Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) - Points-Tested Stream
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 10 to 12 months
- Fee
- AUD $4,640
- Validity
- Permanent
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Permanent residence visa for skilled workers. Requires an invitation after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect. Minimum 65 points required, but competitive occupations typically require 85-100 points. Occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Grants permanent residency to live and work anywhere in Australia. Additional applicant charges: AUD $2,320 per adult, AUD $1,160 per child.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all nationalities
-
Age
Must be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
-
Employment
Must have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the MLTSSL from the relevant assessing authority
-
Health
Must meet health requirements
-
Criminal record
Must meet character requirements and provide police clearances
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Police clearance
Countries required: All countries lived in for 12+ months in last 10 years; Validity months: 12
-
Skills assessment
Assessing authority: Relevant authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS for IT, VETASSESS, ANMAC for nursing); Occupation list: Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: Yes; Validity months: 12
-
Points assessment
Assessment system: SkillSelect Points Test; Minimum points: 65
-
Language test score
Accepted tests: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAE, OET; Minimum score: Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each band (higher scores earn additional points)
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain skills assessment from relevant authority, take English language test, gather employment references and qualifications
-
Online application
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect and wait for invitation. After receiving invitation, lodge visa application through ImmiAccount within 60 days
-
Fee payment
Pay AUD $4,640 visa application charge for primary applicant
-
Biometrics
Provide biometrics if required
-
Processing wait
Wait 10-12 months for processing
-
Visa collection
Visa granted electronically as permanent residence