Skilled Independent Visa
Skilled Independent Visa
Visa Cost
AUD 4,910
Processing Time
About 5 months (50%) / 12 months (90%)
Eligibility
- Under 45 years of age
- The occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Pass the skills assessment
- An EOI score of 65 or above
- English at Competent English (IELTS 6 in all four bands or equivalent)
- Receive an invitation from the Department
Key Information
Validity / Stay / Residence
Permanent residence, with no stay limit; the travel facility period is usually 5 years from grant, after which a Resident Return visa (RRV) is required to travel again.
Eligible Dependants
Can include the spouse/de facto partner and children under 18 or financially dependent as secondary applicants to obtain permanent residence together.
PR / Permanent Residence Pathway
This visa is permanent residence (PR). It is a skilled independent permanent visa; once granted you can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia; you can apply for citizenship once residence requirements are met.
View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →Application Steps
Check Occupation
Check Occupation
Confirm your occupation is on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Check the MLTSSL occupation list on the Department's website
- Confirm the ANZSCO code for your occupation
- Check the assessing authority's requirements
Skills Assessment
Skills Assessment
Apply for a skills assessment with the designated assessing authority
- Determine which assessing authority covers your occupation (such as ACS, VETASSESS, EA, etc.)
- Prepare the materials needed for assessment (qualifications, employment evidence, etc.)
- Lodge the assessment application and wait for the result (usually 8-12 weeks)
- The assessment result is usually valid for 3 years
English Test
English Test
Sit a recognised English test and meet the requirement
- IELTS: at least 6 in all four bands (Competent)
- PTE Academic: at least 50
- TOEFL iBT: at least 12 (listening), 13 (reading), 21 (writing), 18 (speaking)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: at least 169
- A higher English score earns more points
Submit EOI
Submit EOI
Submit an Expression of Interest in the SkillSelect system
- Register an account on the SkillSelect website
- Enter personal details, occupation, qualifications, work experience, etc.
- The system calculates the score automatically
- Ensure the total score reaches 65 or above
- Wait for an invitation from the Department (one round per month)
Receive Invitation
Receive Invitation
Wait for the Department to issue an invitation
- The Department holds an invitation round each month
- Invited by score from highest to lowest
- You have 60 days after receiving the invitation to lodge the visa application
- Check the latest invitation round data to learn each occupation's minimum invited score
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge Visa Application
Lodge the formal visa application after receiving the invitation
- Lodge the visa application in ImmiAccount
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the Visa Application Charge
- Undergo a health examination
- Provide a police clearance
Wait for Decision
Wait for Decision
Wait for the visa decision outcome
- Processing usually takes 8-12 months
- You may be asked for additional documents
- You can check the application status in ImmiAccount
- You will receive a visa grant notice after grant
Required Documents
| Document Name | English Name | Required | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Passport | A passport valid for at least 6 months | - | |
| Skills Assessment | Skills Assessment | The skills assessment outcome letter issued by the designated assessing authority | - | |
| English Test Results | English Test Results | IELTS/PTE/TOEFL and similar test results | The score is usually valid for 3 years | |
| Educational Qualifications | Educational Qualifications | Degree certificate and graduation certificate | A notarised translation is required | |
| Employment Evidence | Employment Evidence | Employer reference, payslips, tax records, etc. | A detailed description of duties is required | |
| Police Clearance | Police Clearance | Chinese police clearance | Notarisation and translation are required | |
| Health Examination | Health Examination | A health examination report from a designated clinic | - | |
| Invitation Letter | Invitation Letter | The invitation letter issued by the Department | - | |
| Birth Certificate | Birth Certificate | Notarised birth certificate | - | |
| Passport Photos | Passport Photos | A recent passport-size photo | - | |
| Partner Documents | Partner Documents | If applicable: marriage certificate, partner's English score, skills assessment, etc. | - |
FAQ
How many points does the 189 visa require?
How often are the invitation rounds?
How long is the skills assessment valid?
Which is easier, IELTS or PTE?
Common Refusal Reasons
- Inflated EOI score, or being unable to substantiate the claimed score after invitation (age/English/work experience points not accepted)
- The skills assessment was not passed, or had expired by the time of invitation, or the occupation is not on the relevant list (MLTSSL)
- Work experience duration, skill level or evidence insufficient to support the claimed points
- The English score did not reach the claimed level (such as Superior/Proficient) or has expired
- The applicant's or a family member's health examination falls short, or character (police clearance/genuineness) does not meet requirements
- Refused for fraudulent or inconsistent documents (PIC 4020 genuineness/integrity provision), possibly with a re-application ban
Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.