The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a points-based visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. This visa allows you to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
If you need assistance with this profession such as EOI lodgement, skill assessment, PR application lodgement or would like to study courses related to Civil Engineering Draftsperson, we have all colleges and universities all over Australia. Contact us for more info and guidance.
Email: info@immiedu.com.au
Contact: 04 2626 3536.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on the key aspects of the visa:
Eligibility Criteria
- Invitation to Apply: You must receive an invitation to apply. To be invited, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system.
- Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you receive the invitation to apply.
- Occupation: Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: You must have a suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation.
- Points Test: You need to score at least 65 points on the points test. Points are awarded based on various factors including age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, educational qualifications, and other factors.
- English Language: You must demonstrate competent English language skills, typically proven by a test such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT.
- Health and Character: You must meet health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect. Indicate your interest in the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and ensure all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
- Receive an Invitation: If you have a competitive score based on your EOI, you may receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Lodge the Visa Application: Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a visa application online. Provide all required documents, including proof of skills assessment, English language proficiency, identity documents, and any other relevant information.
- Health and Character Checks: Undergo necessary health examinations and provide police certificates to meet character requirements.
- Wait for a Decision: The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and make a decision. Processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and the volume of applications.
Benefits
- Permanent Residency: You can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently.
- Family Inclusion: You can include eligible family members in your application, such as your partner and dependent children.
- Healthcare and Social Security: You have access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system, and certain social security benefits.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After living in Australia for a certain period, you may be eligible to apply for Australian citizenship.
Points Test Factors
- Age: Up to 30 points (depending on your age).
- English Language Proficiency: Up to 20 points.
- Skilled Employment: Up to 20 points for work experience in your nominated occupation within and outside Australia.
- Educational Qualifications: Up to 20 points.
- Australian Study Requirement: Points for study in Australia.
- Professional Year in Australia: Points for completing a professional year in Australia in your nominated occupation.
- Community Language Skills: Points for being accredited in a community language by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
- Study in Regional Australia: Points for studying in regional Australia.
- Partner Skills: Points for your partner’s skills if they meet age, English, and skills requirements.
- Specialist Education Qualification: Points for completing a postgraduate degree by research in Australia.
Recent Changes and Trends
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) has undergone several changes in recent years, with the Australian government adjusting the skilled occupation lists, points thresholds, and other criteria to align with the country’s economic needs and labor market demands. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for prospective applicants.
For the latest and most accurate information, always refer to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent.
Entitlements of the SkillSelect:
SkillSelect is an online system used by the Australian government to manage the skilled migration program. It allows skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Here are the key entitlements and features of SkillSelect:
Key Entitlements and Features of SkillSelect
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission:
- No Initial Cost: Submitting an EOI through SkillSelect is free of charge. You only pay when you are invited to apply for a visa.
- Multiple Visas: You can express interest in multiple visa subclasses in one EOI, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
- Flexibility: You can update your EOI at any time with new information or to reflect changes in your circumstances, such as improved English language scores or additional work experience.
- Invitation to Apply:
- Ranking System: SkillSelect ranks candidates based on their points score and other eligibility criteria. The highest-ranking candidates in each occupational group are invited to apply for a visa.
- Transparency: The system provides transparency as candidates can see their ranking and the points required for an invitation in recent invitation rounds.
- Employer Sponsorship:
- Visibility to Employers: EOIs in SkillSelect are visible to Australian employers who may be looking to sponsor skilled workers. Employers can contact candidates directly if they are interested in sponsoring them for an Employer Sponsored Visa.
- State and Territory Nomination: State and territory governments can also view EOIs and invite candidates to apply for a nomination for the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
- Streamlined Processing:
- Efficient Processing: The SkillSelect system helps manage the flow of skilled migration applications, allowing for more efficient processing and quicker decisions on visa applications.
- Timely Invitations: Invitations to apply for a visa are issued regularly, typically on a monthly basis, ensuring that the process moves forward without unnecessary delays.
- Migration Planning:
- Demand-Driven: SkillSelect helps the Australian government manage and plan the intake of skilled migrants based on current labor market needs and economic priorities.
- Balanced Migration: By aligning the skilled migration intake with the needs of the Australian economy, SkillSelect helps ensure a balanced and beneficial migration program.
- Visa Options:
- Permanent and Provisional Visas: SkillSelect supports applications for both permanent visas, like the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), and provisional visas, such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491), providing pathways to permanent residency.
Benefits of Using SkillSelect
- Greater Control: Candidates have greater control over their application, as they can update their EOIs and select multiple visa options.
- Improved Chances: Being visible to employers and state/territory governments can improve candidates’ chances of securing a nomination or sponsorship.
- Comprehensive Overview: The system offers a comprehensive overview of all EOIs, making it easier for the government and employers to identify and select suitable candidates.
For more resources: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
If you need assistance with this profession such as EOI lodgement, skill assessment, PR application lodgement or would like to study courses related to Civil Engineering Draftsperson, we have all colleges and universities all over Australia. Contact us for more info and guidance.
Email: info@immiedu.com.au
Contact: 04 2626 3536.