The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) stream is for points-tested stream for skilled workers who are not sponsored by a family member, employer or nominated by any state or territory government. This stream allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis. The process of beginning the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) begins with a candidate submitting his Expression of Interest (EOI).

Eligibility to Apply for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The eligibility criteria for a candidate to apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) are as follows:

• The candidate must have an occupation similar to that listed in the Australian occupation list
• Conduct a suitable skills assessment related to the occupation
• The candidate must get minimum 60 points in the points-based test
• The candidate is also required to be under the age of 45 at the time of receiving the invitation
• The candidate is required to have a competent level of English

The candidate will then wait to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency

Process to Apply for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The processes for this stream begin with a candidate looking for his occupation in the skilled occupations list. The candidate must score a minimum of 60 points under the points-based test in order to be eligible.

• After determining the eligibility scores, the candidate will need to submit his Expression of Interest (EOI) profile. The EOI will include details of your documents, skills and qualifications. The online SkillSelect system will assess the score obtained by candidate and will accordingly put him in a pool of candidates with somewhat similar scores.
• If the candidate is ranked higher against others in the pool, he will then be receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for the Permanent Residency
• Once the candidate receives an invitation, he/she has 60 calendar days to make a decision and apply for the visa

Eligibility for Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) Explained

• Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupations list. You need to have skill assessment of your qualification and work experience
• Points: You must score minimum 60 points. This score is calculated from the details you provide on your EOI
• Age: Your age needs to be under 45 while receiving an ITA
• Health: You must be in sound health to meet the necessary health requirement
• Character: You should not have any criminal records
• Debts: You should not have any ongoing debt
• Cancelled Visa: You should not have any previous record of visa cancellation

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)

The Expression of Interest (EOI) provides the Australian immigration authorities with your basic information, which includes your educational, professional and personal details.

You EOI lasts for two years, which means that your EOI will remain with the Australian immigration authority for two years.

People willing to apply for the Skilled Independent Visa must submit an EOI, taking into account that you are below the age of 45.

After you submit your EOI, you will be put in a pool with a similar candidate and the one ranking higher will be sent an invitation to apply for the visa.

You do not have to pay a fee for the creation of EOI.

You can create your EOI either while being in Australia or overseas.

Points

The points you score depends on the following factors:

• English Language Proficiency
• Skilled Employment
• Educational Qualification
• Australian Study Requirements
• Specialist Education Requirement
• Other Factors

Your educational qualification and work experience will be assessed through specific assessing bodies which assess specific profiles. Some of the famous assessing bodies are:

• Engineers Australia
• Vetassess
• Australian Computers Society
• CPA
• AIMS

What does the Permanent Resident Visa allow you to do?

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) allows you to:

• Live and work in Australia indefinitely
• Work and study in Australia
• Enrol you and your family in Australian public funded healthcare called the Medicare
• You can also sponsor your family member for the skilled independent visa
• You can travel to and fro from Australia for five years
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if eligible

Cost for Applying Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

You will need to pay AUD $3,670 to process your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189). You may also need to pay any additional charges for skills assessment, counsellor fee (if you hire one)

There is an additional fee for additional family members who come with you to Australia.

The Second Instalment: The Second Instalment is the fee that you pay for a family member who is above the age of 18 and has less than functional English. This fee is also called VAC2 or the second VAC. This instalment is paid after meeting all the visa requirements.

You may also be paying an additional fee for health assessment, police clearance and biometrics.