Doorway to Your Future

There is a range of visa options under the General Skilled Migration program for skilled workers who want to live in Australia and who do not have an employer sponsoring them. These include options for skilled people applying as an independent migrant as well as those sponsored by a relative, or nominated by a State or Territory government.

General Skilled Migration - covers the entry of highly skilled people whose education, skills and ready employability will contribute to the Australian economy. Points are awarded for age, skills, English ability and recent skilled work experience.

The SkillSelect online system is used in the skilled migration program which is based on the economic needs within Australia. The online system that enables skilled workers and business people interested in migrating to Australia to record their details to be considered for a skilled visa. The SkillSelect system will also help to address the regional skill shortages in Australia.

General skilled migration now comprises of three visa subclass categories:

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)

• Skilled Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (Subclass 489)

All categories must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the SkillSelect system.

Skilled Independent (Subclass 189)

This is a points-based visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. A visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. Certain family members can be included in the application. Applicants must be able to score at least 60 on the points test.

Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190)

This is a points-based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by an employer, a state or territory, or a family member. A visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia. Certain family members can be included in the application. Applicants must be able to score at least 60 on the points test.

Skilled - Nominated or Sponsored (Provisional) (Subclass 489)

This points-based visa is for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a specified area in Australia. A visa holder is able to temporarily live, work and study in a specified regional area in Australia. Visa is valid for 4 years. Certain family members can be included in the application. Applicants must be able to score at least 60 on the points test.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Migration - Is designed for people whose skills are unable to be filled by Australians. There is 1 permanent employer sponsored visa:

• Labour Agreements