Australia is a popular destination for skilled migrants who want to live and work in a diverse and prosperous country. There are various visa options for skilled workers, depending on their qualifications, experience, occupation, and sponsorship. In this post, we will focus on two of the most common skilled visas: the Skilled Independent visa or AU 189 Visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated or AU190 visa (subclass 190).

What is the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)?

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a permanent visa for invited workers and New Zealand citizens with skills that Australia needs. This visa allows applicants to live and work anywhere in Australia without being sponsored by an employer or a state or territory government. To be eligible for this AU189 visa, candidates are required to:

• Possess a profession listed in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Successfully complete the skills assessment pertinent to their chosen occupation.
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect online platform.
• Receive an official invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to proceed with the visa application.
• Fulfill the stipulated points test criterion, which mandates a minimum of 65 points.
• Fall within the age range of 18 to 44 years old.
• Demonstrate a proficient level of proficiency in the English language.
• Meet the health and character requirements.

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is a points-based visa, meaning applicants are ranked according to their age, education, work experience, English language ability, and other factors. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations to apply for the visa periodically, based on the number of available places and the demand for certain occupations. Applicants can check their points score using the points calculator and view the latest invitation rounds on the Department of Home Affairs website.

What is the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)?

The Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) is also a permanent visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government. This visa allows applicants to live and work in the state or territory that nominated them. To be eligible for this AU 190 visa, applicants are required to:

• Have an occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which are part of the Australia Occupation List.

Note: The Australia Occupation List is a crucial aspect of Australia’s immigration system, as it determines the eligibility of individuals for various visa categories.

• Complete the skills assessment for their nominated occupation.
• Fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) online.
• Get nominated by a territory or state government.
• Wait for the Home Affairs department to invite you to submit your visa application.
• Score at least 65 points on the test.
• Fall within the age range of 18 to 44 years old.
• Have a competent level of English.
• Meet the health and character requirements.

The AU190 visa is also a points-based visa, but applicants must also obtain a nomination from a state or territory government. Each state or territory has its own list of eligible occupations, criteria, and processes for nomination. Applicants can check the state or territory websites for more information. Applicants can also indicate their interest in being nominated by a state or territory when they submit their EOI through SkillSelect.

How to Apply For a Skilled Visa?

The first step to apply for either of these visas is to submit an EOI through SkillSelect. An EOI is not a visa application, but an indication of interest in applying for a skilled visa. Applicants can lodge a free EOI by going to the EOI submission page. Applicants must provide information about their personal details, education, work experience, English language ability, and nominated occupation. Applicants can also claim points for factors such as partner skills, Australian study, specialist education, professional year, etc.

After submitting an EOI, applicants will receive an estimated points score and be placed in a pool of candidates. Applicants can update their EOI at any time if their circumstances change. Applicants who are eligible for both subclass 189 and subclass 190 visas can indicate their preference in their EOI.

The next step is to receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs or from a state or territory government. Invitations are issued periodically, depending on the number of available places and the demand for certain occupations. Applicants who receive an invitation must lodge their visa application within 60 days. Applicants must provide evidence to support their claims in their EOI, such as certified copies of qualifications, employment references, skills assessment results, English test results, etc.

The final step is to wait for the outcome of the visa application. The processing time varies depending on the type of visa, the number of applications received, and the complexity of each case.

Conclusion

The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) and the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) are two of the most popular skilled visas in Australia. They offer a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who have the qualifications and experience that Australia needs.

If you have any questions about the Australia Occupation List or your application for a skilled visa, you can reach out to our immigration consultant by phone at 859533859 or by email at [email protected].