GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION

The General Skilled Migration scheme is designed for overseas residents who are working in skilled occupations.

The General Skilled Migration visa subclasses are:

• Skilled - independent migrant
  - subclass 175
• Skilled - sponsored (migrant)
  - subclass 176
• Skilled - regional sponsored (provisional)
  - subclass 475
• Skilled Graduate
  - subclass 485

To be eligible for a visa, you must:

• hold formal post secondary qualifications or formal trade qualifications;
• have work experience in a skilled occupation. A new skilled occupation list has been introduced from the 1st July 2010. Please click here to access the skilled occupation list.
  Please note that if your occupation is not on the skilled occupation list, then you will not be eligible to apply for a General Skilled Migration visa;
• undertake a skill assessment in relation to your nominated occupation. For details regarding the prescribed assessing bodies please click here for details ;
• if you are not a native of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America or Ireland, undertake an IELTS English language test;
• pass a points test, with points being given in relation to your occupation, age, English language ability and work experience;

The Department of Immigration has made extensive changes to the General Skilled Migration visa system during 2010. If you would like specific advice in regard to your situation, please click here for email contact with our office.

Apart from a visa applicant having a skilled occupation and being able to pass the applicable points test, visa applicants should be aware that they will be also required to:

• For some applicants nominating trade applications, undergo a job readiness assessment as part of their overall skill assessment
  Click Here For Further Information ;
• Obtain a police clearance certificate from all countries in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years will be required;
• Undertake medical and x-ray checks.