General Skilled Migration

The following visas are for people who are not sponsored by an employer and who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia. Applicants must be over 18 and under 45 years of age, with good English language ability, and recent skilled work experience or a recently completed eligible Australian qualification.

Applicants must also have skills and qualifications for an occupation listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL)

Skilled - Independent visa (175 offshore and 885 onshore)

This visa allows you to migrate to Australia if you have good English language skills and qualifications in an occupation in need in Australia.

This visa uses a points test to select visa applicants with characteristics needed in the Australian labour market.

Points Test pass mark = 120 points

Skilled - Sponsored visa (176 offshore and 886 onshore)

This is a permanent visa requiring sponsorship by either an:

• Australian relative
• Nominated state or territory

This visa uses a points test to select visa appicants.

Points Test pass mark - 100 points

Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Provisional 475, 487 and 887)

This visa is a three (3) year provisional visa for skilled workers who are unable to meet the criteria for a Skilled - Independent visa. You will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency after you have lived for two (2) years and worked for at least 12 months in a specified regional area of Australia.

The 887 visa is a permanent visa for people holding a 475 or 487 visa.

Points Test pass mark = 100 points

Skilled - Recognised Graduate Student Migration Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia for 18 months to gain skilled experience or improve their English language skills. You are eligible to apply for this visa if you have passed or graduated from a course in Australia in the last six (6) months.

Skilled - Recognised Graduate Student Migration Visa (Subclass 476)

This visa allows recent Engineering graduates of selected overseas universities to gain up to 18 months of skilled work experience in occupations that are in demand in Australia.

This visa does not have a points test; however other requirements must be met.