Australia PR – Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) stream is a 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 permanently. The process of applying for the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) begins with a candidate submitting their 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 a minimum of 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 their occupation in the skilled occupations list. The candidate must score a minimum of 60 points under the points-based test to be eligible.

• After determining the eligibility scores, the candidate must submit their 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 the candidate and accordingly place them in a pool of candidates with similar scores.
• If the candidate is ranked higher than others in the pool, they will then receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to apply for permanent residency.
• Once the candidate receives an invitation,  they have 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 a skill assessment of your qualification and work experience
• Points: You must score a minimum of 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 requirements
• 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.

Your EOI remains with the Australian immigration authorities for two years, which means it will be retained for this period.

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

After you submit your EOI, you will be placed in a pool with similar candidates, and those with the highest ranking 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 depend on the following factors:

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

Your educational qualifications and work experience will be assessed by these specific assessment bodies that evaluate particular profiles. Some of the famous assessing bodies are:

• Engineers Australia
• Vetassess
• Australian Computer 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 sponsor your family member for the Skilled Independent visa
• You can travel to and 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 any family members accompanying you to Australia.

The Second Instalment: The Second Instalment is the fee paid for a family member who is over 18 and has limited English proficiency. This fee is also referred to as 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.