Immigration to Australia

Skilled Visa Category

This visa category enables applicants to apply based on the following requirements:

1. Applicants must be under 45 years of age when you apply.
2. You must have sufficient ability in the English language for working in Australia, also known as 'vocational English'.
3. A higher level of English is required for certain occupations where English ability forms part of the skills assessment. This information will be available from the relevant assessing authority. In the skilled–designated area and the skill matching visa categories, a lower level of English may apply. You are encouraged to have your English language ability tested before you apply. You will be able to claim 25 points if you sit the IELTS exam and score 7.0 in all four categories.
4. You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications (in a small number of occupations, substantial relevant work experience may be acceptable). Your skills must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation.
   When you apply, you must nominate an occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the skilled occupations list (SOL) (see below). If your nominated occupation is not on the SOL, you cannot apply.
5. Recent work experience: This requirement is separate from the need to have your skills assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation before you apply.

In the skill matching or skilled-designated area sponsored categories, you may be eligible with less work experience.

One of the basic requirements of Skilled Migration is that you nominate an occupation which matches either your work experience and/or qualifications from a list of occupations determined by the Australian government.

This list is called the Skilled Occupations List (SOL). Although extensive, it does not include every possible occupation, only those which are currently sought-after in Australia.

Each occupation, depending on its rating, attracts a certain number of points (40, 50 or 60 points). Assuming your skills are assessed as "suitable" for your nominated occupation, these points will be used in calculating your total Points Test Score.

If you cannot locate your occupation on this list, you should NOT proceed with Skilled Migration.

The Government has also created ‘The Migration Occupations in Demand List’ which is a sub-list of the Skilled Occupations List.  It is an attempt by the Australian Government to identify occupations where there are current critical shortages. If your occupation is on this list, you score additional points.

There are six main sub-classes under the Skilled Visa Category:

Permanent

1. Skilled Independent Visa

Overseas applicants who meet the applicable passmark of the points test that applies to this visa, will be eligible to live in Australia as a permanent resident.

2. Skilled Sponsored Visa

The Skilled Sponsored Visa addresses skill shortages that may exist in a state or territory and encourages a more balanced dispersal of Australia’s skilled migrant intake.

3. Skilled Regional (Residence) Visa

This is a permanent residency visa provided to applicants who have lived at least two years and worked full time for 12 months in a specific regional area of Australia.

Temporary

4. Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa

This visa addresses the skill shortages that exist in regional areas of Australia. Successful applicants (and their families) will be allowed to work and live in Australia for up to three years. However, they may also be able to apply for the permanent stage of this visa after they have lived for two years and worked for one year in the regional area.

5. Skilled Graduate Visa

This temporary visa allows overseas students that have recently completed their course but are unable to apply for skilled migration to live and work in Australia for 18 months in order to build upon their work experience and English skills.

6. Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa

Graduates of recognised overseas universities with skills needed in Australia can apply for this 18 month temporary visa, providing unrestricted work and study rights. Visa holders can apply for permanent residence at any time through General Skilled, or, Employer Sponsored migration.

Visa Entitlements:

The General Skilled Migration Program is one of the main ways for qualified and skilled migrants to obtain Australian Permanent Residency entitling the individual to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

Successful applicants will be further granted immediate access to public health entitlements (social security benefits have a two year waiting period), and dependant children aged between 6-18 are entitled to attend public schools within Australia.

Individuals who have resided in Australia for over 4 years with at least one of those years as an Australian Permanent Residence are entitled to apply for Australian citizenship.

If you wish to assess your eligibility to apply under this category, please complete our online assessment form.