These visas are points-based, with points awarded for factors such as your age, English language proficiency, skilled employment, qualifications, Australian study requirements, and other criteria. Nomination or sponsorship may also be required in some cases.
The process for obtaining these visas involves several steps:
- Achieving the required English language test score.
- Completing a skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
- Applying for a nomination from a state or territory government (if applicable).
- Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).
- Applying for the visa once you receive an invitation from the DIBP.
a. Skilled-Independent visa (subclass 189)
This is a permanent residency visa designed for individuals who are not sponsored by an employer but possess skills in occupations that are in demand in Australia. In most cases, dependent family members can also be included in the application.
If you are under 50 years of age and have an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) (see SkilledOccupation List), along with the necessary qualifications and work experience, you are likely to qualify for a General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa.
Please note, depending on the occupation, you may still be eligible for this visa even without formal qualifications if you can provide evidence of substantial work experience. Additionally, you may be able to apply for this visa with the sponsorship of a relevant family member.
b. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
This is a permanent residency visa.
- If your occupation is not on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) but appears on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), you must have relevant qualifications and work experience.
- You will need to be sponsored by a State or Territory Government, and your occupation must be listed on their specific state occupation list. You must also meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
c. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
This is a temporary residency visa.
- If your occupation is listed on the CSOL (but not on the SOL), you must have the necessary qualifications and work experience and secure sponsorship from a State or Territory Government or an eligible family member.
- If state-sponsored, you are required to live in regional areas of the sponsoring state. If sponsored by a family member, you must reside in the designated area where your sponsor lives.
- After two years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
d. Skilled Regional visa (subclass 887)
This is a permanent residency visa.
- It is available to individuals who have lived and worked in specified regional areas of Australia or designated areas, depending on the conditions of their temporary visa.
e. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Graduate Work stream
This visa allows you to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after completing your studies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be under 50 years of age.
- Must be in Australia and hold an eligible visa.
- Must meet the two-year Australian study requirement.
- Must meet the English language requirement.
- Must have recently graduated with an eligible qualification or possess skills and qualifications aligned with an occupation on the SOL.
Streams Under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485):
- Graduate Work Stream:
- For international students with an eligible qualification related to an occupation on the SOL.
- The visa is granted for 18 months from the date of issue.
- Post-Study Work Stream:
- For international students who have graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian institution, regardless of their field of study.
- This stream is available only to students who applied for their first student visa on or after 5 November 2011.
- Visa duration varies (up to four years) based on the applicant’s qualification.
