The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a popular option for skilled workers seeking to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa operates under the SkillSelect model, where applicants are invited to apply based on their submitted Expression of Interest (EOI). A crucial aspect of this process is the points test, which assesses eligibility based on various criteria. Here are the benefits and comprehensive breakdown of the points system associated with this visa.
Benefits
Enjoy the flexibility to work and pursue education in any part of Australia, without being limited by regional conditions.
You can bring your spouse and dependent children along in your visa application, allowing your family to share in this opportunity.
Gain entry to Medicare, which offers comprehensive public healthcare services to residents.
By meeting residency requirements and other conditions, you can eventually apply for Australian citizenship, further solidifying your commitment to your new home.
As a visa holder, you can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, helping them join you in Australia.
This visa allows you to apply without the need for a job offer or state sponsorship, making it accessible for skilled workers.
The visa allows multiple entries and exits from Australia for five (5) years; after that, you’ll need a Resident Return Visa for re-entry.
Age
Your age at the time of invitation can earn you significant points:
AGE | POINTS |
18-24 | 25 |
25-32 | 30 |
33-39 | 25 |
40-44 | 15 |
English Language Skills
Demonstrating proficiency in English is essential, with points allocated as follows:
Competent English | 0 points |
Proficient English | 10 points |
Superior English | 20 points |
Educational Qualifications
Your educational background also impacts your points tally:
Educational Background | Points |
Doctorate | 20 |
Bachelor's Degree | 15 |
Diploma or Trade Qualification | 10 |
Recognized qualification for your occupation | 10 |
Specialist Education Qualification
If you have a master’s degree or doctorate in a specific field, you can earn an additional ten (10) points provided it involves at least two (2) years of study in areas such as science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Australian Study Requirement
Having at least one (1) degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution meeting the Australian study requirement can earn you five (5) points.
Professional Year in Australia
Completion of a Professional Year in specific sectors (Accounting, ICT/Computing, Engineering) may yield five (5) points. The program must have been completed in Australia within the last four (4) years.
Credentialed Community Language
If you hold a recognized qualification in a community language, you can gain five (5) points, provided your credentials meet certain standards.
Study in Regional Australia
Five (5) points are awarded if you obtained your qualification from an Australian educational institution while living and studying in a designated regional area.
Skilled Employment Experience
Employment experience contributes heavily to your points score. The system distinguishes between overseas and Australian experience:
Overseas Skilled Employment (Outside Australia):
YEAR | POINTS |
Less than 3 | 0 |
At least 3-4 | 5 |
At least 3-4 | 10 |
At least 8 | 15 |
Australian Skilled Employment (In Australia):
YEAR | POINTS |
Less than 1 | 0 |
1-2 | 5 |
3-4 | 10 |
5-7 | 15 |
8+ | 20 |
Note: A maximum of 20 points can be claimed for employment experience, combining both overseas and Australian experience.
Employed refers to engaging in an occupation for compensation for at least 20 hours a week. You can only earn points for employment if it aligns with your nominated skilled occupation or a closely related one, and if you were employed for the specified durations outlined in the table within the ten (10) years prior to your application invitation. For employment in Australia, you must have held a substantive visa or a Bridging A or Bridging B visa and adhered to the conditions associated with that visa to qualify for points.
Closely related occupations are defined as those that are:
within the same ANZSCO Unit Group,
part of a career advancement pathway, or
recognized by an assessing authority as closely related to your nominated occupation during your skills assessment.
In the points test, there's a maximum cap on points awarded for employment experience. You can earn a maximum of twenty (20) points, meaning that even if your total points from employment exceed 20, only 20 will be counted.
Partner Skills
Your partner’s qualifications and skills can also contribute to your points:
Partner with suitable skills assessment and competent English | 10 points |
Partner with competent English | 5 points |
If single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 points |
Your spouse or de facto partner must also apply for this visa and fulfill the requirements regarding age, English proficiency, and skills.
To qualify for these points, your partner must be applying for the same visa subclass and cannot be an Australian permanent resident or citizen. Additionally, you must provide evidence that, at the time you were invited to apply, your partner:
was under 45 years of age
had at least competent English skills
nominated a skilled occupation listed alongside your own on the skilled occupation list
obtained a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated occupation, and this assessment should not be for a Subclass 485 visa.
If your partner meets these criteria, you can earn points.
Alternatively, if you are single or your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you will receive points as well.
For clarification, consider consulting a registered migration agent, as immigration regulations may change over time. To ensure you meet the current eligibility criteria and receive personalized guidance, we recommend consulting with Australian Portal Immigration. You can book your appointment here.
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