Skilled Migration to Australia

Summary:
An overview of the Skilled Migration Systems for those looking to migrate to Australia


Keywords:
migration, australia, migrate, move to, moving, visa, skilled, assessment


Article Body:
As part of the Australian government's initiative to encourage economic growth and manage shortages in skilled labour supply issues in the Australian economy, over 45,000 places have been made available under the General Skilled Migration Stream this year.

**Basic Requirements**

To gain entry under the skilled migration programme, applicants should meet the basic requirements listed below :

Age - You must be under 45 years of age when you apply

Qualifications - You should have either a university degree, diploma or trade certificate and your qualifications must be assessed by the relevant assessing authority prior to your migration visa application.

English Language - Ability to speak / write the english language to at least vocational level.

Occupation - Your nominated occupation must be one of those identified as being in demand and listed on either the SOL ( Skilled Occupation List ) or the MODL ( Migration Occupations in Demand List ).

Recent Work Experience - Generally, applicants need to show that they have at least 12 months appropriate work experience in the past 18 months or 24 months experience in the past 36 months. However if you have recently completed a course of study in Australia then you will be exempt from this requirement.

Character - You have to be judged as being of good character. If you have a substantial or serious criminal record then it is likely that you will be refused.

**General Skilled Visa Categories**

Skilled Independent - This visa is aimed at applicants who do not have a sponsor or choose not to be sponsored. Applicants must meet the basic requirements and also pass the points test.


Skilled Independent Regional ( Provisional ) - This visa is aimed at applicants who do not pass the normal skilled independent points test but are willing to settle in a designated regional or low population area for up to 3 years. The visa is temporary and valid for 3 years. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after 2 years.

Skilled State Territory Nominated Independent - This category is for people who are highly skilled and have education, skills and employability which will contribute to the Australian economy, and are willing to settle in States and Territories where their skills are in demand. To apply for this category you must meet the basic requirements and meet the pool mark for the Skilled–Independent category; and be nominated by a participating State or Territory.

Skill Matching - This category is not points tested however applicants must meet the basic requirements listed above. Applicants details are held in a database and made available to Australian employeers who may then nominate an applicant for migration. Applicants details are held on the database for 2 years.

Skilled Designated Area Sponsored - This category is for people who have skills and have a relative living in a designated area of Australia who is willing to sponsor them. You must also have an financial assurer, who can be the same person as a your sponsor. There is no points test for this visa category but applicants must meet the basic requirements listed above.

Skilled Australian Sponsored - This visa is suitable for skilled applicants who have a close relative that is either a permanent resident or citizen. Either you or your spouse must be related to the sponsor. Applicants must meet the basic requirements and also pass the points test. You must also have an financial assurer, who can be the same person as a your sponsor. Applicants must nominate a skilled occupation from the Skilled Occupations List or the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List ( if your sponsor lives in Sydney, Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong );

**Get your application right first time!**

Australian migration regulations are complex and providing the necessary documentation and meeting the requirements can be very demanding. For these reasons we recommend that you consult a registered migration agent who can help you get your application right the first time and help you avoid additional time and money in reapplying.