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Skilled Migration to Australia

The purpose of the skilled migration scheme is to attract highly employable people for migration to Australia.

Threshold Criteria

There are many types of skilled migration visa, but all types require certain basic or 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

Choosing the right type of skilled visa which is appropriate for your situation can be complex - the main types are as follows:
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

The following pages include tools and information which can assist you in understanding the requiremets for skilled migration:
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.

If you would like us to check your likely eligibility for skilled migration or if you would like us to assist you with your application, please send us an email inquiry. We will then provide you with a comprehensive preliminary assessment of your likely eligibility for skilled migration, and can discuss with you the best way to proceed with your application.
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