Skilled Independent visa

Overview

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a family member, or a state or territory government. It is designed for people whose occupations are in demand in Australia and who are competitive enough to be invited to apply. Because it needs no sponsor, it gives you a great deal of freedom once granted.

How the pathway works

The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.

What this visa lets you do

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Live, work and study anywhere in the country
• Enrol in Medicare, Australia's public health scheme
• Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence
• Travel to and from Australia for five years from the grant date
• Apply for Australian citizenship once you meet the requirements

Who can apply

To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.

Your occupation and skills assessment

Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. You also need a suitable skills assessment from the assessing authority for that occupation, which confirms your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Each occupation has a designated assessing authority, and your assessment must be valid at the time you are invited.

English language

You need at least competent English, usually shown through an accepted English test, unless you hold a passport that makes you exempt. English is also worth points, so stronger results can lift your ranking and your chances of an invitation.

Age

You must be under 45 years of age at the time you are invited to apply. Limited exemptions apply in narrow circumstances.

The points test

This visa is points-tested. Points are awarded for factors such as your age, English level, skilled work experience inside and outside Australia, qualifications, Australian study, and other criteria. You must reach at least the minimum pass mark to be invited, but invitations are competitive and a higher score improves your chances.

Health, character and other requirements

You and any family members included in your application must meet Australia's health and character requirements. You also need no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and you must have lodged an Expression of Interest and received an invitation before you can apply.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check your occupation is on the relevant list and identify the correct assessing authority.
2. Get your skills assessed and obtain a positive result.
3. Sit an English test if you are not exempt.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect, setting out your claims accurately.
5. Wait for an invitation, issued in invitation rounds based on your points and occupation.
6. Lodge your application within the set timeframe, with complete supporting evidence.
7. Respond to any requests and await the decision.

Costs and processing

A visa application charge applies, payable to the Department of Home Affairs, and there are separate costs for skills assessments, English tests, health examinations and police checks. Government charges and processing times change over time and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.

When you have the visa

As a permanent resident you can live in Australia indefinitely. You should make your first entry by the date set in your grant, keep your contact details current, and continue to meet character requirements. The five-year travel facility means that to keep travelling in and out of Australia after five years, you will need a resident return visa or Australian citizenship.