Overview
Under the General Skilled Migration program, there are a series of visa options available to skilled workers who wish to reside in Australia, but who are not sponsored by an eligible employer. Skilled workers may apply for an Australian visa as either an independent migrant, or on the basis of sponsorship by a relative or nomination by a State or Territory government.
Skilled Visa Options
To determine which skilled visas bests suits your particular needs and circumstances please read through the various skilled visa options below. Then, take our FREE Visa Eligibility Assessment to find out if you meet the basic requirements and obligations for your preferred visa.
If you are outside Australia
Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)
A Skilled – Independent Migrant visa is a permanent visa intended for people that have skills which are in demand within Australia’s labour market. Applicants for this visa do not need a sponsor, but they must past a points test.
Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 176)
This visa provides an avenue for permanent residence in Australia to those unable satisfy the Skilled - Independent pass mark of 120 points. Applicants for this visa need to be sponsored by a suitable relative currently residing in Australia, or nominated by an appropriate State or Territory government body. Applicants for a Skilled - Sponsored visa still need to pass a points test, but the pass mark is lower than that required for the Skilled - Independent visa.
Skilled – Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 475)
This visa entitles the holder to three (3) year provisional residence in Australia and is available to person able to reach the lower pass mark this visa requires. Holders of this visa are permitted to apply for a permanent visa after they have lived for two (2) years and worked for at least one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area.
Skilled – Recognised Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 476)
This visa provides graduates of recognised and approved overseas educational institutions who possess skills considered to be in demand in Australia with an 18 month temporary visa. If you have completed an Engineering degree at a recognised and approved overseas institution in the previous two (2) years, this visa relates to you.
Persons holding this visa are permitted to make an application for permanent residence in Australia at any time if they are able to demonstrate they can pass the General Skilled Migration points test.
If you are in Australia
Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa (Subclass 885)
This visa grants permanent residence in Australia to eligible students overseas who have previously attained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of a minimum of two (2) years study. It also applies to holders of specific temporary visas by persons with skills which are considered to be in demand in Australia. Persons applying for this visa need not be sponsored but they must pass a points test. The Skilled – Independent (Residence) Visa permits overseas students to apply for permanent residency in Australia if they have finished their studies in Australia in the last six (6) months. It also allows holders of certain temporary visas to apply for permanent residency.
Skilled – Sponsored (Residence) Visa (Subclass 886)
This visa grants permanent residence in Australia to eligible students overseas who have previously attained an Australian qualification in Australia as a result of a minimum of two (2) years study. It also applies to holders of specific temporary visas by persons with skills which are considered to be in demand in Australia. This visa applies to applicants unable to reach the Skilled – Independent visa pass mark of 120 points, and who have either a suitable relative currently residing in Australia willing to sponsor them, or a nomination by an appropriate State or Territory government body. Applicants must still pass a points test but the pass mark is lower than that required for the Skilled – Independent visa.
Skilled – Regional (Residence) Visa (Subclass 887)
This visa permits permanent residence in Australia to eligible persons holding provisional visas and who have resided in a Specified Regional Area in Australia for a period of at least two (2) years and have worked in the same for at least one (1) year.
Skilled - Regional Sponsored (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 487)
This visa grants three (3) year provisional residence in Australia to eligible students overseas and to holders of specific temporary visas who can meet the lower pass mark this visa requires. To apply for this visa you must obtain either a suitable sponsorship from an eligible relative currently residing in a designated area of Australia or a nomination from an approved State or Territory government body. After residing for a minimum of two (2) years and working full time for a minimum of one (1) year in a Specified Regional Area, applicants are permitted to apply for a visa entitling them to permanent residence in Australia.
Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485)
This visa permits 18 months of temporary residence in Australia for students overseas who have undertaken at least two (2) years study in Australia resulting in attaining an Australian qualification. It also allows applicants who are unable to successfully pass the points test to stay in Australia for a further 18 months, in order to increase their experience and skills so as to be able to apply for a provisional or permanent General Skilled Migration visa. The point test does not apply to this visa.
