My Immigration Manager - The Immigration Advice Professionals

General Skilled Migration

The General Skilled Migration Program is one of the most popular visa options used to enter Australia. There are a number of sub categories and if you do not immediately meet the Independent Visa you may still be eligible for a sponsored or skill matching visa.

Contact a My Immigration Manager adviser to ascertain your best options.

You may be eligible for a visa under the General Skilled Migration Program if you:

  • have a skilled occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), Sydney and Selected Areas Skills Shortage List (SASSL) or the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL);
  • have relevant qualifications and employment experience that will allow you  to contribute to the Australian economy quickly;
  • are under 45 years of age;
  • have a high level of English language ability;
  • pass the relevant points test; and
  • satisfy health and character requirements.

General Skilled Visas are divided into the following categories:

  • Offshore General Skilled - for overseas applicants not currently in Australia.
  • Onshore General Skilled - mainly of benefit to overseas students currently studying in Australia or those who can be sponsored under the SIR visa; and
  • Onshore New Zealand Citizen - for New Zealand citizens currently in Australia.

Within these three categories, there are the following types of visas:

Independent - for those who meet the required points test without requiring sponsorship;

Skill Matching - for those wanting to be involved in the skill matching process and who are seeking to be nominated by a State or Territory government or an employer;

Designated Area Sponsored - for those who have a sponsor and an assurer. The sponsor must live in a designated area, and you must be related to your sponsor;

Australian Sponsored - for those who have a sponsor and assurer, and the sponsor either lives outside a designated area or lives in Sydney or a selected area (Gosford, Newcastle or Wollongong). If your sponsor lives in Sydney or a 'selected area', you must nominate an occupation listed on the Sydney and Selected Areas Skilled Shortage List (SSASSL). You must be related to your sponsor.

If you decide to apply for a sponsored visa or state or territory nominated visa you will usually be required to meet a less stringent points test but may be restricted with regard to the type of skills you must have. Many state and territory nominated visas require that you are skilled in an occupation that is on a specific State or Territory Skills in Demand list.

Email an adviser for further information.