To address ongoing skill shortages and stimulate economic growth, Australia has made updates to the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) for the 2024–2025 migration program.
This visa not only grants permanent residency but also provides an avenue toward Australian citizenship for skilled workers from around the globe. The Skilled Independent Visa is intended for individuals with qualifications and experience in occupations identified on Australia’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This visa is particularly attractive due to its independence from employer or state sponsorship, allowing visa holders the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia. It also permits applicants to include family members in their applications, enhancing family unity while pursuing new opportunities.
The 2024–2025 migration season has seen a reduction in visa allocations, with the Australian government decreasing the number of available Skilled Independent Visas to 16,900, down from 30,375 in the previous year. This deliberate adjustment indicates a more focused approach to immigration, yet the government issued 15,000 invitations in November 2024 for positions in sectors identified as critical to the economy. Holding a Skilled Independent Visa provides numerous benefits, foremost among them the security of permanent residency.
Visa holders are allowed to settle indefinitely in Australia and are granted access to essential services, including Medicare and Social Security. This visa also simplifies the path to Australian citizenship as it removes the complexities associated with securing employer or state sponsorship. To qualify for the Skilled Independent Visa, applicants must meet several criteria. Their nominated occupation must be listed on the MLTSSL, and they must obtain a positive skills assessment from the appropriate authorities.
A points-based assessment, which requires a minimum score of 65 points, includes factors such as age, educational qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Candidates must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, and fulfil health and character requirements. Currently, Australia is experiencing significant skill shortages across key sectors, including healthcare, engineering, information technology, construction, education, and skilled trades.
Occupations such as registered nurses, medical practitioners, civil engineers, software engineers, project managers, secondary school teachers, as well as skilled trades like plumbers and welders, are particularly in demand. The application process for the Skilled Independent Visa involves several structured steps. Applicants must verify that their occupation is included on the MLTSSL and acquire a positive skills assessment before submitting their EOI through the SkillSelect portal. If selected, candidates receive an invitation to apply based on their points score and the demand for their occupation.
The next stages include completing the visa application online, undergoing medical examinations, and providing police clearance certificates. The Department of Home Affairs will then evaluate the application and render a decision. The Skilled Independent Visa presents a valuable opportunity for skilled workers looking to further their careers and improve their quality of life in Australia. With the independence it offers from employer and state sponsorship and a streamlined route to citizenship, this visa remains a compelling option amid evolving immigration policies aimed at addressing specific skill gaps in the Australian labour market.
