What Is Australia's 'Skilled Independent Visa'?

Australia's Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa designed for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a family member, or a state or territory. It allows individuals with specific skills to live and work in Australia permanently without the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship.

Key Features of Subclass 189:

1. Permanent Residency:

o The Subclass 189 visa grants permanent residency, which allows the visa holder to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely.

2. No Employer or Family Sponsorship Required:

o This visa is for skilled workers who do not have a sponsor, meaning you don’t need a job offer from an Australian employer or family support. This makes it an attractive option for highly skilled professionals.

3. Points-Based System:

o Applicants must score a minimum number of points based on various factors, such as age, work experience, qualifications, English language proficiency, and other personal factors.

o Points are awarded through the SkillSelect system, and applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to indicate their interest in applying for the visa. The higher the points, the better the chances of being invited to apply for the visa.

4. Skills List:

o The visa is available to individuals who have an occupation listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which includes a wide range of professions like healthcare workers, engineers, IT professionals, and more.

o Before applying, you need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

5. Eligibility Requirements:

o Age: Applicants must generally be under the age of 45 at the time of invitation to apply for the visa.

o English Proficiency: You must demonstrate a competent level of English, usually through an English language test (such as IELTS or PTE).

o Skills Assessment: You need to undergo a skills assessment to prove that your qualifications and experience align with Australian standards for your occupation.

o Health and Character: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, which may include a medical examination and a police clearance.

6. Family Members:

o You can include your spouse or de facto partner, children, and other dependent family members in your application.

o Once the visa is granted, these family members also receive permanent residency.

7. Work Rights:

o As a permanent resident, you have unrestricted work rights in Australia, meaning you can work in any job or profession across the country. You can also access healthcare through Medicare (Australia’s public health system) and enjoy other benefits available to permanent residents.

8. Pathway to Citizenship:

o After living in Australia for a certain period (usually four years), permanent residents may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.

9. Regional Areas:

o While this visa allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia, there are other visas that specifically target regional areas, such as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). These can provide additional opportunities for skilled workers willing to live in designated regional areas.

Application Process:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI):

o You need to submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system, providing information about your skills, qualifications, and experience. You will also select your preferred occupation from the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

o If you meet the required points threshold and your occupation is in demand, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

3. Apply for the Visa:

o After receiving the invitation, you can lodge your visa application. This involves providing documents such as your skills assessment, English language test results, health and character documentation, and other required information.

4. Visa Decision:

o If your application is approved, you will receive a permanent residency visa, allowing you and your family to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Advantages of Subclass 189:

• Independence: Since you don’t require an employer or family sponsor, you have greater flexibility in terms of job choice and location within Australia.

• Permanent Residency: It grants permanent residency from the outset, offering long-term security and access to Australian services like healthcare and social benefits.

• Family Inclusion: Your immediate family members can be included in your application, and they will also receive permanent residency if the visa is granted.

• Pathway to Citizenship: This visa provides a pathway to Australian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements.

Disadvantages:

• Competitive: Due to the points-based system, you may face stiff competition for places in the visa program, especially for highly sought-after occupations.

• Lengthy Process: The process of applying and waiting for an invitation to apply can take some time, and there is no guarantee that you will receive an invitation, especially if your points score is low.

• Skills and Qualifications Requirements: Your qualifications and work experience must meet Australian standards, which means you may need to have your skills assessed, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Conclusion:

The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is an excellent option for skilled workers who want to live and work permanently in Australia without needing an employer or family sponsor. It provides freedom and flexibility, but the process can be competitive and challenging, requiring a high points score, skills assessment, and compliance with various requirements. If you meet the criteria and are willing to go through the application process, this visa could be a pathway to a fulfilling life and career in Australia.