Independent Skilled Migration Program

Overview of Australia’s Independent Skilled Migration Program

Australia's Independent Skilled Migration Program is an essential part of the country's immigration system. Despite an overall reduction in migration quotas, the Australian Department of Home Affairs continues to increase the proportion of skilled migration. The goal is to attract applicants with high educational qualifications, strong English skills, and valuable work experience, who can directly contribute to the Australian economy and society.

  • Definition
  • Points-Based System
  • Visa Categories
  • Program Advantages
  • Application Process

In this program, "independent" refers to applicants who do not require employer sponsorship. Instead, they qualify based on their age, educational background, English proficiency, work experience, and other factors to accumulate sufficient points. Once they reach the required points threshold, they may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Department of Home Affairs, granting them eligibility to apply for a permanent residency visa.

The Independent Skilled Migration Program operates on a points-based system.

Applicants must score points across various criteria, including:

  • Age: Younger applicants receive higher points.
  • Education: Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher receive more points.
  • Work Experience: Relevant work experience in the applicant’s field earns additional points.
  • English Proficiency: Higher scores on IELTS or equivalent English tests result in more points.
  • Other Factors: These include Australian study experience, the rarity of the applicant's skills, and additional points for a skilled partner.

Applicants who meet or exceed the minimum points requirement may be invited to apply for a permanent residency visa.

The Independent Skilled Migration Program consists of three main visa categories, each tailored to different applicant needs:

  • 1.Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189):
    ·This visa is for applicants who do not require sponsorship from an employer or state/territory government. Visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia with full permanent resident rights.
  • 2.State-Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 190):
    ·This visa is for applicants who receive sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government. Visa holders are required to live and work in the sponsoring state/territory for at least two years before they can move anywhere in Australia.
  • 3.Regional State-Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 491):
    ·This visa is for applicants willing to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Visa holders must reside and work in the regional area for three years before they can apply for a permanent residency visa (Subclass 191).
  • No Need for Employer Sponsorship：Applicants qualify based on their personal qualifications, offering greater freedom and flexibility.
  • Long-Term Residency and Work: Visa holders can live and work anywhere in Australia with the benefits of permanent residency.
  • Family Reunification:  Successful applicants can bring their family members (spouse and children) to Australia under permanent residency status.
  • Submit an EOI (Expression of Interest):Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the SkillSelect system, indicating their qualifications and points score.
  • Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):The Department of Home Affairs regularly issues invitations to qualified applicants. Once invited, applicants can formally submit their visa application.
  • Prepare and Submit Application: Upon receiving the invitation, applicants must submit a complete visa application within the specified time frame, including all required supporting documents.
  • Wait for Approval: The Department of Home Affairs reviews the application. Once approved, the applicant and their family members receive permanent residency status in Australia.