Skilled Migration To Australia

If you are looking to work in Australia, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires that you obtain the relevant visa as the first step. Australia’s definition of skilled individuals as well as occupations in demand list is based on detailed labour market research and analysis undertaken by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). This research, which includes consultation with employers and peak industry bodies, is updated regularly to ensure that Australia remains responsive to labour market conditions.

Australia’s planned intake of skilled migrants for 2009 / 2010 : 108,100

WHO CAN APPLY FOR SKILLED MIGRATION?

To be eligible to apply for a skilled migration visa you must satisfy the following basic requirements:

below 45 years of age;
pass the skills assessment by relevant assessing authority on the nominated occupation in the skilled occupations list;
have at least 12 out of 24 months of appropriate work experience. Recent graduates who have achieved a qualification at diploma level or higher after at least two years study in an institute in Australia may gain exemptions.
have a competent level in English language capabilities as demonstrated through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), unless you hold the passport of a native English speaking country.

VISA CLASSES

Skilled Independent Visa: You can apply for a permanent residency visa under the skilled independent category if you do not have a sponsor, but can achieve at least 120 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.

Skilled Sponsored Visa: If you have a relative who is an Australia permanent resident or citizen, you may apply for migration under this visa sub-class, enjoying a concession of 100 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.

Skilled Regional Sponsored (SRS) Visa: If you are prepared to settle and work in a regional area of Australia and meet at least 100 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test.

POINT TEST SYSTEM

As from September 2007, the passmark for Skilled Independent Subclass is 120 whilst the Australian and Regional Visa Subclass is 100 points.

These points consist of:

Age:

18-29, 30 points;
30-34, 25 points;
35-39, 20 points;
40-44, 15 points.

Skill:

You may gain 60, 50 or 40 points if you possess a positive skills assessment and can demonstrate work experience OR if you have recently graduated after having spent at least 2 years in Australia as an onshore student.

Specified Work experience:

You may gain 10 or 5 points if you have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in that skill or a closely related skill.

English language:

From September 2007 onwards,you may gain 25 points if you score a minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in EACH of the four components. However, you can still gain 15 points if you score a minimum of 6.0 on the IELTS test. Tradespersons and related workers receive a concession and need at least 5 on each component.

Australian Work Experience:

Your application may gain another 10 points if have completed at least 12 months skilled work experience in Australia in their nominated occupation or closely related employment in Australia.

Occupation in Demand:

If your nominated occupation is on the Occupation in Demand List with at least 12 months closely related employment, you may gain 15 points or 20 points (with job offer).

Australian Education:

You may gain 25 points if you have completed a PhD degree (minimum 2 years study) in Australia or 15 points for Masters and Bachelor with Honours (minimum 3 years study) and 5 points for Diploma or trade qualifications or completion of one or more degree.

Designated Language:

You may gain 5 points if you completed a tertiary qualification for which all tuition was in one of Australia’s community languages or you are accredited by NAATI as a professional interpreter (level 3).

Study in Regional Australia:

You may gain 5 points if you have shown commitment in Australia by living and studying in Regional Australia for at least two years.

Partner skills:

You may gain 5 points if your spouse or interdependent partner meets threshold General Skilled Migration (GSM) criteria.

Designated area sponsorship:

You may gain 25 points if you are applying for a Provisional visa AND is sponsored by a relative in regional Australia.

State/Territory nomination:

You may claim 10 points if your occupation is Nominated by a State or Territory Authority OR Sponsored by a Regional Authority