Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Are you an international professional possessing sought-after expertise aligned with Australia’s economic needs? Are you aspiring to acquire permanent residency in the land down under?
Embark on your journey with the Skilled Independent Visa and embrace the chance to work and settle permanently in this exquisite nation!
Why Opt for the Skilled Independent Visa?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based visa targeting specifically skilled individuals from overseas, whom Australian states require to fill the skill shortages.
This visa empowers skilled professionals to relocate and establish their lives in Australia independently, liberating them from the necessity of a sponsor or nominee from a family member, state, or territory authority.
Advantages of Securing a Skilled Independent Visa
- Permanent residency to live, work, or study anywhere in Australia.
- Eligibility to enroll in Medicare, Australia's comprehensive healthcare program.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship for those who meet the residence criteria.
- Ability to sponsor relatives for permanent residency in Australia.
- Freedom to travel to and from Australia for five years from the visa issuance date.
Preparation Steps Before Applying for the Visa
Before lodging your visa application, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and achieve a minimum score of 65 points to be considered for an invitation to apply.
The points are allocated based on various factors:
- Age
- Educational qualifications (Diploma/Degree/PhD)
- Proficiency in English
- Professional work experience
- Single or partner qualifications
- NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accreditation
- Completion of a Professional Year in Australia
**Additional Tip: Earning a degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution may grant you an additional five points on your EOI. Nevertheless, specific criteria must be fulfilled to secure these points.
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this visa, candidates must:
- Be under 45 years of age, which is the stipulated maximum for applicants.
- Nominate a vocation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Have their skillsets evaluated and approved by the relevant assessing authority.
- Obtain the score outlined in the invitation to apply.
- Satisfy the standard health and character stipulations.
Health & Character Standards
Applicants and their family members must:
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Evidence of competent English requires minimum scores in any of the following assessments:
Outstanding Debts to the Australian Government
Applicants must not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any such debts prior to the visa grant.
Inclusion of Family Members When you lodge your visa application, it’s possible to include:
Assistance with Visa Process and Expression of Interest
Navigating the visa requirements can be complex. If you need assistance or have questions about the Expression of Interest, reach out to Echoes Global Education. Our MARA-certified professionals are here to ensure your application process is handled with expert care.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general understanding only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the latest information directly from the Department of Home Affairs at Department of Home Affairs Website.
FAQ
No, the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) requires your occupation to be listed on the MLTSSL. If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL but is in demand in a specific state or territory, you might be eligible for a different visa, such as the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), which requires state or territory nomination.
The point-based system awards points for criteria such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, Australian educational qualifications, and other factors. Yes, you can gain additional points for your partner's skills if they are also eligible for the same visa, meet the English language requirement, have a skills assessment in a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL, and are under 45 years of age.
Once you receive an invitation to apply, you have 60 days to submit a complete visa application. It is critical to have all your documentation prepared and ready to submit to avoid any delays that might result in missing this deadline.
Yes, it is possible to apply for the Subclass 189 visa while you are in Australia on another valid visa. However, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 189 visa, and the application must be completed before your current visa expires. It is also important to ensure that your current visa does not have a "No further stay" condition attached.
Once granted, the Subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa. It is not typically canceled due to changes in circumstances. However, the visa may be subject to cancellation if there was a mistake in the application or if the visa was obtained fraudulently. Additionally, visa holders must adhere to Australian laws; serious breaches can lead to cancellation or revocation of visa status.
Visa Subclass
- Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
- Skilled - Nominated (subclass 190)
- Skilled - Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489)
- Skilled-Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)
- Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)