Book Now In our view, Skilled Independent Visas are the best Australian permanent residence visas. A Skilled Independent Visa grant means that not only do you become a fully fledged permanent resident, you do not have to rely on an employer to help you get here, nor do you end with any obligations attached to the visa, such as having to be employed by an employer for a certain period etc. The only obligation you may end up with is an expectation by a state and territory that you will live in the nominating state or territory for at least two years in return for the state or territory nomination – which also provides you with an extra 5 points towards your points test score, and a more expansive occupation list. State or territory nomination can mean a lot points-wise, if you’re a little short on points (you need 60 points to pass the points test for Skilled Independent visas).
Skilled independent visas comprise the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa and the Subclass 190 State Nominated Visa.
The Subclass 190 Visa, requires State nomination and an applicant may nominate any occupation from the Consolidated Skilled Occupation list provided the occupation is also on the relevant State Occupation List of the desired state or territory.
Subclass 189 visas, on the other hand, do not require state or territory nomination.
Both types of visa have similar steps to successfully applying for these visas. They are:-
- A positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
- An accurate points test calculation with a resulting score of a least 60 points.
- Lodgement of an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Receipt of an invitation to apply for the relevant visa.
- Lodgement of the visa application.
- (+ Obtaining a State Nomination for Subclass 190 visas).
Skilled independent migration is designed for skilled applicants, with recognised qualifications, significant work experience and a high level of English. The application process is rigorous and the points test calculation is the most critical aspect of the process, next to obtain a positive skills assessment. We have had many clients come to us after mucking up their points test calculation. We urge you to seek professional help with the Points Test as well as the EOI and the actual visa application. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection takes points test scores very seriously, and when it finds exaggerated claims or patent errors, it may move to ban a person from applying for future visas for three years on the basis bogus information being provided to it. We have written previously about the dangers of calculating your own points test which you may find interesting.
Given that your future life as a Permanent Resident of Australia is on the line when you lodge a visa application of this type, we urge you to invest in professional help from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. One of our recent clients lodged two unsuccessful Skilled Independent visa applications, before consulting us. He and his family are now happy permanent residents after we lodged their successful application. We can only imagine how much money he must have wasted before coming to see us. It’s just false economy not to get in professional for something that really does shape the rest of your life.
Interested in a Skilled Independent visa, or not sure which visa is the best fit for your unique circumstances? Give us a call on +61 3 95735200 and book a consultation today, or book one online. It costs $220.00, and we’ll explore all your options and accurately calculate your Points Test for you.
