The Ultimate Checklist: Skilled Independent Visa: Permanent (Subclass 189)

The visa requirements form is the mother of all process (as far as I am concerned).  It summarizes all information an applicant needs to know, the processes they need to undergo, the forms that needs to be filled out, the documents that needs to be submitted, etc etc.  How late is this post?  Tell me about it.  I am just going crazy why I have not made this blog entry from day one of this blog.  Enough said, let me explain a little why this post will take you from start to finish.


Individuals who wants to be organized prefers to keep a list of all things that needs to be done.  Like myself, I personally prefer to develop a list for just about anything.  When I go on vacation, I do a list of what to bring, things to do, where to go, etc.  When I plan my week, I write the activities that I need to do and tasks to perform for every day of the week.  A checklist, is that simple handy dandy tool that can get you from zero to hero, that if you commit to it. 

During my application for permanent residency to Australia, it was never uncommon to face questions like: "What is the process?, What to do first?, How much money do I need to prepare for the application?, What are the necessary documents that I need to submit?" etc etc.  That's why this blog exists, so I can answer as much question as I can, without repeating myself. =)

Ok, here we go.  This form, this one form, will get you off the ground for your Skilled Independent Visa application.  You only have two things to do as a priority, Read and follow.  Then, research.  Finally Ask.  This post however, only the Read and Follow thingy is covered.  Researching and Asking is basically a personal thing and will totally depend on how serious you are with your application.

The form I am referring to is the Document checklist for visa applications:  Skilled independent visa: Permanent (Subclass 189).  The new subclass for skill select that replaced Subclass 175.

The form begins with instructions for the checklist.  Then followed by the main sections:

*Points test and skills assessment.  Here, you will know how much points you have and if your chosen skill is on the required skills in Australia.  The appropriate assessing body is also identified for your chosen skill and from there, you will know how to have your skills assessed.

*Forms.  All forms that is required to submit.  Medical examination, etc etc.  It is worthy to note that the application form for permanent residency is not posted here since a valid visa application will have to be lodged online.  So no paper form then.

*Charges.  Do you want to know how much your visa application costs?  You'll find it here.

*Personal Documents for Applications.  (I need not explain)

*English Ability.  This will show you what is required with your English ability and how to show proof of ability.

*Health Requirements.  This is about the medical examination that an application needs to undertake once requested by the case officer.

*Character Requirements.  You will need to submit a Police Certificate (clearance) for every country you have stayed in for a cumulative of 12 months or more.

So, how do you find the checklist?  Should be pretty easy to follow, right?  As far as I am concerned, Australia's visa application process is pretty self explanatory.  I always find myself complicating the questions, calling long distance Australian immigration to ask the questions I have, where in fact, if you take the questions and instructions as they are, it is what it is. 

My final word, it is what it is, but of course, you can always ask.

God Speed everyone, may you reach your goal of getting to Australia as a permanent resident.  So far, I am loving it here.  It has been 8 months and life is really good.