Skilled Migration to Australia

Threshold Criteria

Age:

You must be under 45 years of age when you apply. It is critical that the visa application be lodge prior to turning 45, as no waiver of the age requirement is available.

English language:

You must have sufficient English language ability to work in Australia. If English is not your first language, you may need to undertake English language testing to establish your English language ability.

Occupation:

You must nominate an occupation which is on the Skilled Occupations List. You would need to pass skills assessment in this occupation prior to making your application for skilled migration, which will involve applying for skills assessment with the relevant skills assessing authority for your occupation.

Recent Work Experience:

Generally you need to show that you have worked in a skilled occupation for at least 12 of the last 24 months, unless you have studied in Australia for at least 2 years.

Main Skilled Migration Subclasses

Skilled - Independent

Permanent visa replacing the Skilled Independent Subclasses 136, 880 and 861. Pass mark is 120, and does not require sponsorship by an Australian relative or State/Territory Government.

Skilled - Sponsored

Permanent visa replacing both the:

• Skilled Australian Sponsored Subclasses 138, 881 and 862 - requires sponsorship by a relative living in Australia; and
• State/Territory Nominated Independent Subclass 137 - requires nomination by a State or Territory Government

Skilled - Regional Sponsored

3-year temporary visa replacing both the:

• Skilled Designated Area Sponsored Subclasses 139, 882 and 863 - requires sponsorship by a relative living in a "designated area" of Australia for the last 12 months; and
• Skilled Independent Regional Subclass 495 - requires sponsorshipo by a State or Territory Government

Skilled - Regional

Permanent visa which is the 2nd stage of the Skilled Regional Sponsored visa.

Skilled - Graduate

18-month visa available to international students on completion of 2 years study in Australia.

Skilled Migration Tools

Online Points Test for Skilled Migration

This self-assessment test allows you to check your likely score in the skilled migration points test. The test is free of charge, but requires you to be using a recent internet browser with Javascript enabled.

ASCO Occupations List

The ASCO list is the basis for the skilled occupations list and other lists used in General Skilled Migration, Employer Nomination and Subclass 457 visas. This page gives a list of all ASCO occupations sorted by occupational category.

Occupation Search

The Occupation Search page allows you to search for matching ASCO occupations based on occupational titles, key tasks & duties, skills assessing authority and points score.

Skilled Occupations List (SOL)

In order to apply for General Skilled Migration, you must nominate an occupation on the skilled occupations list. Our list is sorted by occupational category and has links to more detailed information on each occupation.

Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL)

If you nominate an occupation on the MODL, you will receive additional points in the skilled migration points test. In addition, your occupation should be processed on a priority basis.

Skills Assessing Authorities

The first step in applying for General Skilled Migration is to obtain a skills assessment in your occupation. This page lists the skills assessing authorities who are responsible for the skills assessment process.