Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state, or a family member to live and work permanently in Australia.

Key features of the subclass 189 visa include:

1. Points-Based System: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system and be invited by the Australian government to apply for the visa. Selection is based on a points test, which considers factors such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
   

2. Occupation Requirements: Applicants must nominate an occupation from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and have their skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority for that occupation.
   

3. No Sponsorship Required: Unlike other skilled visas, the subclass 189 visa does not require sponsorship by an employer, a state or territory government, or a family member. Applicants are assessed solely based on their individual attributes and qualifications.
   

4. Permanent Residency: The subclass 189 visa is a permanent residency visa, allowing holders and their eligible family members to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. Visa holders have access to Medicare, Australia's publicly funded healthcare system, and can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.
   

5. No Regional Restrictions: Unlike some other skilled visas, the subclass 189 visa does not require applicants to live and work in a specific state or territory in Australia. Visa holders have the flexibility to live and work anywhere in the country.