The Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa. It allows the visa holder to live and work anywhere in Australia.
It is part of a points-based system. You can only apply once you have submitted an ‘Expression of Interest’ (EOI) and have received an invitation to apply.
The process is complex, with many different steps. We highly recommending engaging the services of a professional who has experience with the process and can guide you through each step.
We can assist with all of the relevant steps, including the following:
Checking your points.
You need at least 65 points to apply, but the more the better to increase your chances at receiving an invitation! Points are allocated for age, work experience, qualifications, English language ability as well as a number of other factors.
We can assess how many points you have. We can also provide advice on ways you can increase your points if you have less than 65 points, or if you want to increase your points to give yourself a competitive advantage. One option is to consider applying for state nomination under the Subclass 190 (+5 points) or Subclass 489 (+10 points).
Selecting an occupation.
We will assist you in selecting the most relevant occupation which aligns with your qualifications, skills and work experience. You must select an occupation from the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List).
Sometimes, more than one occupation might be relevant in which case we will explain to you the differences between them, and outline any advantages or disadvantages.
Undertaking a Skills Assessment.
There are a number of different skill assessing bodies, and which one you will apply to will depend on your occupation. The relevant body will assess your qualifications and work experience as being suitable for your nominated occupation. The Department will then rely on this when evaluating your points and eligibility for the visa.
For all skills assessments, the evidentiary requirements are very strict. We have experience with a number of different skill assessing authorities. We will ensure your skills assessment application is as strong as possible.
Submitting an EOI (expression of interest) with SkillSelect.
If you engage our services, we will lodge an EOI on your behalf with SkillSelect, confirming that you have been positively assessed as being skilled in your nominated occupation and outlining all of the relevant factors which contribute toward your total points being claimed.
Your EOI will stay valid in the SkillSelect system for 2 years. Invitations are sent out via an automated system. Your likelihood of receiving an invitation is dependent upon a number of factors, such as:
how many invitations are being sent out for your particular occupation (this can be dependent on industry demand as well as how many applications are currently being processed by the Department)
how many other people have submitted an EOI under the same occupation
how many points those other applicants have.
The more points you have, the more likely you are to receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Once we have submitted your EOI we can continue to update it to ensure it reflects your current circumstances. For example, if you have gained further relevant work experience, have completed a higher qualification or have scored a higher English test result, this may affect your points score.
Applying for the visa
Once you have received an invitation to apply for the visa, you can apply for the visa. (You must apply within 60 days of receiving the invitation).
You can be onshore or offshore when you apply. If you apply onshore, you will usually be granted a Bridging Visa which will allow you to stay in Australia until your application has been processed.
Eligibility criteria:
Be younger than 45 when you are invited to apply
Have at least 65 points
Have a positive skills assessment for an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)
Have at least ‘competent’ English
Meet the health and character requirements.
BENEFITS of the subclass 189:
Live and work anywhere in Australia on a permanent basis
No requirement to be nominated by a State or Territory