*This content is brought to you by Sable International, specialists in securing secondary residency and citizenship for South Africans. Sable International has offices in Cape Town, Melbourne and London.
By Sam Hopwood*
If you are a skilled South African who has thought about living in another country, you need to know about Australia’s Skilled Independent visa. It’s hands down one of the best routes to residency available to emigrants looking to move themselves and their families overseas. Here’s a rundown on what skills are in demand and what you need to know to apply.
What is the Skilled Independent visa and why is it perfect for South Africans?
The Skilled Independent visa is the most sought after visa awarded to immigrants in Australia. The visa’s name comes from the fact that, once awarded, it is independent of any conditions. As a holder of this visa, there are no restrictions on where you can live and work in Australia.
The key benefit of the Skilled Independent visa is that the holders are treated as permanent residents of Australia as soon as they arrive. This entitles them to Medicare and gives them the right to sponsor any immediate family members.
One of the best parts? When you hold this visa, your residency rights are not tied to a specific employer or occupation. In addition to this, you will also be allowed to exit and enter the country as you please.
How you can apply for this visa
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) in Australia requires various criteria to be satisfied before anyone can be eligible for the Skilled Independent visa. First, you will have to submit an expression of interest. If you’re successful with that, you will receive an invitation to proceed to the next phase of the application process.
In the second stage of your application process, you will need to show the DIBP that you have:
- Nominated an occupation that is on the relevant skilled occupation list (note you are not required to work in this occupation)
- Obtained a suitable skills assessment for that occupation
- Not yet turned 50 years of age
- Achieved the score specified in your letter of invitation based on the factors in the points test
- Competency in English
- Contacted an immigration expert
Many skilled South Africans have moved to Australia, and now could be the perfect time for you to do so too.
With offices in both Melbourne and South Africa, we are expertly positioned to help you and your family immigrate to Australia.
Our comprehensive service can also help you financially emigrate, take your South African assets offshore and invest them in Australia or anywhere else in the world.
Get in touch
To get help applying for this visa give us a call on +27 (0) 21 657 2180 or fill in the form on this page. Alternatively, you can send us an email on [email protected] for an obligation-free assessment.
- Sam Hopwood is the Managing Director of Sable International’s Australian office. He is also a Registered Migration Agent with MARA.
