Skilled Independent Visa (189 Visa)

This visa is for skilled workers who meet the eligibility requirements but do not have an employer, family member, or state or territory government sponsoring their application. 

How do I get this visa? 

You must be invited to apply for this visa. To be considered for an invitation, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

To be eligible to submit an EOI:

• You must be under 45 years of age (and still be when you receive your invitation).
• Your occupation must be on the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested stream Skilled Occupations list.
• You must pass a Skills Assessment to prove you are genuinely qualified and experienced in that occupation.
• You must attain a points score of 65 or above (and retain this score until you receive your invitation). Your points score is determined by several factors including your English level, employment skills and history, qualifications and education.
• You must have passed an approved English language test no more than three years before receiving your invitation, or by being a citizen (or hold a valid passport) of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
• You must meet health and character requirements.
• You must not have outstanding debts to the Australian government.
• You must not have had a visa refused or cancelled previously. If so, you may not be able to apply.

What is the application process?

Your EOI is not a visa application; it a request to be considered for a visa. The Australian government may offer you an invitation to apply at any time within two years of your EOI submission. Once invited, you must apply for the visa within 60 calendar days. It usually takes between 8 to 10 months to process your application. 

The registered migration agents at eduaid can help you determine your eligibility, prepare your EOI and apply for your visa!

What are the features and benefits of this visa?

For you:

• It is a permanent visa. You can migrate to Australia forever
• You can work, study and live anywhere in Australia
• You are entitled to access Medicare, Australia’s subsidised universal health care scheme
• You can travel freely to and from Australia for up to 5 years, after which you will need a Resident Return visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia
• You may be eligible to apply for citizenship

For your family:

• Your immediate family members, including your partner and your or your partner’s child or step-child, will enjoy precisely the same benefits and rights as you do
• Your children are entitled to free primary and secondary education
• You can apply to sponsor the migration of eligible relatives to join you in Australia