Skilled Independent Visa - To work and live in Australia permanently

skilled migrant visa for Australia is referred to as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). It falls within the general skilled migration category.

This visa is for you if:

• You want permanent residency in Australia.
• You want to work in Australia on your arrival.

About the Skilled Independent visa

The skilled independent visa is a points-based visa for individuals:

• who do not have a job offer;
• with a relative to sponsor them; and
• who wish to work and live in Australia permanently.

What are you allowed to do while on the Skilled Independent visa?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent residency visa and allows you and your family members to:

• Stay in Australia for an indefinite period of time.
• Travel for a period of 5 years after the visa has been granted (both to and from Australia).
• Enroll in Australia's Medicare scheme.
• Work and/or study in Australia.
• Apply for Australian citizenship, if you're eligble.
• Sponsor eligible relatives with their own permanent residency applications.

Important points to note

You must meet the following basic criteria to qualify for a skilled independent visa:

• Be under the age of 45.
• Have at least competent English.
• Have an occupation that is on the skills shortage list(MLTSSL).

There a number of other considerations, but if you do not meet the criteria above, your application will not be successful.