Visas & Advice Detail
Australian skilled visas
For many, a skilled visa represents the best way to qualify for a new life in Australia. If you fail to meet the requirements of the Skilled-Independent visa, there are plenty of other options...
Skilled visas are by far the most popular permanent route into Australia. To qualify through the country's General Skilled Migration programme you will need to meet the following basic requirements:
1) You must be under 45 years of age when you apply for your visa;
2) You must have sufficient English language ability;
3) You must be able to nominate a skill on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) which fits your skills and qualifications, and for which you must be positively assessed by a skill assessing body. Your Nominated Occupation can be based on formal qualifications, a trade and in some limited cases, work experience. If this occupation is included on the country's Critical Skills List (CSL) then your application will qualify for priority processing;
4) You must have been in paid employment (at least 20 hours per week) in an occupation on the SOL for at least 12 of the 24 months immediately before applying. It is important to note that you can be working in any occupation on the SOL which means it can be different from your Nominated Occupation; and
5) You must score enough points to qualify for a visa (see below).
There are three main types of skilled visas. They are:
Skilled-Independent (Subclass 175)
This visa is the one you should strive to obtain. Not only does it lead directly to permanent residency, but you can also live and work anywhere in Australia you want. To qualify for this visa you must satisfy the Basic Requirements and score 120 points.
Skilled-Sponsored (176)
If you do not score 120 points, then you can look to be sponsored by either an Australian-based relative (this could be a sibling, parent, uncle aunt, or niece/nephew), or one of Australia's state governments (providing the visa applicant has a Nominated Occupation which is included on the sponsoring state's 'high demand' list). In each case the visa applicant must satisfy the basic requirements and score 100 points. Extra points may be awarded depending on the type of sponsorship you obtain. Through this visa you will be required to live in a particular state for a certain period of time.
Regional Sponsored (475)
This is a temporary residence visa, available for those who are unable to qualify for permanent residency but are willing to reside in either a regional or designated area within Australia. The visa applicant needs to be either sponsored by a relative (the same as those listed above but can also include a grandparent or a first cousin) who resides in a
designated area of the country or alternatively by one of the country's state/territory governments. This visa is valid for three years, but can be made permanent after two years
residence and one year's employment in a regional or designated area. In each case the visa applicant must satisfy the basic requirements and score 100 points.
The points test
Points required:
Skilled Independent (subclass 175): 120 points needed
Skilled Sponsored (subclass 176): 100 points needed
Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 475): 100 points needed
Points for Skill
For other general skilled occupations: 40 points
For more general occupations: 50 points
For those occupations where training is specific to the job: 60 points
Points for Age
18-29 years: 30 points
30-34 years: 25 points
35-39 years: 20 points
40-44 years: 15 points
Points for English Language Ability
Proficient English where a person scores 7 or more in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) in each of the four test components: 25 points
Competent English where a person scores 6 or more on all four components of the IELTS Test and holds a passport from UK, Republic of Ireland, USA, Canada or New Zealand: 15 points
Vocational English applies if applicant has a trade occupation and does not hold a passport from a native English speaking country (listed above). It requires a score of 5 or more on all 4 components of the IELTS Test.
Specific Work Experience
Work experience closely related to nominated 60 point occupation for three of the last four years: 10 points
Work experience in any occupation on the skilled occupation list for three of the last four years: 5 points
Australian Work Experience
Australian work experience closely related to nominated 60 point occupation for one of the last four years: 10 points
Professional year closely related to the nominated occupation for one of the last four years: 10 points
Australian Qualifications
Doctorate (min. two years): 25 points
Masters/Honours with undergraduate degree (min. three years): 15 points
Degree/diploma/trade qualification (min. two years): 5 points
Regional Study
Has 2 years study requirement while living and studying in regional Austalia: 5 points
Partner Skills
You may receive 5 points only if your spouse satisfies the following criteria:
Age requirement; English Language Ability; Qualification; Nominated Occupation; Recent Work Experience; and has a skills assessment by relevant assessing body
Nomination
Nominated by state or territory government: 10 points
Designated Area Sponsorship
Sponsored by Australian relative living in a designated area (only available to provisional visa applicants): 25 points
Designated Language
Professional level language skills in a designated language: 5 points
For further information:
Department of Immigration & Citizenship
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