Visas & Advice Detail
Skilled Independent Visa
For many, the Skilled Independent visa represents the best way to qualify for Australia, but if you fail to meet the requirements, there are also other options
Key requirements
All applicants for Australian skilled visas must:
Be under 45 years of age
Have at least vocational english language skills
Have work experience in an occupation included on the skilled occupations list
Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant authority, hold post-secondary qualifications or have relevant work experience
Be of good health and character
Pass a points test
Processing time
Current estimate: between 15 and 18 months. The pass mark for the skilled independent visa is currently 120 points.
Alternatives
For those who don't score enough points there are a number of other skilled routes available. You could try and achieve state sponsorship through either the state-Territory nominated independent category or the skilled-independent regional (provisional) visa. if you have a family member living in australia you could apply for either the killed designated area sponsored visa or the skilled-australian sponsored visa, depending on your relationship with this person and where they live. finally, if you can't qualify for any of these visas you can enter your details on the skill matching database and hope to achieve sponsorship that way, either by a state, territory or an Australian employer. Also, if 45 OR over you could consider the investor retirement visa.
For further information:
Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs
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