SKILLED WORK VISAS
Not all work visas require employer sponsorship. Australia’s General Skilled Migration Program is aimed at well qualified people with relevant work experience and who are willing to migrate to Australia to improve Australia’s workforce. The skilled visas are suitable for people who hold tertiary or trade qualifications and have relevant recent work experience.
There are permanent and temporary visa options under the GSM program:
Permanent Skilled Independent 189 Visa
Points Tested Stream
The subclass 189 visa is an independent visa and does not require employer or state sponsorship. You will need to meet certain ‘threshold’ criteria such as being under 45 years of age, obtain a positive skills assessment and have your nominated occupation (related to your skills and qualifications) on the Department’s relevant occupation list, which is generally reviewed annually.
Under this stream, you will then need to pass the mandatory points test and following this, be invited by the Australian Government to apply for your visa.
Meeting the points test will depend on:
* Your Age
* Your English language ability
* Your relevant work experience
* Your qualifications
Our Registered Migration Agents can advise you as to whether you “pass the test” and how you can gain more points to increase your chances for eligibility.
Permanent Nominated 190 Visa
The subclass 190 visa requires you to be nominated by a relevant state or Territory Government Agenc and meet certain ‘threshold’ criteria such as being under 45 years of age, obtaining a positive skills assessment and having your nominated occupation (related to your skills and qualifications) on the Department’s relevant occupation list, which is generally reviewed annually.
You will then need to undergo a points test and following this, be invited by the Australian Government to apply for your visa.
Meeting the points test will depend on:
* Your Age
* Your English language ability
* Your relevant work experience
* Your qualifications
You will receive additional points for State Government Sponsorship. There are also other obligations and nomination processes which vary for each State or Territory Government, that you must comply with. Our Registered Migration Agents can advise you on which state or territory may need your skills the most.
Permanent Nominated 491 Visa
The subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa which requires you to live and work in a designated regional area. Applicant's must be nominated by a relevant State or Territory Government Agency and meet certain ‘threshold’ criteria such as being under 45 years of age, obtaining a positive skills assessment and having your nominated occupation (related to your skills and qualifications) on the Department’s relevant occupation list, which is generally reviewed annually.
You will then need to undergo a points test and following this, be invited by the Australian Government to apply for your visa.
Meeting the points test will depend on:
* Your Age
* Your English language ability
* Your relevant work experience
* Your qualifications
You will receive additional points for State Government Sponsorship. There are also other obligations and nomination processes which vary for each State or Territory Government, that you must comply with. Our Registered Migration Agents can advise you on which state or territory may need your skills the most.
Temporary Skilled Graduate 485 Visa
Graduating international students in Australia, may be eligible for further visa pathways including the Temporary Graduate 485 Visa. This visa allows overseas students who do not meet the criteria for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa to remain in Australia temporarily after you have finished your studies and gain valuable work experience.
Under this visa your eligibility depends on your qualifications, the institution at which you completed your studies and your your age.
However, not all graduates are eligible for a graduate work visa so it is worth speaking to a migration agent for personalised advice.