Immigration Details

Skilled Visas

1. Skilled visas

 

The Skilled Migration Program, also known as the General Skilled Migration Program, is for people who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia but are not sponsored by an employer. The visa given is often referred to as a skilled migrant visa or a general skilled migration visa.

 

1. Independent Skilled Visa (Subclass 189)

 

This permanent work visa is for skilled workers who have nominated qualifications and skills which are in demand, who are under the age of 45 years and who have good English language skills.  This points-based skilled visa is for people who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory or a family member.

 

In this visa, you must be under the age of 45 years at the time of making application and have competent English language Skills. You must have skills or qualifications comparable to Australian Qualification in a skilled occupation on the MLTSSL.

 

During processing of the Subclass 189 visa, it is assessed on a points system and 60 points are required to qualify as well as meeting the standard conditions.

 

• Points are awarded in the following categories:
• Age
• English Language
• Australian and Overseas Work Experience
• Australian Study
• Qualifications
• Community Language
• Regional Australian Study
• Spouse Skills
• Professional Year

 

 

1. Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 190)

 

This permanent work visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government. This work visa requires the applicant to have nominated qualifications and skills which are in demand, be under the age of 45 years and have good English language skills.

 

In this visa, your sponsor must be a State or Territory government. The visa is assessed on a points basis with 60 points required to qualify in addition to meeting the standard conditions. Additional points are granted for the State or Territory Nomination.

 

Points are awarded in the following categories:

 

• Age
• English Language
• Australian and Overseas Work Experience
• Australian Study
• Qualifications
• Community Language
• Regional Australian Study
• Spouse Skills
• State Sponsorship Points
• Professional Year

 

1. Regional Sponsored Skilled Visa (Subclass 489)

 

This four year provisional work visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a State or Territory government OR sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area in Australia.

 

This visa requires sponsorship from an eligible relative living in a designated region of Australia or from a State or Territory Government.

 

This visa is points tested with 60 points required to be eligible as well as satisfying the standard conditions for immigration.

 

Points are awarded in the following categories:

 

• Age
• English Language
• Australian and Overseas Work Experience
• Australian Study
• Qualifications
• Community Language
• Regional Australian Study
• Spouse Skills
• State or Family Sponsorship
• Professional Year

 

1. Temporary Graduate Skilled Visa (Subclass 485)

 

This is an 18 month temporary work visa OR up to 4 year visa (pending qualifications) for overseas students who have obtained an Australian qualification as a result of at least two years study in Australia. This work visa allows skilled workers who are unable to pass the General Skilled Migration Points Test to remain living in Australia for to gain the skills and experience needed to apply for a permanent or provisional Australian Skilled work visa.

 

Requirements for Graduate Skilled Visa (Subclass 485)

 

• you must be younger than 50 years of age
• you must hold an eligible visa
• you must have included in your application evidence that you have met the English language requirement
• you must meet the Australian study requirement in the last six months
• you must meet health and character requirements.
• you must have health insurance in Australia
• you must meet the specific requirements of the stream in which you are applying for this visa.

 

Graduate Work Stream

 

For international students with an eligible qualification who graduate with skills and qualifications that relate to an occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations. A visa in this stream is granted for 18 months from the date of grant.

 

This visa is valid for 18 months from the date it is granted.

 

Post-Study Work Stream

 

For international students who graduate with a higher education degree from an Australian education provider, regardless of their field of study. This stream is only available to students who applied for, and were granted, their first student visa to Australia on or after 5 November 2011. A visa in this stream can be granted for up to four years from the date the visa is granted, depending on the visa applicant’s qualification.

 

This visa lasts for two to four years, depending on the highest qualification you used to apply for this visa:

 

• Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Degree with Honours, Masters by Coursework Degree or Masters (extended) Degree – your visa is valid for two years
• Masters by Research Degree– your visa is valid for three years
• Doctoral Degree – your visa is valid for four years.