SKILLED MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA

SKILLED VISA SNAPSHOT

The general skilled migration (GSM) program is Australia’s long term strategy to address skills shortages across Australia. A skilled application involves a detailed skill assessment in your occupation, and where required, a state or family member application, followed by the visa paperwork. It is a lengthy process which has led the Australian government, as well as employers and migrants, to look for more efficient and faster ways to bring skilled people into the labour market.

THE POINTS SYSTEM

To qualify for a skilled visa to Australia, you first need to have sufficient work experience and training in an occupation in shortage in Australia. If you pass this requirement your eligibility will depend on your ‘point score’ which based on a number of areas. These areas include age, level of education, years of work experience and English competence. Points can also be added to your score if you have studied or worked in Australia, through state sponsorship, by having a skilled spouse or by demonstrating a high level of skill in your native language.

Skilled migration policy has undergone many changes over the past 12 months. These changes include the Skilled Occupation List (a government-determined summary of job shortages) being reduced by half; states having greater influence over the occupations they will sponsor and a stricter English competence requirements.

VISA TYPES

Skilled visas fall into three broad categories, depending on the point score reached:

• Skilled Independent visa: You are eligible for a Skilled Independent visa if you reach the required score without the need for a state or family sponsor. This is a permanent residency visa that allows you to live and work in any part of Australia. This is known as the “Holy Grail” of skilled visas but is becoming harder and harder to qualify for.
• Skilled Sponsored (state) visa: You are eligible for a Skilled Sponsored (state) visa if you have sufficient work experience and training in an occupation that is “in demand” in a state of Australia, and you reach the required score. You are required to live and work in the sponsoring state. A Skilled Sponsored (state) visa has two pathways. One pathway offers permanent residency whilst the other offers a three year provisional visa. You are able to apply for a residency visa if you meet the requirements of the provisional visa.
• Skilled Sponsored (family) visa: You are eligible for a Skilled Sponsored (family) visa if you have sufficient work experience and training in an occupation in demand; you have an eligible family member living in a designated area of Australia who is willing to sponsor you, and you reach the required score. A Skilled Sponsored (family) visa is a three year provisional visa, where you are required to live and work in the same area of Australia as your sponsoring relative. You are able to apply for a residency visa if you meet the requirements of the provisional visa during the three year period.