My Australian Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189 Application Journey

Before I started my application for any Australian Visa, I checked http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa-1 to know what are the possible visas I could apply for. 

Based on my reading I have decided that the best Visa that I should apply for is Skilled Independent Visa Subclass 189. 

This visa is for points-tested skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. It allows you to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident.

I read the point system on that page and learned that I need 60 points. Point are awarded based on Age, English language ability, Skilled Employment, Qualifications, Australian Study Requirement and Other Factors.

Next is to find if my course is in the Skilled Occupations List which would mean that I could apply for Visa 189 and that I can nominate my occupation and get points. Fortunately, my course Industrial Engineering is in the List:

Occupation	ANZSCO Code	Assessing Authority
Industrial Engineer	233511	Engineers Australia

Based on the list, the assessing authority for my occupation is Engineers Australia. So I checked it out and downloaded the Migration Skills Assessment booklet and read it to know the steps and requirements to get my assessment. I then registered for an account online.

One of the requirements for assessment is proving your proficiency in the English Language and the most known type of exam is the IELTS. As per Engineers Autralia, I need to take the IELTS General and have a score of at least 7 in all bands. I paid P8,990 and registered for an exam under British Council. I have no time to attend review classes so I did a self study for 3 months and last May 30, 2015 I took an exam at Grand Regal Hotel Davao.

After I got the IELTS result, I completed the documents required by Engineer Australia or EA, paid 1,120 AUD and submitted it on their website using my EA account last January 16, 2016.

February 2, 2016- I received my positive EA assessment as a Profesional Engineer with 14 year plus relevant skilled employment.

I immediately made an account at Skillselect so I can submit my Expression Of Interest. 

Skilled workers and business people interested in migrating to Australia can be considered for a skilled visa by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. An EOI is an indication that you would like to be considered for a skilled visa. An EOI is not a visa application.

I was able to get 65 points meaning I was able to meet the 60 points needed to apply for Visa 189. 

Age- 25

English language ability-10 (based on IELTS result)

Skilled Employment-15 (based on EA assessment)

Qualification-15 (based on EA assessment)

After filling up the EOI form online I submitted it.

February 3, 2016-  Immediately the following day to my great surprise, I received an Invitation to Apply for Visa 189 in my email. The invitation is valid for 60 days. It means I should be able to lodge an application for a Visa before April 3, 2016

I gathered all the necessary documents as evidence for the points I claimed such as Certificate of Employment, Payslips, School Diploma and etc. Most importantly I need to find money to pay the visa fee of 7,200 AUD for our family (plus husband and 2 kids).

The usual path is to pay the visa and upload documents then wait for the Case Officer to contact you and ask for Medical and NBI. However, I learned that you can have your Medical and NBI before lodging the visa so I did it.

February 6,2016-My family had our medical at Nationwide as they are the only accredited clinic in Davao. They performed urine test, blood test, chest x-ray and physical test with a Doctor. We paid P4,000 for adults and P2,000 for kids.

February 12, 2016- My husband and I applied for NBI clearance for International travel. We both paid P140. He got his clearance immediately while I got mine after 15 days because I had a hit.

February 26, 2016- Finally, I lodged our visa online thru www.immi.gov.au and paid using credit card.

March 19, 2016- After 22 days of waiting, we finally received the Golden Mail, our visa was granted. Thank you Lord!