Skilled Visas
The General Skilled Migration program is the pathway for skilled individuals who want to move to Australia.
Applicants must satisfy the basic requirements at the time the visa application is submitted to the Department of Immigration, the following reflects the changes to the GSM program on the 1st of July, 2011:
- Aged under 50
- At least competent English language ability
- A positive skills assessment from the appropriate assessing authority in the nominated occupation, which must appear on the Skilled Occupations List
- Recent skilled work experience (12 months in the last 2 years) or recent study in Australia
- State/ Territory Government or Close Family Sponsorship, for applications under subclasses 176 and 475
In addition applicants must pass a points test, the components of which include:
- Age
- Nominated occupation
- English language competency
- Skilled employment in Australia and overseas
- Qualifications
- Sponsorship by a State or Territory Government
- Partner skills
Visa applicants and dependents must also satisfy health and character requirements.
The skilled visa subclasses most commonly encountered by us are:
- 175, Skilled Independent
- 176, Skilled Sponsored
- 475, Skilled Regional Sponsored (Provisional)
Those who are interested in skilled migration to Australia should be aware that Australia’s Immigration Minister issues instructions to his Department requiring them to process certain applications before others – the choice of visa subclass can make a significant difference to visa application processing times.
Please contact Ian Harrop & Associates if you are interested in skilled migration to Australia.
If you have any questions or need help choosing the right visa, please call us or complete the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Enquiry form