australian immigration
 

 

General Skilled Migration Program

The Skill Stream of the Migration Program is designed to enhance and strengthen the Australian economy by giving skilled people Australian permanent residence.

Skilled visas target well qualified people under 45 years of age, with good English language skills. For most but not all visas in this category, applicants must pass a points test.

There are a number of visas available under the general skilled migration category, and we provide details of some of the most popular below.

Before embarking on an Australian immigration application, must meet certain basic criteria

Basic Requirements

  • Age - you must be under 45 years of age at the date of application
  • English language - you must have sufficient ability in the English language
  • Qualifications - you are required to have a post-secondary qualification (either university or a trade) and your skill must have been assessed by the relevant assessing authority in Australia.
  • Nominated occupation - when you apply you will need to nominate an occupation fitting your skills and qualifications. This occupation must be on the Skilled Occupations List
  • Recent work experience – you must have worked in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List for at least 12 out of the last 24 months or have recently completed an Australian qualification as the result of two years full-time study in Australia.
 


Skilled – Independent (subclass 175)
If you are a qualified professional or tradesperson and have at least one years work experience that will benefit the Australian economy, but do not have a sponsor in Australia you will be able to apply under this category.

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you are also required to pass a points test with points being awarded for skill, age, English language ability and specific work experience, occupation in demand, Australian qualifications and spouse skills, Australian skilled work experience and fluency in one of Australia's major community languages.

The passmark for this particular visa category is 120 points.

   skilled immigration
  skilled immigration  

Skilled – Sponsored (subclass 176)

As with the subclass 175 skilled - Independent visa, this visa is also designed for highly skilled and experienced people intending to migrate to Australia on a permanent residency visa.  You need to meet the basic requirements for a visa application in addition to meeting the pass mark on the points test. 

The fundamental difference between the subclass 175 and subclass 176 visa is that in the case of the latter you would need to be sponsored either by an eligible close relative in Australia OR to be nominated by an Australian State / Territory Government agency. Certain States / Territories are prepared to offer nominations to individuals who have skills and experience in occupations that are in particular demand in that State / Territory.

The passmark for this visa category is 100 points

  
 

Skilled - Regional Sponsored (subclass 475)

Unlike the two visas mentioned above, this is a temporary residency visa. 

In order to qualify for this visa you will need to meet the basic criteria and achieve the necessary points on the points test.  However, under this particular visa category extensive points are awarded if you are sponsored by a close relative or nominated by a State / Territory government agency. 

The proviso for family sponsorship under this visa category is that your relative usually resides in a designated area of Australia.

The visa is valid for 3 years, 2 of which you will need to live and work in the sponsoring State, or the same State in which the sponsoring relative lives. Once these conditions have been met you may apply for permanent residency.

The passmark for this visa category is 100 points.

  skilled immigration  

Complete our skills assessment and we will ascertain your eligibility for a skilled migration visa and provide you with a comprehensive proposal outlining your options.