Australia has always been a popular destination for skilled workers from all over the world, offering a high standard of living, competitive wages, and a plethora of chances in a variety of industries.
To attract such expertise, Australia has started the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. This program is intended to recruit persons with specific skills and qualifications who are in high demand in the Australian labor market.
The rapidly expanding Australian economy necessitates a workforce, which can only be met through skilled migration. And, in case you are wondering to know more about this program and how you can get started with it, then our comprehensive article has got you covered.
We will go over every element, from the basics to Australian skilled migration eligibility requirements, the application procedure, and resources for individuals looking to make Australia their new home.
Understanding Skilled Migration in Australia with the Simple Guide!
What are the eligibility criteria for skilled migration in Australia?
The eligibility criteria for skilled worker visa in Australia are as follows:
Criteria | Description |
Skilled Occupation List (SOL) | To be eligible for skilled migration in Australia, your occupation must be on the SOL. The SOL includes over 200 occupations in demand across various sectors like engineering, healthcare, IT, and trades. You need to choose an occupation from the appropriate list (e.g., Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List or Short-term Skilled Occupation List). |
Skills & Qualifications | Your skills and qualifications must align with the occupation you are applying for and meet Australian standards. |
Points-Based System | Australia uses a points-based system to assess your qualifications. Points are awarded based on age, English language proficiency, work experience, education, and other factors. |
Age | You must be between 18 to 45 years old to be eligible. Age at the time of invitation is considered. |
English Language Proficiency | You must provide evidence of English proficiency through accepted tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The higher your score, the more points you earn. |
Qualifications and Work Experience | Your qualifications must be recognized in Australia, and relevant work experience is required. The points awarded depend on the years and relevance of your work experience to the nominated occupation. |
Meeting Health and Character Requirements | You must undergo a health examination by designated medical professionals and provide character references. Non-compliance may lead to visa refusal or processing delays. |
Points-Based System for Skilled Migration in Australia
Australia uses the point-based system to give skilled worker visas and the minimum points required for Australian skilled migration is around 65. Keep reading to know how you can get maximum points for your skilled worker visa in Australia.
Criteria | Details | Points Awarded |
Age | Points vary based on the applicant's age at the time of invitation. | |
18 to 24 years | 25 Points | |
25 to 32 years | 30 Points | |
33 to 39 years | 25 Points | |
40 to 44 years | 15 Points | |
English Language Proficiency | Points are awarded based on English test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic). | Up to 20 Points |
Superior English | Equivalent to IELTS 8.0+ | 20 Points |
Proficient English | Equivalent to IELTS 7.0+ | 10 Points |
Competent English | Equivalent to IELTS 6.0+ | 0 Points |
Skilled Employment | Points are awarded based on years of skilled work experience. | Up to 20 Points |
In Australia (1 year to 8+ years) | 5 to 20 points | |
Outside Australia (3 years to 8+ years) | 5 to 15 points | |
Educational Qualifications | Points based on the level of educational qualifications obtained. | Up to 20 Points |
Doctorate | From an Australian institution or equivalent. | 20 Points |
Bachelor’s Degree | From an Australian institution or equivalent. | 15 Points |
Diploma or Trade Qualification | Completed in Australia. | 10 Points |
Australian Study Qualifications | Additional points if you have at least one degree, diploma, or trade qualification from an Australian institution. | Up to 10 Points |
Regional Study | Points for studying and living in a regional area in Australia. | Up to 10 Points |
Partner Skills and Qualifications | Points if your partner meets the age, English proficiency, and skill assessment criteria. | Up to 10 Points |
Professional Year | Points if you have completed a Professional Year in Australia in certain professions (e.g., IT, engineering). | Up to 5 Points |
Nominated Occupation | Points awarded for having a nominated occupation on the Skilled Occupation List. | 10 Points (min) |
State/Territory Nomination or Sponsorship | Additional points for receiving state or territory nomination, or sponsorship by an eligible family member. | 5 Points (min) |
Types of Skilled Migration Visas
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This visa category is intended for skilled migrants visa in Australia who are not sponsored by their employer, state or territory, or a family member. A visa holder can live and work permanently anywhere in Australia, and they can add family members to their application. A points system is used to assess Australian skilled migration eligibility for the visa; points are given for experience, education, age, and English language competency. The applicant must further nominate an occupation from the applicable skilled occupation list.
To check how many points you can score for this visa, visit the point calculator.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This visa is intended for skilled workers who have been nominated by a state or territory government agency in Australia. It permits the holder to become a permanent resident of Australia and to live and work there.
The advantage of this visa is that it increases the likelihood of a successful application by awarding extra points toward the points test. It does, however, come with the requirement to reside and work in the nominated state or territory for a predetermined amount of time.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)
This temporary visa option is accessible to individuals and their families who agree to settle and work beyond the three major metropolitan areas such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane for a specific period.
This visa category has two different paths. One possibility is to seek sponsorship from an Australian state or territory government. The second option is to be sponsored by a relative who has settled in Australia. The available occupations for this visa subclass are specified on a Skilled Occupations List.
After three years, if the applicant satisfies the requirements, they may apply for permanent residency with a Skilled Regional visa (subclass 191).
Steps to Apply for an Australian Skilled Worker Visa!
Check Australian Skilled Migration Eligibility
Ensure your occupation is listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and you need to score at least 65 points on the points-based system. Points are awarded based on different factors. On top of it, you need to get a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian authority for your nominated occupation.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Use the SkillSelect online system to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). You need to provide details about your skills, qualifications, and other factors relevant to your application. EOIs can be submitted for various visa subclasses as we have stated above.
Receive an Invitation to Apply
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa. After the invitation, you have 60 days from the date of invitation to submit your visa application.
Apply for a Visa
Complete your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Provide all necessary documents, including your skills assessment, English language test results, identity documents, and evidence of work experience and qualifications. At the end, pay the visa application fee.
Health and Character Requirements
Undergo a medical examination by a panel-approved doctor to meet Australia’s health requirements. Also, get police clearance certificates from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years to meet the character requirements.
Wait for Visa Processing
The Department of Home Affairs will process your visa application. Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and your individual circumstances. You may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview during this time.
If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification which includes your visa grant number, visa conditions, and the start date.
Conclusion
Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a fantastic chance for qualified individuals wanting to begin a new chapter in this flourishing country full of exciting opportunities. Though the procedure may appear hard, with sufficient preparation and understanding, you can succeed.
Remember that situations could differ substantially, therefore it's usually a good idea to seek expert guidance.
If you are looking for a team of professional experts who can help you with a smooth and quick skilled visa process in Australia, then Visafast has got you covered. And just so you know, we have had a 100% success rate in the approval of skilled visas for Australia.
So, what are waiting for? Reach out to us & let’s get started.
