Features
This stream is for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.
For the Skilled Independent (Points-tested) stream you need to submit an expression of interest.
If you are a New Zealand citizen, you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand) stream. (Get in touch here, for more details)
Length of stay: Permanently
The Visa
This is a permanent visa. It allows you to:
- Stay in Australia indefinitely
- Work and study in Australia
- Enrol in Medicare. This is Australia’s state-run healthcare program
- Sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
- Travel to and from Australia for five years
- Apply for citizenship, if eligible
Process
You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect with details of your nominated occupation, skills and qualifications. SKillSelect will then estimate a points score and rank you against other migrants.
If you are ranked high enough and there are places available for your nominated occupation, you will be invited to apply for the visa. (You need to score 65 points to be eligible but this can vary at invitation rounds and based on your occupation).
If you are invited, you have 60 calendar days to apply for the visa.
Step 1: Check if you occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
Step 2: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility
You must:
- Have a relevant occupation
- Have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
- Meet the points test pass mark of 65 points
- Be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
- Have competent English
Step 3: Complete a skills assessment
You must complete a skills assessment and obtain an acceptable score in order to be eligible for the subclass 189 visa. Your score must meet what is specified on your letter of invitation (usually 65 points minimum).
At Aurec Migration, we make it a priority that you are scored correctly, to ensure you have the best possible chance in securing the visa.
Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. SkillSelect will ask several questions relating to your background, skills and relevant work history. Your EOI will be seen by the Australian authorities and also available to Australian employers who may be looking for someone of your skill-set to hire.
Step 5: Find a sponsor or obtain a government nomination
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) requires you to be sponsored by an employer, family member or nominated by a state or territory government. Once you find a suitable sponsor, they will send you a letter of invitation to apply for the visa.
If you do not have an eligible family member or employer to sponsor you, you may be able to find an employer through the SkillSelect program which matches skilled workers with employers looking for foreign candidates. A state or government may also nominate you through this program.
Step 6: Get your sponsor to nominate you
Once a sponsor is secured, you will need them to nominate you for the visa. You can often apply for this visa at the same time your sponsor lodges their application.
Step 7: Apply for the Skilled Independent Work Visa (subclass 189)
We can help you apply for this visa online through Home Affairs.
Step 8: Patiently wait
It can take some time for Home Affairs to come to a decision on your application. In 2018, processing time is estimated between 8 – 11 months.
Step 9: Receive visa
Once you receive the visa, you will then be able to work freely in Australia.
If you would like more information about your application or pricing, please get in touch here, as information varies on a case by case basis.