Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent residency, anywhere in Australia — no sponsor or nomination required.
Overview
The most independent of Australia's points-tested skilled pathways. Your occupation, qualifications, experience and English score do the work — no state commitment and no regional obligation, with permanent residency from day one.
Who it's for
- Skilled workers with an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Applicants who can score competitively on the points test without needing state or employer support
Key requirements
- A suitable skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- An Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect scoring at or above the current competitive threshold
- Competent English or higher
- Under 45 at the time of invitation
- Health and character checks
65 points is the legal minimum to submit an EOI, but in practice most invitations go to applicants scoring well above that in competitive occupations. We'll assess your realistic score before you invest time in this pathway.
Not sure if this is the right visa for you?
Tell us your situation and we'll confirm whether the Skilled Independent Visa fits, or point you to the one that does.
Book a free visa assessmentVisa subclasses, eligibility criteria, streams, salary thresholds and fees are set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and change periodically, often each July. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of mid-2026 — your Rigpa House adviser will confirm current figures and eligibility before you apply.