Australian Skilled Visa
In order to apply for permanent residence to Australia under the Skilled Stream, you must satisfy several basic requirements and meet the current points test pass mark of 120.
There are several visa subcategories under the Skilled Stream. The most common are:
• independent – for people who meet the basic requirements and do not have a sponsor, or who choose not to be sponsored or nominated by a State or Territory government;
• Skilled Sponsored - for applicants who are sponsored by a participating state/territory government or eligible relative. A lower pass mark of 100 applies.
• Skilled Regional Sponsored - for applicants who are sponsored by a participating state/territory government or who have an eligible relative to act as a sponsor who lives in a designated area. A lower pass mark of 100 also applies.
The basic requirements for all skilled migration applications are:
• Age – you must be over 18 and under 45 at the time of lodging your visa application
• English – you must have at least Vocational English language skills
• Nominated occupation – you must select an occupation on the current Skilled Occupation List which suits your qualifications and work experience
• The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) contains several occupations which are awarded either 40, 50 or 60 points
• You must be able to select an occupation on the SOL or you cannot proceed with skilled migration
• Once you have selected your occupation, you are required to complete a “skills assessment” with the relevant authority for your occupation. This skills assessment will determine whether your qualifications and work experience are equivalent to Australian standards
• Upon successful completion of a skills assessment, you can claim the points awarded for your occupation towards meeting the required points test pass mark for this category
• Meet “recent work experience” requirements
• You are required to demonstrate that you have been employed in your occupation for at least 12 out of the previous 24 months prior to lodging the visa application.
In addition to satisfying the basic requirements set out above, you will also be required to meet the current pass mark. Points are awarded for skill (ie your nominated occupation), age, English language ability, specific work experience, Australian qualifications, regional Australia , spouse skills and relationship (for Skilled Regional Sponsored only).
You must meet the pass mark at the time of lodging the visa application. If the pass mark increases after you have submitted your application you will not be affected.
Overseas students note:
If you are currently studying in Australia as an overseas student , there are special provisions that you must meet in order to apply for permanent residence under the Skilled category.
In addition, you are exempt from satisfying the recent work experience requirement set out above provided you lodge your visa application within 6 months of completing your course.
Please contact us to discuss the matter further.
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