Skilled Independent
Visa Class
Class SI
Category
Skilled
Type
PR
Age Limit
45
Important
Visa Description
This Skilled Independent is a permanent residency (PR) visa for invited workers, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. The Skilled Independent (PR) visa is a permanent residency visa for individuals who possess skills and qualifications that are in demand in Australia.
Skilled Independent visa summary
This is a Skilled Independent permanent residency (PR) visa for invited workers, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia, This visa does not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or territory, making it an attractive option for skilled workers who want to live and work anywhere in Australia. There are three streams for this visa:
Points tested stream
Hong Kong stream
New Zealand stream
What do I need to know about a Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?
The Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is a permanent visa for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work anywhere in Australia without employer or state sponsorship. It is based on a points system, requiring applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.
Once granted, the visa provides permanent residency, access to Medicare and social benefits, and the ability to sponsor family members. It also opens a pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements. This visa offers flexibility and independence, making it ideal for skilled professionals looking to establish a permanent life in Australia.
The process, while rewarding, can be detailed and time-consuming, often requiring careful planning and preparation of supporting documents. However, with the right guidance and understanding of the system, the Skilled Independent Visa serves as a robust pathway for skilled professionals to establish a permanent life in Australia.
Visa Stream
Points-tested stream
- The applicant may be in or outside Australia
- If in Australia must hold a substantive visa or Bridging visa A, B or C
- The primary applicant must have been invited for this visa
- The primary applicant must apply for the visa within the period stated in the invitation
- The primary applicant must be below 45 at the time of invitation
- The primary applicant must have positive skill assessment on eligible occupation at the time of invitation which is not expired and has not passed more than 3 years since the date of the assessment. The assessment was not for visa 485, and if the assessment is based on the
Australian study then the course must be CRICOS registered. - At the time of invitation to apply for the visa, the primary applicant need competent English
- The applicant’s score, when visa assessed, should not be less than the score stated in the invitation or not not less than the qualifying score.
- If the primary applicant is or was holding 491 or 494 then must have held that visa for at least 3 years at the time of application unless exempted.
- The applicant must not nominate the New Zealand stream
New Zealand stream
- Closed for new application – The primary NZ applicant must be made before 10 December 2022
Hong Kong stream
- The applicant may be in or outside Australia
- The application must be made on or after 5 March 2022
- The applicant must not nominate the Points-tested stream or the New Zealand stream
- The primary HK applicant must hold a Hong Kong passport or a British National (Overseas) passport; and
– must have held visa 457, 482 or 485 for at least 4 years; and
– that visa was granted as primary applicant; and
– was granted before 9 July 2020 and does not permit the holder to travel to, enter or remain in Australia after 8 July 2025; or was granted on or after 9 July 2020 and permits the holder to travel to, enter and remain in Australia during the period of 5 years starting when the visa came into effect.
The primary applicant had been usually resident in Australia for a continuous period of at least 4 years immediately before the date of the application and complied with visa conditions.
Skilled Independent visa cost
The visa fees for Subclass 189 (Skilled – Independent Visa) are divided into two instalments. The first instalment, payable at the time of application, varies by stream. For the Points-tested stream, the base application fee is $4765, while the fee for an additional applicant aged 18 years or older is $2385, and for an additional applicant under 18 years, it is $1195. For the New Zealand stream, the base application fee is $850, the fee for an additional applicant aged 18 years or older is $425, and for an additional applicant under 18 years, it is $210. Similarly, for the Hong Kong stream, the base application fee is $4765, with $2385 for an additional applicant aged 18 years or older and $1195 for an additional applicant under 18 years.
The second instalment, which must be paid before the visa is granted, applies to specific circumstances. For the Points-tested and Hong Kong streams, if an applicant aged 18 years or older at the time of application does not have functional English, the fee for an additional applicant is $4885, while there is no fee for additional applicants under 18 years. The primary applicant does not pay a second instalment in these cases. For the New Zealand stream, the second instalment is $3390 for the primary applicant, $1695 for an additional applicant aged 18 years or older, and $850 for an additional applicant under 18 years. These fees depend on the stream selected and the applicant’s age and English proficiency.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Independent visa?
The next step in applying for your subclass 189 student visa is fulfilling all of the eligibility requirements. There are quite a few and you are going to have to be diligent and organised when going through the application process. The entry requirements for the subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa are:
Be a certain age
You must be under 45 years old when you are invited to apply for the visa.
Occupation
Your nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Skills Assessment
You must obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.
Points-Based System
ou need to score at least 65 points under the points test. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, English proficiency, work experience, education, and other criteria.
English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English, usually through a recognized English language test like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
You must submit an EOI through the SkillSelect system. Based on your points score, you may receive an invitation to apply.
Health and Character Requirements
You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, including providing police certificates and undergoing medical exams.
Tips for Skilled Independent visa applications
In addition to the above requirements, here are some handy tips that can help improve your application:
- Confirm that your occupation is listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation, ensuring all qualifications and experience are well-documented.
- Aim for the highest points by improving your English proficiency, gaining more work experience, or completing higher qualifications. Include your partner’s skills for additional points.
- Take the required English test and aim for the best score to increase your points.
- Ensure your EOI is accurate and up to date, as discrepancies could delay your application.
- Complete health checks and police clearances early to meet the visa requirements.
- If needed, seek help from a registered migration agent to guide you through the process.
Some common mistakes
Common mistakes in the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) application include incorrect or incomplete occupation listings. It’s important to verify that your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and to ensure that your occupation is listed correctly in your application. Another common mistake is miscalculating your points or providing inaccurate information about your qualifications, work experience, or English language proficiency. This can lead to delays or a rejected application.
Failing to provide complete documentation, such as a skills assessment, English test results, or evidence of work experience, is also a frequent issue. Additionally, not meeting the required English language standards can cause problems, so it’s crucial to ensure that your test results align with the visa’s requirements.
Many applicants overlook the need for health and character checks, which should be completed early to avoid unnecessary delays. Another mistake is not updating your Expression of Interest (EOI) if your circumstances change, such as acquiring new qualifications or gaining additional work experience. Failing to do so can impact your points score and your chance of being invited to apply.
Finally, not submitting your application within 60 days of receiving the invitation can result in the invitation expiring, forcing you to restart the process. Seeking professional help from a registered migration agent is advised if you are uncertain about any part of the process, as they can help avoid costly mistakes.
What happens if my Skilled Independent visa is rejected?
If your Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) is rejected, you’ll receive a notice explaining the reasons for the refusal. Common reasons include not meeting the points requirement or health and character issues. You can request a review of the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) within 21 days. Alternatively, you may reapply, addressing the issues that led to the rejection. Consulting a migration agent can help you understand your options and improve your chances of success.
