Australia’s Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-based permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. It allows individuals to live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
✅ Key Features:
- Permanent Residency: Grants the right to stay in Australia indefinitely.
- No Sponsorship Needed: You don’t need a job offer or state nomination.
- Pathway to Citizenship: You can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency requirements.
- Family Included: You can include eligible family members in your application.
🔍 Eligibility Requirements:
- Invitation to Apply: You must receive an invitation through SkillSelect.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- Skills Assessment: You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age when invited.
- Points Score: You must score at least 65 points (higher scores increase your chances).
- English Proficiency: Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent minimum).
- Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.
📝 Application Process:
- Check eligibility (occupation list, points, age, English).
- Get a skills assessment for your occupation.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Wait for an invitation to apply.
- Apply for the visa within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
- Medical and police checks.
Visa decision.
