthcare programs.

    What is an Expression of Interest?

    The Expression of Interest (EOI) is an applicant’s intimation to the Australian government about their willingness to live in the country as a permanent resident. Any candidate willing to apply for the Subclass 189 visa must file an EOI through SkillSelect. There are no fees required for creating and submitting an EOI.

    What are the Subclass 189 visa requirements for chefs?

    Professional chefs and cooks are very high in demand in Canada.

    To apply for the visa as a chef, you must:

    • Have an educational or trade qualification equal to Australian standards.
    • Have at least 3 years experience post qualification.
    • Have worked in the same field for at least one year.

    What are the Subclass 189 visa requirements for nurses?

    Nurses are very much in demand in Australia. The most common occupation under SOL used by nurses when applying for the Subclass 189 visa is ‘Registered Nurse NEC’.

    To migrate to Australia as a nurse under the Subclass 189 visa, you must:

    • Meet the English language requirement.
    • Have a current registration certificate in India.
    • Have proof of experience in the field for over a year.

    What are the Subclass 189 visa requirements for doctors?

    Australia has, for a long time, been a popular destination for doctors looking to migrate overseas.

    To apply for the Subclass 189 visa as a doctor, you must:

    • Have registered as a general or specialist physician with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority (AHPRA).
    • Be under 45 years of age.
    • Meet the required cut-off score in the points stream.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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