Skilled Independent Visa

You must score at least 65 points (the approval mark) on the Point Test to be eligible for this visa.

The Skilled - Independent Visa (subclass 189) is of 3-stage application process.

The first stage of the application process involves completing a skills assessment with the relevant government agency. Your skills assessment allows the Department of Home Affairs to judge whether you have the required skill level in your chosen occupation to practice in Australia.

  Processing times: 6 to 12 weeks (according to the evaluation authority)

  Fees: 500 to 1650 AUD (Based on the evaluation authority)

Once you have received a positive skills assessment, you must send an Expression of interest through Skills Selection. You can do this inside or outside of Australia.

Once you have been granted an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can continue to the DIBP stage of the application, where you can submit your complete final application to be approved by DIBP, so that your visa can be granted.

Priority processing procedures apply to this visa. They determine the order in which the department considers applications, regardless of when they were submitted.

Eligibility Criteria:

•   Be under 45 years of age when you are invited to submit your application;
•   Nominate an occupation that matches your skills and qualifications and is on the corresponding Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL);
•   Their skills assessed by the relevant evaluating authority are adequate for their designated occupation;
•   Have at least competent English;
•   Minimum score should be 65 on the points test; AND
•   Comply with health and character requirements.