Australian Skilled Independent Visa

The Skilled Independent visa is a permanent work visa for individuals who have the qualifications and skills required to fill Australia's skill shortages.

Skilled Independent visa applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 65 points on a point assessment. The assessment is such that applicants are required to be under 50 years of age and be able demonstrate that they have a qualification and/or skills in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). Applicants for the Skilled Independent visa do not require sponsorship.

Employers seeking to sponsor or hire foreign workers can sign up for Australian Corporate Immigration Services.

Australian Skilled Independent Visa Basic Requirements

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has set specific basic requirements that all applicants must meet in order to apply for a visa in the General Skilled Migration program.

To qualify for a Skilled visa, applicants (or their partner) must be able to satisfy the basic visa requirements related to age, English language ability, occupation, skills, qualification, recent work experience, health and character.

In addition, applicants for a Skilled visa must also pass a points test. Points can be claimed in areas related to age, English language ability, specific work experience, spouse skills and other bonus categories.

The current pass mark for the Skilled Independent visa is 65 points.

Australian Skilled Independent Visa Entitlements

Successful applicants and holders of an Australian Skilled Independent visa become permanent residents of Australia. Australian permanent residents are entitled to live, work and study in Australia on a permanent basis. Additional benefits of Australian permanent residence include access to government-subsidised healthcare (Medicare), certain social security benefits and the ability to apply for Australian citizenship.