WHAT IS A SKILLED VISA?
If you are looking at permanent migration to Australia, then the most common route is through the General Skilled Migration Program. This program emphasises skills that are currently in demand within Australia and encourages potential immigrants who possess these to apply.
There are several types of skilled visa, all are points based with a minimum pass mark.
In order to apply for an Australian Skilled Visa
YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING THRESHOLD CRITERIA
OCCUPATION
APPLICANTS MUST NOMINATE AN ELIGIBLE OCCUPATION AND HAVE THE RELEVANT SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
LANGUAGE
APPLICANTS MUST DEMONSTRATE A SUITABLE LEVEL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ABILITY; THIS IS PROVEN EITHER THROUGH THEIR PASSPORT NATIONALITY OR ONE OF THE ACCEPTED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTS E.G IELTS
AGE
APPLICANTS MUST BE UNDER THE AGE OF 45 AT THE TIME OF INVITATION
Who can apply
Individuals seeking an independent (non sponsored or nominated), permanent skilled visa.
What it entitles you to
Permanent Residence and the ability to settle anywhere in Australia.
Terms & Conditions
Applicants will need to be invited to apply, be under 45, have a suitable skills assessment in a nominated occupation on the MLTSSL, competent English and pass the points test.
Further Information
You must also satisfy the other basic threshold criteria.
Who can apply
Individuals who have received State or Territory Government Nomination and are seeking a permanent skilled visa.
What it entitles you to
Permanent Residence and settlement initially within the nominating State or Territory.
Terms & Conditions
Hold State or Territory Government nomination. Applicants will need to be invited to apply, be under 45, have a suitable skill assessment in a nominated occupation on the relevant list of eligible skilled occupations, competent English and pass the points test.
Further Information
You must also satisfy the other basic threshold criteria.
Who can apply
Holders of a regional provisional visa for at least three years, who have complied with the conditions of their visa and have earned minimum taxable income for 3 years as a holder of a regional provisional visa.
What it entitles you to
Permanent Residence
Who can apply
Skilled workers nominated by a State or Territory or sponsored by an eligible relative, living in a designated regional area in Australia and encompasses all areas of Australia except Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney.
What it entitles you to
A five year provisional visa for applicants to live, work and study in a designated regional area. A pathway to apply for a permanent residence visa (subclass 191) is available after 3 years to those who have complied with the conditions of their subclass 491 visa and meet other eligibility requirements.
Terms & Conditions
Applicants need to be invited to apply, be under 45, have a suitable skill assessment in a nominated occupation on a relevant list of eligible skilled occupations, be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible relative, have competent English and meet the points test.
Further Information
You must also satisfy the other basic threshold criteria.
Who can apply
Anyone who has been nominated by an employer for a full time role (available for at least 5 years) with a market salary rate in regional Australia on the applicable occupation list can apply for this visa. Applicant must be under 45 years of age, have competent English, hold a positive skill assessment in the nominated occupation, have at least 3 years of full time and relevant skilled work experience, meet health and character requirements. There are limited exceptions to age, skill assessment and work experience requirements.
What it entitles you to
A provisional visa which is valid for 5 years and requires all visa holders to live, work and study in regional Australia. The primary applicant must work for the nominating employer, and only in the occupation in which they were sponsored.
Terms & Conditions
Like the 482 visa, there are three stages to complete for this programme. The employer must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor before nominating a position in regional Australia and identifies the person they wish to sponsor for the role. Your employer will need approval from the Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in your area. The nominated person must then apply to obtain a visa to fill the role.
Further Information
It is possible to apply for a permanent Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after living and working in a regional area for at least 3 years. Applicants must meet certain income requirements and be able to prove their residence in regional Australia for the 3 year period.