Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa
In order to apply for a Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa, you must first lodge an Expression of interest through SkillSelect and be invited by the Department of Immigration to apply.
Once you are invited to apply for a skilled visa, you must lodge your application within 60 days, otherwise the invitation lapses. Accordingly, it is very important that you have all required documentation prepared to lodge as soon as possible after receiving the invitation.
The Criteria
In order to qualify for a Subclass 189 visa, you will be required to:
- Meet the pass mark in the points test. 60 points is the current passing mark.
- Obtain suitable skills assessment result in an occupation in the Skilled Occupation List
- Have at least competent English
- Lodge an EOI and be invited to apply
- Must not have turned 50
- Meet health and character requirements
Family members included such as partner, children and other dependant family members must meet English, health and character requirements.
What does this visa let me do?
Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Skilled Independent visa become permanent residents of Australia.
Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidised healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.