Skilled Independent Visa – Points Tested Stream

Also known as visa subclass 189, the Skilled Independent visa is a visa stream designed to attract invited workers with specific skills needed by the wider Australian community. If you fulfill the requirements, you will be able to live, work, and study permanently anywhere in Australia. The subclass 189 visa is points-tested based on specific work skills. If the visa is granted, invited residents benefit from many of the same rights as Australian citizens. 

Visa Benefits & Duration 

 The Skilled Independent visa comes with a number of associated rights and responsibilities. With this visa, you can stay in Australia permanently, work and study in Australia, and enrol in the Medicare public health care system. Medicare and related programs are designed to provide eligible people with access to some health services at low or no cost. 

If the Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa is granted, you can sponsor your relatives to come to Australia, travel to and from the country for 5 years, and become an Australian citizen if you meet eligibility requirements. However, as a newly arrived resident and visa holder, you may have to wait to access certain Australian Government payments and benefits. 

The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent resident visa, which means you can stay in the country on an indefinite basis. While the travel component of the visa expires after 5 years, a Resident Return visa (subclass 155 or 157) can be obtained to re-enter Australia after this time. The subclass 189 visa can be granted within Australia, and can also be used to enter Australia. You become a permanent resident for legal purposes the day you receive a Skilled Independent visa.