This stream allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

It is for Points-tested skilled workers, who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government.

This is a permanent visa. It lets you:

• stay in Australia indefinitely
• work and study in Australia
• enrol in Medicare, Australia’s health-related care and expenses scheme
• sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence
• travel to and from Australia for five years- apply for

Australian citizenship (if eligible)

If you want to be invited to apply for the visa must submit an expression of interest through SkillSelect, with details of your nominated occupation, skills and qualifications. SkillSelect will estimate a points score and rank you against other applicants.

If you are invited, you have 60 calendar days to apply for the visa. The Department will then process your visa

application.

If you are a New Zealand citizen you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) (New Zealand) stream.

You may include your partner and your or your partner’s child or step-child in your application. Family members who are granted the visa have the same rights and can do the same things as you.

Your occupation must be on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations.

To be able to get this visa, you must:

• have a relevant occupation
• have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
• meet the points test pass mark of 65 points
• be under 45 years of age at time of invitation
• have Competent English
• be invited by the Department to apply