Skilled Migration Visas
Australia’s economy is strong and the country is actively encouraging immigration of workers from a wide variety of skill groups. The shortage of skilled labour means wages are high and that, coupled with the lower cost of living, means you could be living your dream sooner than you think.
Skilled workers emigrating to Australia are assessed on a points-based system with points awarded for qualifications, work experience, English fluency, and age. Pass marks exist for each category and before you apply, you must ensure that your points total meets the target for your desired visa.
The current points system for skilled visas is based on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), which lists all eligible occupations for migration and the points requirement for each occupation.
The points system was substantially revised on 1st of July 2011. All visa applications lodged prior to this date will be assessed according to the previous system. All occupations lodged on or after 1st of July will be assessed in line with the new points system in place now.
Skilled visas are divided into the following categories:
Skilled Independent Visa
The Australian government runs the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Subclass 175 Visa Programme for skilled migrants who meet the necessary points requirements to apply on an independent basis outwith the sponsorship of any particular sate or territory.
Applicants must be over 18 and under 50 years of age, with recent skilled work experience or a recently completed eligible Australian qualification and proficient English language ability.
Potential applicants must also work in an occupation that is in Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
An independent visa holder can live and work anywhere in Australia and is not tied to any particular state/territory or employment obligation.
To find out if you are eligible for a visa, fill out our free immigration assessment form or give us a call on 0845 601 7810 and one of our consultants will be in touch to advise you of your options.
Skilled Sponsored Visa
A Sponsored Visa (Subclass 176) allows you to migrate to Australia if you have good English language ability, qualifications and either employment experience in an occupation that is in demand in a particular state or territory or an eligible relative in Australia who is willing to sponsor you.
This visa class is useful to those applicants who may not otherwise meet the points requirement for an independent visa, but who are willing to make a commitment to live and work in a particular state or territory.
As well as having experience in an occupation on the Skilled Occupations List (SOL), a 176 visa also requires that either:
1) you or your partner have an eligible relative living in Australia who is willing and able to sponsor you
or
2) you are employed in a trade or profession that is on a State Migration Plan (SMP) issued by a participating state or territory.
All states and territories participate in this scheme. Each state has a set quota of sponsorships per year. If the quota is met for that year, then the application must be submitted again when the quota is renewed.
Applicants should also be aware that participating states/territories can add and remove occupations from their lists as and when required, depending on the current demand for that particular occupation within their areas.
To find out if you are eligible for a Sponsored Visa, fill out our free immigration assessment form or give us a call on 0845 601 7810 and one of our consultants will be in touch to advise you of your options.
Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa
This provisional visa (Subclass 475) is an ideal option for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled Independent or State Sponsored Visa. Applicants will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after they have lived for two years in a specified regional area of Australia and have worked for a minimum of 12 months.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must be either:
• nominated by a participating state or territory government agency
or
• sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia.
To find out if you are eligible for a Regional Sponsored Visa, fill out our free immigration assessment form or give us a call on 0845 601 7810 and one of our consultants will be in touch to advise you of your options.
