What are the skilled visa requirements and which one should I apply for?
Key eligibility for the General Skilled Migration Programme
The General Skilled Migration programme is for people who are not sponsored by an employer and who have skills in particular occupations required in Australia.
You must also:
- be under 45 years of age
- meet the English language threshold: competent English; or vocational English if your nominated skilled occupation is a trade
- have recent skilled work experience or a recently completed eligible Australian qualification
- have skills and qualifications on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
The SOL and ENSOL
Depending on which visa you apply for, your occupation must either be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) or the Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL).
Skilled – Independent (Migrant) visa (subclass 175)
A permanent visa for people with skills and qualifications in demand in the Australian labour market. Applicants are not sponsored and must pass a points test.
Skilled – Sponsored (Migrant) visa (subclass 176)
A permanent visa for people unable to meet the Skilled – Independent pass mark. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in Australia or nominated by a participating State or Territory government. Applicants must pass a points test lower than that for the Skilled – Independent visa.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) visa (subclass 475)
A three year provisional visa for people who can meet the lower pass mark for this visa. Applicants must be either sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated area of Australia or nominated by a participating state/territory government. After living for two years and working for at least one year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants can apply for a permanent visa.
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) visa (subclass 476)
An 18 month temporary visa for graduates of recognised overseas educational institutions who have skills in demand in Australia. There is no points test for this visa.