Applicants to the Skilled Independent visa subclass 189 must be under 45 years of age and have suitable skills. Their skills must be assessed by an Australian skills assessment authority and declared on the application. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain English language requirements and score 65 points in the Expression of Interest. Successful applicants should apply within 60 days of receiving an invitation. The overall number of invitations to the Skilled Independent visa program has decreased from 44,984 in 2013-14 to six,500 in 2021-22.
You can use alternative tests if you don’t have sufficient English language skills. English language tests such as the OET, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), and iBT are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. You can skip the English language test requirement if you are a citizen of the U.K., Canada, or the U.S.A.. If you’re from Ireland, however, you will also need to take an English language test.
When applying for a Skilled Independent visa, you may wish to include family members. Dependent family members are considered a “family unit” under Australian law. If you intend to bring family members with you to Australia, they can be included in your application if they meet the character and health requirements. You must be sure to provide proof of these requirements before submitting your application. This way, you’re guaranteed a permanent residence in Australia.
To qualify for a Skilled Independent visa, you need to work 20 hours a week in a paid occupation. Besides, you must have an occupation that pays you at least $20 per hour. If you’re applying for a pension, you must also have worked in a related occupation. In addition, the work you performed must have been remunerated. Your employer must pay you for your work. Otherwise, you’ll be denied a Skilled Independent visa application.
The cost of a Skilled Independent visa in New Zealand is identical to the fee for its New Zealand stream. The primary applicant will pay AUD$4,045, and the secondary applicant will pay AUD$2,020. The minor applicant will pay AUD1,015. To estimate the exact cost of your application, you can use a Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website. The fees vary from country to country, and you should contact a government office in your country for more details.
The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia without sponsorship. It allows you to permanently live and work in Australia and bring your spouse and children with you. To qualify for this visa, the applicant must complete a skills assessment with a relevant government body. The Department of Home Affairs determines the level of skill required for certain occupations. Applicants must then submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. These forms can be completed in the country or overseas.
