A Skilled Independent Visa is granted to a person to enable them to work in a certain country. In Australia, the Skilled Independent Visa enables an individual to migrate into Australia who has good written and spoken skills in the English language. One also has to have the qualifications and skills required for an occupation needed in the country. The Skilled Independent Visa selects applicants through a particular points test. The test pinpoints and selects candidates with characteristics that are needed within the labour market in Australia. To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa, one does not need sponsorship.
To be considered to be given this visa, one has to be under the age of 45 years of age and have the specific qualifications and skills necessary, which fall within the Australian standards for occupations in the SOL (Skilled Occupation List). This list contains all skilled occupations needed in Australia. Each entry on the list is awarded value points that are used in the assessment of the applicant for the Skilled Independent Visa. The Skilled Occupation List and the Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) are forms that need to be filled to facilitate the visa application process.
The visa has a charge attached to it, but, once the visa has been given to an individual, it allows them to permanently work, live and study in Australia. One can receive healthcare that is subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Depending on waiting periods, one can access some social security payments as well. Further, depending on the criteria for residency eligibility, one can also become an Australian citizen.